build vs. buy question

[wolupu]

Hello,

I hope this question isn't too general (I'm new to this, I'm afraid). I've been told that building a pc is less expensive than buying one outright. However, when I price the individual parts of a system like one from Dell or Gateway, it comes out to be more expensive, especially when you add the OS. Am I missing something?....is the secret in knowing what the good lesser known brands are that may be less expensive? FYI, I visited a site (www.mysuperpc.com) that suggested specific parts, but it seemed like there were comparable Dell and Gateway systems that were cheaper. Thanks for any advice you may have, I appreciate your help!

[FLG]

It all depends on your budget. A high end gaming Rig will be a heck of alot cheaper. But if you look at budget builds, they usually come out to about the same or more. Though most people find that paying a bit more is worth it in the long run. Especially when it comes to upgrading.

What kind if PC are you looking to build?

Also, we recommend getting parts off of www.newegg.com. They usually have the best price, and definitely have some of the best customer service in the biz.

[Kov-Ice]

Welcome to PCMech. That $599 bargain computer you get from one of the big builders will come with everything you need: monitor, keyboard, mouse, OS, and sometimes even the printer. That's hard to compete with...

The thing to remember is that a computer like that is also likely going to have some of the cheapest components that the manufacturer can get their hands on. When building your own, you are in control of the quality of each component and the future upgradability of your system.

[Strider]

When people at work come to me and ask me is building a computer than buying a computer? I say "No" Then they get angry with me and say John Doe (anonymous co-worker ) says it is and to make a long story short and (not to go too far off topic) I usually just say to them "Then let John build you the computer". The real reason they are coming to me and asking, for they know I build computers and want to see if I'll build one for them at a cheaper cost (I won't). Anyways, back on topic you're not going to save money on a budget computer, but if you building a power computer (meaning one for gaming, graphic design, CAD, etc..) then you should see some savings. The reason I build computers is I know the quality that is going into them and that it's an enjoyable hobby for me. Another good reason you gain knowledge about the insides of a computer and when something goes wrong troubleshooting will generally be easier to do.

[glc]

Unless you are a hardcore gamer, you can buy a computer from Dell that will be stronger and higher quality than any self-build at the same price. The only Dell that is suitable for hardcore gaming is the XPS 710, and it ain't cheap. Lesser Dells have limitations that don't let you install a strong video card without replacing the power supply and voiding the warranty.

[wolupu]

Thanks so much to those of you who have replied so far...this is a great forum!

I THINK the computer I'm looking for would be considered middle-line by most ($1200-2000?). The processor would be either a Intel Core Duo E6300 or an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+. The ram would be a minimum of 1gb, the hard drive at least 250gb (hopefully more), and separate (non-integrated) video and sound cards. I am by no means a hard-core gamer, but I am interested in multi-tasking and good video/audio capability, and am looking for upgradability/expansion.

I'm wondering if my initial resarch on the build had more expensive parts where ram, motherboard and case/power supply are concerned? (Crucial Ballistix ram, MSI K9N Platinum SLI motherboard and Antec Sonata II case w/PS).

Again, thanks!

[wolupu]

I forgot to mention I'm looking for at least a 19" flat-panel monitor, thanks.

[Cricket]

The reason behind building your own computer shouldn't be based on cost but on the fact that you'll be able to build exactly what you want with the exact parts you want and you'll know just how well it's assembled.

You really can't build a computer for less than what DELL or Gateway builds theirs for...the are able to buy their parts for much, much less than what you can get them for. And you really have no control over what parts they choose to put into their computers. When you build your own you have total control.

Another plus with building your own is that you don't get all the extra unnecessary software that name brand computers come with (many of which can impact performance if they run in background).

And if there's a problem you generally can fix it fast since you're intimately familiar with your own computer and don't have to rely on a stranger to fix it for you.

When I build a computer for myself I'm not concerned with the cost, I'm more concerned about getting the right parts for the type of computer I need. And I try to get high quality parts and those generally aren't cheap...but then at least I know they won't crap out in a month.

One of my home computers is a PIII 800MHz based system that I pieced together recently from part I had lying around. All the parts are high quality and many are over 5 years old...the PIII 800MHz is a Slot 1 processor and was new back in 1999 so it's roughly 8 years old now and still working fine.

Point I'm trying to make is you don't build a computer to save money...you build your own computer to get the most value for the money you spend.

Cricket

[Staren]

I agree with everything that's been said, especially Cricket. With a higher end system (and from you're description, you're getting there) then yes you will see some savings. If what you want is a $500 - $600 computer to do basic stuff then no we can't beat the big boys, but getting into bigger budgets you will see DIY systems start to be cheaper. But, the ultimate price isn't why most of us build computers. That's why a lot of us came here to begin with, but it isn't why we stay.

Let's say you have a user who pretty much just needs a basic computer, but they have a truck load of geniology information and videos, and maybe a digital camcorder. They don't do a lot of editing, but need a ton of storage. That would be tricky to do with Dell. To get the larger hard drives they would need to go up to the higher end systems that arn't really needed. But if they build themselves, we could spec a quality basic system but still drop in a tarabyte or two of hard drive space easily if needed.

And personally for me, having a totally clean copy of Windows free of any and all crapware is worth it alone for me. When I get a laptop I spend a good 3 days off and on pulling out junk software before I'm happy with the system so the combination of having exactly the hardware and software I need is worth it to me.

