Really cheaper to build your own pc?

[waterbourn]

So is building a quad core SLI configured pc going to be cheaper than a similarly configured pc from a respected vendor? I was just going to order a pc, but now that I have been reading on this forum, building your own pc seems more fun, but is it cheaper?

[Kov-Ice]

Welcome to PCMech. It really depends on your outlook.

Is it cheaper? There's no way to compete with a $399 package from a big box store or vendor, esp. when they include monitor, printer, periphs, etc.

However, you have complete control when you BYOPC. You know that you're using quality components. You learn a great deal about the workings of your system. You control what software is loaded (rather than all the pre-bundled garbage thrown on by vendors). And yes, it's fun!

[flanzig1]

When you get to the $1000 range for BIY PCs, then you start seeing savings. A tower you build with good parts from a good on-line reseller like Newegg for a $1000 would probably cost you around $1200 to $1500 or more from a custom computer builder.

[Horty]

Generally cheaper but beware what can come up and bite you: software costs. While not always true, MS Office and the OS can frequently be quite cheap when bought via a design vendor. If you go out and pay retail for them, it can eat up the savings.

I agree with Kov-Ice that you learn a lot, it is fun... I never would have believed I could build my own a few years ago but this website helped me do just that.

Now, all that said, I'm desiging a higher-end new rig right now and will be having it built by AVADirect... I don't have the time and interest I once had. The premium to have them do it will be a couple hundred bucks but for that I also get a three year warranty on everything and they bench test/burn-in the unit.

Whatever you do, just don't go to Alienware and the similar outfits that generally sell lower-end components for $$$.

[hagatha]

My look on the subject line is a little different. Cheaper? not in the short term... no, but in the long run most definitely. I tell potential clients that a big box PC is pretty much a closed system, there is little to nothing you can do to it to upgrade it as newer, faster technology becomes available.

With a system you build yourself, if planned and timed properly, you can upgrade a system for many years, before there is a need to "build another". So having said that, what I mean is it's cheaper to add memory or a hard drive as your needs change to keep the same system than it is to buy another PC because "it won't do what I want to" or "it's too slow".

If you have a good peripherals like your monitor, printer, keyboard and mouse... the building of your own is more efficient which in the long run is cheaper.

Lee

[Katreat]

If you are just building the computer, and not shopping for periferals and software I find it to be cheeper. The problem compairing your build to those from a shop is that there are usually a few components that are just not exactly the same. They may be comperable, but they are not exactly what you wanted. When you guild your own you choose exactly what is going in it. If you start telling a computer shop that you want exact items then the price will go up because they are esentually buying them just like you and having to add a bit for their time.

If you need software and periferals as others have said you are probably not going to be saving any money. Those are items they will buy in bulk and get special deals on that you can not match.

Kat

[Sirkwa]

The computer I am looking to build will cost me about $1,200. If I were to purchase my next PC that I would like, I would choose a reliable good quality company. Through HP the most identical set up I could create will run me a little over $2,000 including extended warranty.

Building it myself saves me about $800. And it includes some higher quality made parts, and is highly upgradable.

Like the posts above, If your looking very low end and cheap buying is the way to go. As you move up into the higher quality and more top of the line components, the more you start to save.

[Horty]

Through HP sure... but I'd look at Pugent Systems or AVADirect and you'll get better deals than HP, Dell, etc and they are custom built machines.

But for $1200... you're usually better off doing it yourself.

[LeftyAce]

So is building a quad core SLI configured pc going to be cheaper than a similarly configured pc from a respected vendor?

Yes. And SLI isn't worth the cost. Just get one graphics card and plan to upgrade it more often.
For gaming computers, building one is cheaper, and you get to control what goes into it and how upgradeable it is.

[waterbourn]

Thanks for the replies. I am definitely looking for a gaming rig, so it seems building myself might be the best shot. Although I had never heard of AVADirect. These guys basically just let you pick any component you want and you can still upgrade in the future?

[Cricket]

You really can't build a basic computer for less than what DELL or Gateway sells theirs for, but on the high end you could build something compatible to an Alienware gaming rig and probably spend half of what they charge.

So basically you won't save money on the low end but you will save money on the high end.

But I don't think most of us here build our own computers to save money (I know I don't), we build because we control a lot of variables you'd have no control over if you went with a pre-made computer. We select every single part that goes into our computers and we know the parts are installed carefully and correctly. And we don't have to rely on customer support to help us fix our computers if something goes wrong.

Cricket

[Horty]

Originally Posted by waterbourn Thanks for the replies. I am definitely looking for a gaming rig, so it seems building myself might be the best shot. Although I had never heard of AVADirect. These guys basically just let you pick any component you want and you can still upgrade in the future?

