is it worth it making you own pc

[stephenallred]

this is a big question... is it worth it making you own pc. is it cheaper and more powerful?

Thanks for you replys

[mairving]

It's worth it. Not only can you control what goes into your machine from the power supply on up to the processor but it can usually be done cheaper. Some of the cheaper part comes about because a lot of builders will install previously licensed copies of OS's and other programs. It is also a better deal to build if you already have a monitor. Sometimes vendors like Dell bundle a monitor with a system for some pretty attractive prices. But if you wanted an AMD Athlon from Dell, then you would be out of luck.

Once you have built a system and got it working properly, you will never buy again.

[RJ]

I also agree that it's worth.
Many manufacturers (Dell, Compaq) use propietary cases and mainboards, so you can't upgrade. Lets say you want to upgrade your CPU later, you will end up buying a new mainboard, case, and maybe power supply.
If you choose your own components, you're not limited to propietary designs, and you can assemble the PC that 100% fits your needs.
Also you don't get warranty for your PC and once you opened it the warranty is void: You get warranty for every single piece you buy - the CPU, the mainboard, etc.

RJ

[dan3223]

I don't think I'd ever want buy a store-bought machine again, after building my last two home systems. I enjoy building it to my own specs, plus you get a rewarding feeling having done it yourself, and it's not very difficult at all.

[mbossman2]

i agree that it is worth it to build your own PC, but with a caveat:

you really want to be technically aware of what you are doing, that is to say that you need to be able to navigate around the OS of choice (or have access to someone who can help you).

The only time i would recommend building a PC yourself is if this is going to be your 1st PC, then I recommend going to a well recommended local shop and have them build it for you (with input from you as to exactly what you want your machine to do for you, ie gaming, productivity, web surfing etc)

[HAL9000]

You will have a much better inner knowledge of your PC if you build yourself. Definitely cheaper and you get exactly what you want.

[lil Jimmie]

I will never buy a store-bought PC again! Building my own was very rewarding from the start. I can't wait to build the next one.

[lovitz]

it's definally worth it.

If something runs amuck inside, you can open it up and tinker around with worrying about voiding the warrenty.

[archie]

I agree that it is definitely worth it but not necessarily for being cheaper, I'm not even sure if that is the case. To the benefits of having the satisfaction of doing it yourself, getting to know the hardware better, learning a bit more than before, the envy and admiration of your family and friends , there is also the mere fact that it will likely be done with more care and attention to detail. A big part of the process is researching which components to get. The assembly part is something to be relished and enjoyed while it lasts.

[HAL9000]

I'm not sure that having the admiration of family and friends is necessarily a good thing. Once they see that you can build your own, you become a computer god and the phone won't stop ringing and you will be expected to fix anything.

[RJ]

I'm not sure that having the admiration of family and friends is necessarily a good thing. Once they see that you can build your own, you become a computer god and the phone won't stop ringing and you will be expected to fix anything.

Hmm, that sounds familiar to me
Actually I like that. . . I love to screw around in PCs

RJ

[HAL9000]

Until it totally takes over your life... I finally started billing. Yes, it sounds cold to bill family, but sometimes you gotta to get the phone to stop ringing.

[archie]

In my immediate family [meaning wife and daughter], I'm the tech support. It's not so bad when problems can be resolved within minutes ... but I hear you. In a 'sick' kind of way, I actually like the challenge.

[Chris in U.K.]

Mbossban2, I disagree with your caveat.

Stephen could probably get hold of an older redundant machine from somewhere like a computer fair, colleague or family member and start by rebuilding or upgrading that. This approach would give valuable experience with small outlay and low risk. Such a machine would probably be useful anyway - fine for word processing etc., and if it had a modem he could always use it to call for help if he got into difficulties with a bigger project.

Chris.

[Xayd]

Originally posted by HAL9000 Until it totally takes over your life... I finally started billing. Yes, it sounds cold to bill family, but sometimes you gotta to get the phone to stop ringing.

Hehe, been there Hal. My current rates are +30 dollars on every piece of hardware if I build it for you and am not related to you, +15 dollars per piece of hardware if you're family. Everyone pays shipping to and from regardless. I don't do phone tech support for anyone except mom and dad, anyone else can send an email if they choose, and I'll reply to the email usually with a link to the manual.

[Carl Price]

Originally posted by archie I agree that it is definitely worth it but not necessarily for being cheaper, I'm not even sure if that is the case. To the benefits of having the satisfaction of doing it yourself, getting to know the hardware better, learning a bit more than before, the envy and admiration of your family and friends , there is also the mere fact that it will likely be done with more care and attention to detail. A big part of the process is researching which components to get. The assembly part is something to be relished and enjoyed while it lasts.

I agree! It's probably not going to be cheaper if you use top quality components. For example if you want a first tier video card, first tier sound card, hardware modem, etc. you must build your own machine. These components are not even available in a prebuild machine. But if you build your machine out of these top quality components with a first rate mobo and harddrive, then you must expect to pay more. The payback is in pride of ownership and freedom from problems.

[dead_eye]

I can tell you that Dell and Gateway do not have proprietary cases. Anyways, I just ordered some components to upgrade my case, mobo, and processor, and the cost certainly adds up. However, you'll have fun, take pride in your work, and learn more about computers. If computing is your hobby, building your own is worthwhile.