[Wolverdick]

And personally for me, having a totally clean copy of Windows free of any and all crapware is worth it alone for me. When I get a laptop I spend a good 3 days off and on pulling out junk software before I'm happy with the system so the combination of having exactly the hardware and software I need is worth it to me.

Amen to that!

I built my first PC because I wanted to know exactly what it had in it and on it.

Now when it screws up I have only myself to blame.

[Staren]

Originally Posted by Wolverdick Now when it screws up I have only myself to blame.

You may only have yourself to blame, but you have plenty of people to help fix the problem with no more expected payment then a respectful thank you. You have to admit PCMech at least rivals manufacturer tech support, if not just outclassing it completely except for some real specific situations.

[glc]

Look at a Dell Dimension E520 with a Core 2 Duo and a video card option. Use that as your price comparison to a self-build.

[ajd344]

I'm kind of willing to think you could build something cheap with a little savings. Things like your case, power supply, dvd drive, and hard drive can be bought from local shops (eg. office depot, compusa, microcenter, etc) from VERY good deals if you wait around awhile for things to go on rebates. I got a seagate 160gb sata drive for $20, a case for free and an LG dvd burner for $8. Just make sure you get rebates back. These things dont have much compatibillity factor in them (for example, a sata hard drive is going to work with about any build).

So, if your not in a rush to build, wait around a few months and begin gathering parts that you see for really good deals. Then, once your ready to build, you can order cpu/mobo/ram from newegg, making sure there compatible.

That's how I've built them before, may or may not work out for you. Just remember to make sure your getting good brands.

[Computer Hobbyist]

I hear what everybody is saying but initial cost isn't everything. I am reasonably sure machines I build are less expensive in the long run. They are easier and cheaper to upgrade and maintain.

Last year I built a little budget machine for myself. About the same time I bought a little budget machine for my wife down at Circuit City. My machine was a little more expensive.

My wife was happy with her budget machine until she started playing some video games. The granddaughters love them. So does she. Nothing serious, but fun. Well lately my wife is complaining about her system. It isn't fast enough. I have a hunch I am going to be upgrading her system soon. Guess what, I have no idea what is in that box. If I am lucky I will be able to upgrade the mobo, memory and processor, but at the same time I am probably going to have to install a video card, and upgrade the harddrive, and power supply, and guess what, her little budget machine didn't come with its own copy of Windows XP. It came with recovery disks. I guess I might be able to "recover" after installing a new motherboard, processor and memory, but I have a hunch I am going to have to buy a new copy of XP (or Vista) and will probably lose all the games she downloaded.

If I needed to upgrade my system, I would just install a faster processor, some additional memory or maybe a better video card. I know, I selected my motherboard, power supply and harddrive with a logical upgrade path in mind.

Tell me which is cheaper and which is more expensive.

[glc]

You are an advanced user, CH. That makes a difference.

[Computer Hobbyist]

Originally Posted by glc You are an advanced user, CH. That makes a difference.

You are right glc, for the average person who just wants a machine to log on to the web or write the great American novel, there is no way you can match the mass produced budget machines on pure price. Clearly if you are just going to buy a Dell or something similar with the expectation that you will throw it away when it is time to build a new one, then by all means buy that machine. You won't go wrong.

[glc]

Dells are upgradeable to a point. All but the real cheapos have a video card slot and a power supply strong enough to run a lower end card - and unless you get a SFF you can put a standard ATX 2.0 PSU in them.. They are reasonably happy with generic ram these days.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by ajd344 I'm kind of willing to think you could build something cheap with a little savings. Things like your case, power supply, dvd drive, and hard drive can be bought from local shops (eg. office depot, compusa, microcenter, etc) from VERY good deals if you wait around awhile for things to go on rebates. I got a seagate 160gb sata drive for $20, a case for free and an LG dvd burner for $8. Just make sure you get rebates back. These things dont have much compatibillity factor in them (for example, a sata hard drive is going to work with about any build). So, if your not in a rush to build, wait around a few months and begin gathering parts that you see for really good deals. Then, once your ready to build, you can order cpu/mobo/ram from newegg, making sure there compatible. That's how I've built them before, may or may not work out for you. Just remember to make sure your getting good brands.

For someone who's been building awhile and very familiar with all the different brands and models of PC components this method will work to build you a fairly low cost computer (if you don't mind doing all that hunting for bargains), but for a first time builder it's really not feasible unless they have an experienced person helping them carefully choose the parts (and don't mind doing all that hunting for bargains). And from what I've seen most first time builders are sort in a hurry to get their first one built.

Cricket

[Computer Hobbyist]

Traditionially adding memory is the most significant upgrade for any computer. Many times merely doubling memory will dramatically improve performance.

My wife's machine is a real cheapo. No video upgrade possible without swapping MOBOs. Once I swap MOBO's I am really building a "new" machine. That means new software. Not so bad.

I can install more ram. I can also upgrade her Sempron to an Athlon. Both cheap upgrades that might keep her happy for a few months.

I was going to talk about what I should have done, but I don't want to step on the thread beyond saying that I have been toying with a core 2 duo on an asus micro atx board (her platform is micro-atx) and a medium fast video card, which is more than a minor upgrade. She won't complain about lack of power for a couple of years.