To Build or Buy?

S

senator91

New Member
I'm just wondering if I'd be better off building a new computer or buying a proprietary system that would meet my needs. Could I beat the big name prices?
I've seem some pretty nice systems, complete with 20" LCD monitor, 2 gigs.of ram, and Intel Q6600 processor for a grand Can. I can't confirm the specs. on the other components, but could I beat that price?
 
Maybe, maybe not, it depends on the specs of that system... but it is always better to build your own system if you want quality and upgradability.

I find prebuilt can come in handy when you need all, including monitor and that u just want to surf the web(no gaming).
 
You can definitely beat that price, yes. Before trying your own Build though, ask yourself these questions:

How much do you know about general computer 'stuff' (hardware in this case more than software)?
How good are you at finding different ways to approach random difficulties (ie - troubleshooting)?
Why do you want to build your own System? (to learn, just to simply 'do it', etc.)
What do you plan on using the System for? (gaming, average-user web-surfing, music, etc.)

I am all for the self-build, personally, for those that are inclined to do so. However, if you just want something to use Google, listen to music, play Solitaire, and browse CF (yay, plugs!) with, I would strongly recommend looking into pre-built Systems this time of year, strictly for the price you'll pay (though a bit higher than than DIY) and the 'bundle' you'll get (tower, monitor, warranty, tech-support).
 
mep916 said:
I'm sure you could. Are you comfortable with building your own system?
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I could probably follow the step by step guide to building my own. I think that, for me, I would probably have a bit of a time matching components properly. In that, would they perform well together. I was just figuring that the Q6600 CPU would come out to about $300 with tax as well as a 20" LCD monitor, so there wouldn't be a lot left over to buy good components to complete the package.
Where as, someone like HP puts together so many systems, they would get better prices. I find that the retailers don't provide much more info. other than the CPU and monitor however, so you can't really be sure if the other components are the best choice or just the cheapest choice.
 
Yeah, you make some good points. Sometimes the cost of a good monitor can kill an otherwise nice budget build. What is the most you are willing to spend on a PC? This thread has a number of builds ranging between $850 - $1,200. Most of the builds were complied using prices from Canadian websites. You're buying in Canada, right?
 
mep916 said:
Yeah, you make some good points. Sometimes the cost of a good monitor can kill an otherwise nice budget build. What is the most you are willing to spend on a PC? This thread has a number of builds ranging between $850 - $1,200. Most of the builds were complied using prices from Canadian websites. You're buying in Canada, right?
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Yeah, I'm buying Canadian. That's also an interesting thread. The big difference
I'm noticing with the proprietary systems is the video card. Most seem fairly low end, which would probably lead to a under rated power supply if it were to be upgraded later. Lots to consider I find.
 
senator91 said:
I'm noticing with the proprietary systems is the video card. Most seem fairly low end, which would probably lead to a under rated power supply if it were to be upgraded later. Lots to consider I find.
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Exactly. If that is a major concern to you (crappy video card, future upgrades), then you should definitely build your own. ;)
 
senator91 said:
I think that, for me, I would probably have a bit of a time matching components properly. In that, would they perform well together.
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Well that's why we are here. If you are interested in building your own computer you should definitely post what you think you would want here. And people here would gladly tell you if that would work. Not all parts work with other parts, so I urge you to post the components here first.
 
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