Bare Bones - vs- DIY- more difficult?

[puffa]

OK from what i gather here buying a bare bones (case mobo psu) isn't a good idea if you plan on reselling the pc cause of cheap psu's going belly up in a short while. The reason i was considering a barebones is because i dont know how hard it is to put a psu into a case? (newbee) Is it difficult to install psu's? Apologize for such a basic Q but you gotta start from the beginning at the beginning, hehe!! What i'm thinking, its hard to attach the psu to the power button, soldering involved?

[fleeingpepper]

No, installing a power supply is actually one of the easiest things to do to a computer...If your case isn't confusing. (Like my current one kinda is.)

But no, it's really easy to put one in. And then if you get a barebone with a crappy PSU you'll have to replace it some time anyways.

There's usually 5(?) screws that you put in the back of the case that connect to the PSU also.

[LeftyAce]

It's not very difficult. The PSU mounts in the case with screws, and connects to the motherboard. The power button also connects to the motherboard, all via plugs, no soldering.

[Katreat]

Most bare bones systems have a cheap PSU and case. The MoBo might be a name brand, but there is a good chance it is not the best or most problem free. About the only thing you have control over is the CPU and I am not sure that those are retail and come with all the warrenties.

Putting the MoBo and PSU in the case is relatively easy. The MoBo is a little time consuming lining up the holes, but with a good case it is quite simple. No soldering is required, just plug in a couple of wires. Getting the CPU in the MoBo is a little more tricky, because it needs to be correctly seated, but if you take your time is is also quite easy.

So overall, if you want to build a PC, then build it. If you want to buy a bare bones just get yourself a Dell and be done with it.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by fleeingpepper There's usually 5(?) screws that you put in the back of the case that connect to the PSU also.

Actually it's 4 screws for ATX and 3 screws for micro-ATX.

Cricket

[moodyblues100]

As everyone has already stated, the PSU is no big deal. Just a bunch of plugs to get in the right sockets and for the most part they only fit in one way. The 'hardest' part of the build for me is plugging in the wires from the case to the MB. These old eyes have trouble reading the small printing on the board.

[Staren]

Every once in a while you see a barebones kit that's a pretty good deal, but most of the time they are put together from low to mid range parts that didn't sell all that well on the first go around. Usually the same thing with the cheaper external hard drives.

I'd actually argue that building with all custom parts could be easier because you can buy a good case with plenty of room, rounded edges that are more finger safe, and just easier to work with all around.