To build or not to build; that is the ?...

[rlwpeace]

Would very much like to build my own PC and think there are enough resources (i.e. this site, books, etc.) to help a non-techie like myself accomplish this.

But becuase I'm a non-techie, the one concern that keeps me from moving forward is as the song said "who ya gonna call...?" With a pre-built (HP, Dell, etc.) you can get tech support from that company when something goes wrong, but with a diy build you're pretty much on your own.

Now I know I could get help from this and other forums but then I'm "depending on the kindness of strangers" and who knows how long I might have to wait for answers (what might take an hour or more w/ tech support could take days via the forums).

Seems like a diy would be a very satisfying experience as far as the process but a very frustraing one down the road when things go wrong as they sometimes do.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated

[EzyStvy]

Its kind of a tough call...Besides needing some help you have also factor in how much it stinks if and and when you FRY the mobo or some other part.

If possible - do like I did the first couple times and get an experienced person to help.....

On the other hand - even though I can and have built my own - I'm looking at getting a new Dell I can generally get the machine I need with the OS and a 22" flat screen for less money then building one without a new monitor.

[glc]

It depends on what you need. If your computing needs are "ordinary" you might as well buy a Dell if you have any doubts. However, if you are a hardcore gamer, you need something custom.

[alanebro82]

My general rule of thumb:
Dell less than $600 is a great deal.
600-1000 is about a wash.
Over 1k, and Dell is "ripping you off".

Note: No hostility towards Dell, you can just build for much cheaper at this point.

[Khalil]

Tech support from companies like Dell and HP is a joke. By the time you spent a few hours getting nowhere with them on the phone you can learn how to build and debug your own computer.
If you still don't feel like you can build one, find yourself a reputable system builder locally and we will help you choose the parts. Most builders will build one for you for $100 over parts cost.

[The Other Steve]

I had the same concerns.

There are two reasons why I decided to build my own system.

One, I was frustrated and very tired with not knowing what the assorted tech terms actually meant, and feeling tied to the manufacturer for information and assistance. Building a system yourself means you'll HAVE to learn. (And there's also no shortcut for that. It will take time, and it can also be frustrating.)

And two, I had a preference for proven, high-quality components over "newest" features. No parts in my build are cutting-edge, but they do have 3- or 5-year warranties. I figure the manufacturers wouldn't offer a warranty like that if they didn't expect their product to last. And when you added the cost of a 3- or 5-year extended warranty to a new Compaq or Dell, my DIY-build cost about the same. And on paper, the specs of my system look better.

I was also willing to take the "risk" of building my own system. I just accepted that I might make some horrendously stupid blunder and break something. And if I did, and it was my fault, I just accepted that I'd have to buy the same part again. I think no individual part in my system cost more than $90.

I also knew I would have my old machine as a backup, in case I had a total system failure. I'd have a backup machine to use to search the 'net for help, and to use while I affected repairs or waited for help/parts.

I think it just comes down to accepting that consequence. I suppose that might be your exact question instead of an answer. But if you're willing to accept the consequences of building your own system, I think it's worth it. I get a lot of satisfaction using this thing I assembled myself. And I know everything that's in it, and how it all works together. It was worth it. I'm glad I built my new computer myself.

[Khalil]

Boxed systems (Dell, HP, etc...) are throw away products.
For example HP used Asus motherboards, the system has a 1 year warranty from HP however Asus offers a 3 year warranty if you buy the board from Newegg for example. If the HP is out of warranty and the motherboard dies, good luck getting a replacement, not even Asus has one to replace it.
Same thing applies to hard drives, WD offers 3 to 5 year warranties on the OEM which you can put in yourself however if you buy an HP or a Dell with a WD guess what? In one year if it fails you are SOL! Unless you bought the crappy pro-rated so called extended warranty. Then they send you a refurbished hard drive as replacement.
If you buy good hardware that we recommend for you on this forum you will have a much better system than those big box manufacturers offer and there is no cutting corners, you also have the support of the component manufacturers directly.
I hope this explains it!

[EzyStvy]

Then there's the part where the typical user of a Dell or HP or whatever NEVER needs to call support.....Or having their support people show up at your front door is pretty cool

WD etc makes good drives and the odds of one failing in an OEM machine are Very Very Slim.

And you save so much money buying a pre-built machine you can afford to replace em every few years.

[Iamjosh]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy Then there's the part where the typical user of a Dell or HP or whatever NEVER needs to call support.....Or having their support people show up at your front door is pretty cool WD etc makes good drives and the odds of one failing in an OEM machine are Very Very Slim. And you save so much money buying a pre-built machine you can afford to replace em every few years .

Noted, but in all reality the reason why one would build a system today over one who buys a system carries many advantages. First, building your own pc leads to progressive knowledge and ability to troubleshoot your own issues (when trouble strikes) thus not requiring "the Geek Squad" or an inept Mumbai customer support. With so much resources and readily available information, this can only lead to a more proactive way in other facets of the technical challenge.