You choose the type of machine you want to begin. For example: High Performance Gaming Systems ---> Core 2 Duo SLI System and then you configure using the pull-downs. They do not offer every available flavor and brand on some components but do offer what they feel is quality stuff in a wide range of performance and price. ***AND*** if they don't offer what you want, just call them and they'll usually get it and install it for you... they're very helpful. Additionally, they'll for a fair labor charge, they'll build completely custom for you. Puget systems works the same way and also offers editorial comment on most components.

[jer888]

All they are going to do is build it, which is exactly the same thing you can do yourself. The only reason you should have a site build it for you is if you really don't have the time or are under the impression that its too hard for the average person to do, which it isnt. Give us a budget, and someone will help you select the parts and help you with any problems that come up. I think this was already said, but you learn to fix things yourself and recognize symptoms of certain problems which are alot cheaper to fix yourself then have someone else fix.

[Strider]

The only prebuilt computer I'll ever buy again will be either a laptop or an Apple Computer, but other than that I'll build my own computer. I say your first build is usually not cheaper than buying one, for generally you want the latest components to go into the computer. However, the second one and on usually is for you can gut out your first computer's components that you want to reuse for the new build. Building a computer isn't tough as long as you take your time, read the instruction manuals (Specially the Motherboard Manual), and don't panic when you have a set back (They usually are fixable when some outside help (PCMECH ) or just retracing your steps). The one big benefit that I like is when something does go wrong with the computer I generally know where to troubleshoot and repairing is relatively easy to do for I know how the computer was put together in the first place.

[Horty]

Originally Posted by jer888 All they are going to do is build it, which is exactly the same thing you can do yourself. The only reason you should have a site build it for you is if you really don't have the time or are under the impression that its too hard for the average person to do, which it isnt. Give us a budget, and someone will help you select the parts and help you with any problems that come up. I think this was already said, but you learn to fix things yourself and recognize symptoms of certain problems which are alot cheaper to fix yourself then have someone else fix.

They do more than that... they also bench it, burn-in, tweak the registry, slim down the crap the MS loads... and OVERCLOCK. They actually do quite a bit for the minor premium. Any reputable builder will deliver a machine that is more than just install and deliver.

I agree- it's not that hard to build your own if you're fairl adept (I built the machine I'm using now and have upgraded it over time) but if you include the fine tuning and you really don't have the time (like me, on the road almost every week now for a while)... a good company is worth the customer service and reduction in hassles.


EDIT: I should add- for the biginner or person that just won't do it him/herself... a box from a custom house is like building your own, in that you will then have a box you can easily take apart and mod/update to your heart'c content, more readily than you would an off-the-shelf like Dell or HP given case restrictions, etc.

[jer888]

Originally Posted by Horty They do more than that... they also bench it, burn-in, tweak the registry, slim down the crap the MS loads... and OVERCLOCK. They actually do quite a bit for the minor premium. Any reputable builder will deliver a machine that is more than just install and deliver.

bench it? like 3DMark06?

burn in? All you have to do to "burn in" is leave the computer on and let the thermal paste settle and your temps will improve a few degrees. I'm not sure what you mean.

Even tweaking should be a thing someone learns to do on their own. Why? Same reason as why someone should build it themselves. When something goes wrong, they can fix it themselves. I wouldn't call a couple hundred dollars a "minor premium" either.

[Horty]

Originally Posted by jer888 bench it? like 3DMark06? burn in? All you have to do to "burn in" is leave the computer on and let the thermal paste settle and your temps will improve a few degrees. I'm not sure what you mean. Even tweaking should be a thing someone learns to do on their own. Why? Same reason as why someone should build it themselves. When something goes wrong, they can fix it themselves. I wouldn't call a couple hundred dollars a "minor premium" either.

And I would... you're paying for convenience and professional experience. As I said above- that premium is much more dear on a cheap custom rig... but if I'm spending $3-4k on a rig, paying a couple hundred is worth it... just on the added warranty and customer service alone. And when you do need that service you're calling a small shop, probably a guy on the phone like you, who knows what he's talking about and loves doing this... and not some help desk 8000 miles from here.

They stress test it... push it... tweak some more. Nothing a power user can't do but I don't want to get Riva and calculate divisions, etc etc anymore. Doing reg-edits and the like aren't for everybody... personally I found it easier to do years ago with lesser gear... now I also just find it boring. And besides... when they break the board trying to squeeze in that new Tuniq or Ultra X cooler... it's THEIR fault.

It's like arguing about cars, some guys will never go to the mechanic- they want to do it all themselves... they want to know where the intake is.... and many don't. Building and modding is a niche avocation....

[Kov-Ice]

Well said both of you, but like any debate (or coin) there are two sides that will never meet. For waterbourn's benefit, it's really just up to the individual and his or her circumstances. Hopefully, everyone's point of view can help you decide what you wish to do. If you tackle it, we're all here to help!

[jer888]

Originally Posted by Horty It's like arguing about cars, some guys will never go to the mechanic- they want to do it all themselves... they want to know where the intake is.... and many don't. Building and modding is a niche avocation....

True. Agree to disagree