getting new comp... Customize it or buy a ready one?

lb562high

lb562high

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im buying a new computer for sure. But i dont know if i should just buy a ready to use computer or customize my own. I have heard many interesting stories about both perspectives. if i was to customize or build my own computer through a story, i would porbably go to Fry's electronics. GOOD IDEA? What computer company can offer me a good ready to use computer? A very lagre purpose of my new computer would be for GAMING! Thanks for ur help. and yes, im new here.
 
It depends on your budget. If you have far too much money for your own good, get a top spec PC from VoodooPC or Alienware (they build top-notch computers for you).

If you're on a budget, the best option is to build yourself. Obviously, you will need to do a little bit of homework to see what goes where. We can make sure that the parts you have picked will go together. We can even put one together for you.

The thing with buying off-the-shelf computers from shops is that the graphics tend to be onbard. Onboard graphics SUCK. Also, the motherboard tends to suck.

So, are you on a budget? If so, what is it.
 
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i agree with the buying off the shelf computers lacking in graohics and having crappy motherboards. Im not rolling in cash though. im willing to spend up to 1500. well maybe more....but anything below that price range would be perfect. What do u think about building it at Fry's?
 
Buy the parts at Fry's, or buy the parts yourself, and have it built by Fry's?

P.S., I am browsing newegg for a list of parts. Don't worry, I won't go overboard.


CPU: C2D E6300 1.86GHz - $183
MOBO: ASUS P5NSLI - $110
Memory: Geil 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 667 - $105
GPU: GIGABYTE GeForce 7900GS - $199
PSU: ENERMAX Liberty 500W - $110

Above total is $707, and that build will easily be enough for your gaming needs.

To be honest, the case, hard drive(s) and DVD/CD drive you want is entirely up to you.
 
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Just looked on their site, and they sell the motherboard that I picked out. Prices are very similar online (in-store may be another matter).

If you tell me:

1) How many hard drives you want, and how much storage space you want.
2) How many CD/DVD drives you want.

I can finish the list off, maybe improve it a bit, then you can walk in Fry's and ask for the above to be put together for you.
 
wow. great thnx. lets see...anywher from 250-500 GB storage(a little less or more wouldnt hurt). 2 cd/dvd drives would be perfect.
 
Hard Drive: As long as its SATA (whether its SATA150 or SATA300 doesnt matter at all), and made by Western Digital or Seagate, you're sorted.

CD Drive: Make sure they are CD-Rewritable and DVD-Rewritable. Just choose two at the store, doesnt really matter.

Case: Well, you want a MID tower case. Not MINI, or FULL. Mini is too small, and full tower cases are, well, tall, and only needed when you have a gazillion drives.

The case must also be ATX-compatible. The big names here are Lian Li, Thermaltake and Cooler Master. You're looking for:

A 12cm fan grill at back of case.
Some sort of intake at the front of the case (preferably near the bottom).
A side fan grill in one of two places (this case has a fan at both of these places); the top grill aids CPU cooling; the lower grill aids GPU cooling.

What you choose for the above 3 is down to you.

- -

You might want to upgrade to an E6400 (2.13GHz). You dont need to, but its up to you, and how much Fry's will charge you for this.
 
thanks a lot. i will definetely consider this and right now its my main choice. but i was also thinking of a maybe faster processor. wat do u think?
 
i see what ur saying...maybe i could even upgrade to the E6700 or ultimately Ex6800? wat do u think.... and what r their speeds?
 
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