A while back, Dell and Hp and some other brands were not using WD but perhaps other, less reliable brand and had learned off their mistakes. For Dell to remain competitive, they buy their drives in bulk, and I still think their quality is less than stellar compared to the retail brand. Otherwise, how would they make that well deserved profit?

Need I remind you, we're in a new age where we try to look after our environment (everyone's job now) and throwing away a 3 year old pc is no longer cool or environmentally smart.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy Then there's the part where the typical user of a Dell or HP or whatever NEVER needs to call support.....

Are you for real? http://www.consumeraffairs.com/computers/dell_svc.html

Or having their support people show up at your front door is pretty cool

Limited only to large cities and suburbs and not available to most of the country

WD etc makes good drives and the odds of one failing in an OEM machine are Very Very Slim.

Hard drives regardless of brand have the highest rate of failure of any computer component. Dell if you read their fine print uses refurbished hard drives in their "brand new computers"

And you save so much money buying a pre-built machine you can afford to replace em every few years.

And more than 90% of your money leaves the United States when you purchase one of those name brand computers. Buy local, support your country's economy.
If you must buy a ready built system, buy one from a local reputable system builder and keep most of your money in the United States.

[Bob338]

Originally Posted by rlwpeace Seems like a diy would be a very satisfying experience as far as the process but a very frustraing one down the road when things go wrong as they sometimes do. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated

Your thoughts and those of The Other Steve were EXACTLY my thinking before I built my first one about a year ago. Add to that I'm 80 years old from a non-techie generation and my concerns were more. I did quite a bit of lurking here, as I still do, absorbed as much as I could, got great help from glc and others, got the parts sorted out and had the new machine up and running within two hours of receiving the parts from NewEgg. The only regret I have is not having undertaken the venture years earlier. I'm now lurking and learning so I can build a HTPC which I don't need but I think will also be quite satisfying. I've made several changes to my original build and continue to expand and improve it and I've also assembled two more machines, one for a daughter and another for a friend. With the tutorials on the stickies and the help and advice available here and with a bit of reading and some asking you'll wonder why you had any concerns when you're finished.

Go for it. You'll be glad you did.

[EzyStvy]

Originally Posted by Iamjosh Noted, but in all reality the reason why one would build a system today over one who buys a system carries many advantages. First, building your own pc leads to progressive knowledge and ability to troubleshoot your own issues (when trouble strikes) thus not requiring "the Geek Squad" or an inept Mumbai customer support. With so much resources and readily available information, this can only lead to a more proactive way in other facets of the technical challenge. A while back, Dell and Hp and some other brands were not using WD but perhaps other, less reliable brand and had learned off their mistakes. For Dell to remain competitive, they buy their drives in bulk, and I still think their quality is less than stellar compared to the retail brand. Otherwise, how would they make that well deserved profit? Need I remind you, we're in a new age where we try to look after our environment (everyone's job now) and throwing away a 3 year old pc is no longer cool or environmentally smart.

If I were a hard drive maker and wanted to make some cheap junk drives - I'd sell em to Newegg so the the home builder would get them...I wouldn't do anything to mess up my relationship with Dell

Ever had a drive replaced under warrantry through Dell...The darn things come with a factory image on them...You can get back up in running in minutes.

Limited only to large cities and suburbs

That's about 90 of the USA wouldn't you say

If you must buy a ready built system, buy one from a local reputable system builder and keep most of your money in the United States.

One of those here today - gone tomorrow mom n pop stores...Me no think so

And no Dell doesn't used Refurb parts in new machine...They do however follow Federal Law and mark many of their parts has refurb since they didn't actually make the part...I thought everyone knew this.

[David M]

I have built four custom computers, three of which were high end gaming computers, The help from the great people at this website has been fantastic. When I have a problem that cannot be cured by answers from here, I take whichever computer is not working right and bring it in to the local computer shop. It's pretty rare when I need to resort to this.

I'm glad I don't have to rely on the help from some guy who calls himself "Bob" reading verbatim from a trouble shooting flow diagram in Bhopal, India.

[EzyStvy]

Hey David - does the repair shop charge MONEY or are they free like the guys in India? And did you know that when you email the guys in India the language barrier goes away completely

Sorry - can't help myself sometimes...I too build computers when the need comes up...But I'm also at the point where paying someone else to do it works too.

[David M]

I would rather pay money for something that works than to pay nothing for something that is frustrating to use, wastes my time and all too often does not provide a cure. No thanks, I don't want to be required to have to rely on customer support for a factory built computer. Been there, done that, with my last two Dell Laptops.