[Gintaras]

Originally posted by lil Jimmie I will never buy a store-bought PC again! Building my own was very rewarding from the start. I can't wait to build the next one.

Same here. I felt VERY addicted right after I built my first one- i'm using now.
It's "bullet proof". I can do with my PC whatever I want.

As for hardware parts, I would consider buying used like here on For Sale Forum, or Anand, this way costs would be even less.
My experience: I bought used RAM from Floppy Guy, that works much better than I had before 3 sticks I've bought brand New and Brand Name(A Game Of The Names).

[LawyerRon]

If you're really motivated to learn about computers, building your own is the only way to go. That means if you're "interested" in computers and tinkering around with them, then you should build one. If you don't have much interest in tinkering with computers, but just want to save money, order a Dell and leave it at that.

But to really answer your question, yes it is cheaper, and you can build a more powerful computer if you build it yourself. That's because if you really compare "quality", performance, and upgrade path, the brand name machines don't measure up.

[DrZaius]

is it worth it making you own pc

Did you honestly expect a "No" asnwer from a PC enthusiast forum?

I'm not sure that having the admiration of family and friends is necessarily a good thing. Once they see that you can build your own, you become a computer god and the phone won't stop ringing and you will be expected to fix anything.

I actually think this is a good thing. I couldn't possibly afford to built myself a new system each month, but since I get a call from a friend or relative often enough it gives me an excuse to shop for parts, do research, and build another system. It's an addiction! And if you build them right, you don't get that many calls.

[trsmystic]

If you listen to my wife, all computers are demon possessed. Of course there were times that I even believed her. However, in my job and at home my PC has been my most valuable asset. I am into horses and folks are amazed at the library of literature, links, etc. that I have accumulated on the subject. Not too mention the library I built on PC topics. I have rebuilt some 10 PCs in the last year. Most I have given to family members and even sold a few.

Owning a PC is a challenge but also a reward. I don't know how much I would get done if I had to do it by hand, writing, etc.

Stick with it. It gets better.

[HAL9000]

Originally posted by DrZaius And if you build them right, you don't get that many calls.

Tis not a problem of being built right, tis a problem of the people in front of the computer

[DrZaius]

Tis not a problem of being built right, tis a problem of the people in front of the computer

Got me there!

[Gintaras]

Originally posted by HAL9000 Tis not a problem of being built right, tis a problem of the people in front of the computer

That's the problem- between chair and keyboard. And no one knows how to fix that
No OS yet and no hardware yet to fix that.

[HAL9000]

There is a temporary remedy though... the OFF button.

[Gintaras]

HAL,
funny thing is,
a week or 2 ago I had lections from people who've run SIRCAM.EXE on their PCs and who had HDD wiped out while runnig virii, what I should do and what I shouldn't while using PC.

[lpc300]

I'm not sure that having the admiration of family and friends is necessarily a good thing. Once they see that you can build your own, you become a computer god and the phone won't stop ringing and you will be expected to fix anything.

Come on! It's kinda cool being known as a god.

Dave

[JUNG2]

It's WORTH IT!!!!

It is a good practice. Don't worry about breaking anything, even if you did
It's still cheaper in the long run cause you can learn from your mistakes rather
than keep paying someone to fix it for you...


good luck..

[archie]

If someone has limited experience in building a computer, they could always get some from working on an older PC if it makes them feel any better.   Experience gained will help make the next build easier and it will also help when it comes time for troubleshooting later on.

Aside from experience though, an aptitude for that type of task in needed.   The following anecdote will help to illustrated this point ...
I once bought a computer desk [comes in a flat box and requires moderate assembly].   I set it up that same day and rather enjoyed the activity ... no problem whatsoever.   To make the desk even stronger, some reinforcement were added to it.
My friend purchased the very same computer desk.   About 1 week after purchasing it, he phones me because he was stuck with one part of the assembly, his voice in distress.   Later, I found out that it took him over half a day to put it together.   Upon glancing at the desk, it became obvious that that there was something wrong ... the keyboard slide drawers were improperly installed.   In his words: "@#$%, you told me it was easy to put it together".

This does not necessarily mean that someone who can assemble a desk can assemble a computer but it does indicate whether they have patience for doing that type of work, whether they have basic skills [such as which direction tightens a screw], whether they even like working with their hands, etc.
For some people, it may very well be best to leave the assembly to others.

[Smudge]

Originally posted by archie This does not necessarily mean that someone who can assemble a desk can assemble a computer but it does indicate whether they have patience for doing that type of work, whether they have basic skills [such as which direction tightens a screw], whether they even like working with their hands, etc. For some people, it may very well be best to leave the assembly to others.

My husband is the "desk assembler" of the house, but I do know my *righty tighty, lefty loosey* By visiting here I am learning so much from all of you guys and its great. As for myself, I am going to start out small and mess with my old Dell. Its getting over the fear of discombooberating a perfectly fine working computer into something non-usable. If I find myself sucessful in upgrading the ram and vid card, maybe I'll gain the confidence in time to build my own someday.
In the meantime, I'll play nice with my new Athlon and keep the warranty in tact!