I enjoy trying to fix the problem myself first. If that does not work, I try here. If there is no solution here, out the computer goes to the repair shop. That seems like a very rational trouble shooting progression to me. I am only willing to spend so much time under my computers hood screwing around trying to fix a problem. Quite often you have to pay money if you want something done right. I know when to deflate my ego a little, admit defeat and hire a computer professional who does this all the time.

[triquee]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy If I were a hard drive maker and wanted to make some cheap junk drives - I'd sell em to Newegg so the the home builder would get them...I wouldn't do anything to mess up my relationship with Dell

Right, except the ones who are going to be updating their rigs ever 6 months to a year (rather than every 5 or 6 years) are going to Newegg, not Dell.

Lately, it seems Dell's technical service has become a branch of their sales department in that, when calling for assistance with a technical issue, their solution is to obfuscate the issue for an hour or two and then insist that you'll need to purchase something in order for your technical issue to be resolved.

Not only that, but the last time I checked, they were rated an F at the BBB.

Edit: Looks like Dell got a shiny new BBB rating after posting an F during the first quarter of '10 and a "Not Rated" for the first month of the second quarter. That sure is a big clean up in such a short time.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy That's about 90 of the USA wouldn't you say

Not sure where you live but Large cities and suburbs don't make up 90% of the USA population. Check out the 2000 census.

One of those here today - gone tomorrow mom n pop stores...Me no think so

You are obviously out to flame because everyone here knows I own several "mom and pop" stores and I have been around for 6 years now and stronger than ever. There are many who own "mom and pop" stores who have been around for a lot longer than your beloved Dell!! So you know, Dell and those companies are robbing this country of it is wealth, what you call "mom and pop" stores are the actual back bone of the American Economy.

And no Dell doesn't used Refurb parts in new machine...They do however follow Federal Law and mark many of their parts has refurb since they didn't actually make the part...I thought everyone knew this.

No I doubt the OP knew this and Dell DOES use refurbished drives and that is per both WD and Seagate.

[Iamjosh]

Obviously it is clear that a lot of us are not "fans" here, of brand name computers as I am guessing that we've graduated to this level of building our own (hopefully repairing them also when required). Most of us probably have a bad experience (be it on our own pc or that of a family or friend) and thus it may be a "sore " point to defend Dell or Hp or any large brand since our expectations and loyalty have been shaken or completely destroyed.

If one examines the pros and cons from a slightly different level (as in ability to upgrade systems), one gets a different notion that building your own makes more sense because of imposed hurdles and difficulties that come with proprietary designs. Mind you that has changed "a bit" but it still remains a big issue with me. While I do respect EzyStvy's opinion and his passion in defending the argument it does come to a simple question: Since all brand of pc offer only one year of warranty (not including extended at an additional cost) what then? If the system fails, you are at their mercy ( pay $$$) for something that is probably one fifth of the real cost. If you build your own, you are likely to have a more knowledge to repair it yourself ( call me intuitive on this) and save your hard earned money.

If you could build your own car (you have the knowledge, tools and materials) would you do it or would you go your GM/Ford/Toyota or any dealer?

[EzyStvy]

Sorry me no flame. Me use many Dells and have been around a few Thousand of them in the past twenty years. I've had to deal with support five times in those 20 years.

I'm typing on Dell right now and no one could tell that if their life depended on it

[Iamjosh]

I did have that notion Steve and thus tried very hard not to exceed that norm of a friendly/respectful discussion my friend. BTW, is your keyboard also Dell?

[glc]

I totally understand where Khalil is coming from, and he and his company builds excellent computers. I have been in the business of building, installing, and repairing computers for about 15 years now, although I'm now essentially retired.

We got tired of dealing with warranty issues ourselves, so we started using a big "white box" builder and had excellent results. They used nothing but Intel-branded motherboards and specialized in business systems. I would still do true "custom" builds for select customers, and occasionally still do on a consultant basis.

With all that said, I encourage people to learn and build their own. It's not brain surgery. Lacking that desire, getting one built for you is an excellent choice - *IF* - you find a reputable builder that is more concerned about using quality components than he is about finding the cheapest parts he can to keep both his cost down and his profit margin up. Unfortunately, these days builders like that (and Khalil is a prime example) are becoming few and far between. It's harder and harder to compete with the big OEM's that mass produce these things. Most, but not all, big OEM's sell machines that are difficult to upgrade and maintain yourself, they are literally throwaway boxes.

Time to cut to the chase - if you need to buy a major brand box, I do recommend Dell. They are the best of the junk, they are the closest to using industry standard parts of any of them, and in comparison to the others their reliability and support is good. However, as with all other majors, don't plan on doing major upgrading - you are pretty much stuck with the motherboard and processor it shipped with, and the power supply can't handle much of a video upgrade later.

[triquee]

I do kind of think of it as brain surgery, though... But it's definitely not rocket science