Is it really worth putting together a comp yourself?

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Ripped85

Limp Gawd
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I was looking at prices from ibuypower and..wow...their comps are really competitively priced...I was thinking of getting my next comp from them instead of building it this time, what do you guys think?
 
definetly worth it. you'll get exactly what you want. its fun doing it. and the sense of pride after you are done
 
Depends on the machine you want / need.

Building your own high end Uber Gaming machine will save you some money.

Building your own HTPC may save you a little bit.

Building your own budget web browsing / email machine wont save you any money. It may end up costing more.

But you do it for the thrill of turning it on the first time. For the feeling of accomplishment.
 
People seems to forget 2 major things when they build a sustem

1. The O/S
2. The RMA PRocess if anything breaks


Going OEM often means that you have any single problem THEY fix it, you dont have to worry about it.

Many OEMS do have CHEAPER in the end systems even with the O/S and Warrenties included because of the simple fact they buy bulk and get prices you couldnt even dream of of hardware.

Buying OEM saves you many potential headaches if 1 part doesnt work and you then need to RMA it, wait 2 weeks, get the new part back, OH, turns out that part wasnt what was broken!
 
monarchcomputer.com FTW!

why dont you guys pick up a computer from them and review it?
 
I would NEVER go back. I like being able to choose exactly whats in my rig, you know what you are getting, its often cheaper than an OEM computer, and my god the understanding of computers you'll gain!
 
HighwayAssassins said:
I would NEVER go back. I like being able to choose exactly whats in my rig, you know what you are getting, its often cheaper than an OEM computer, and my god the understanding of computers you'll gain!
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You know, I used to think the same thing. But seeing what I see every day with some of these systems, and noticing that the failure rate of components is basically higher than ever, I don't think that I could go with a self-built. Sure it's cheaper and more fun, but if you can find a company with good support, it's worth its weight in gold.

And as far as component selection, most of the boutiques will take custom phone orders. You can get pretty much whatever you want. Then you get their support package on top of that.
 
DNA Doc said:
You know, I used to think the same thing. But seeing what I see every day with some of these systems, and noticing that the failure rate of components is basically higher than ever, I don't think that I could go with a self-built. Sure it's cheaper and more fun, but if you can find a company with good support, it's worth its weight in gold.

And as far as component selection, most of the boutiques will take custom phone orders. You can get pretty much whatever you want. Then you get their support package on top of that.
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I bet I could fix any problem on a computer that I built faster than dell customer service could fix one of theirs. shit, my problem would be fixed and I would be gaming before you even got connected to someone in india for dell.

Its nice to have a warranty, point taken. but the reason I like computers is to build them. If I bought an OEM, the point of me owning a computer would be lost!
 
DNA Doc said:
You know, I used to think the same thing. But seeing what I see every day with some of these systems, and noticing that the failure rate of components is basically higher than ever, I don't think that I could go with a self-built. Sure it's cheaper and more fun, but if you can find a company with good support, it's worth its weight in gold.

And as far as component selection, most of the boutiques will take custom phone orders. You can get pretty much whatever you want. Then you get their support package on top of that.
Click to expand...

I dunno, I've never had a problem bad enough with any of the parts I've put in a system that would make me shy away from building my own. My first computer I built was a Pentium 133 on an Intel Endeavor mobo and I've built every system I've owned since (plus my son and wife's computers). Computers are my hobby and my career, so I learn when I build, I get hands on experience that may help me in my career and I enjoy it. What fun is ordering something, then just unboxing it?? :D
 
HighwayAssassins said:
Its nice to have a warranty, point taken. but the reason I like computers is to build them. If I bought an OEM, the point of me owning a computer would be lost!
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That's not the case for the other 99% of the people that use computers. We are a small minority. A very small minority.
 
Keep in mind that with your warranty, incompetent people will be working on it and often times fixing it yourself is very easy, not to mention that you will likely have to ship it, which could easily add $50+ to each servicing!

It works out that if you care at all about quality, building it yourself is the only option!
 
From what I've seen, it seems like it's usually people who A) think they know more than they actually do B) are lazy C) have really bad luck are the ones who end up with component failure and replacements.

I dunno...just what I've seen from experience. Many many times, a board may have been put in the case weird and thus stop the system from POSTing (I've had it happen numerous times) but people will RMA every last piece of hardware..

*shrugs*
 
General Crespin said:
That's not the case for the other 99% of the people that use computers. We are a small minority. A very small minority.
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oh, no doubt...but what do you expect when you come to the [H] and ask if you should build your own, or go teh Dell route?

tongue.gif
 
HighwayAssassins said:
I bet I could fix any problem on a computer that I built faster than dell customer service could fix one of theirs. shit, my problem would be fixed and I would be gaming before you even got connected to someone in india for dell.

Its nice to have a warranty, point taken. but the reason I like computers is to build them. If I bought an OEM, the point of me owning a computer would be lost!
Click to expand...

That may certainly be true - it's the same case for me. However, keep in mind that Dell is just one company and there are dozens of others who have extremely sharp techs on staff. Take FNW and Maingear for example. Sure, you pay a premium, but it's simply the best in the business.
 
John64 said:
Keep in mind that with your warranty, incompetent people will be working on it and often times fixing it yourself is very easy, not to mention that you will likely have to ship it, which could easily add $50+ to each servicing!

It works out that if you care at all about quality, building it yourself is the only option!
Click to expand...

It depends on the company. That's why we have this program - to show you the good support and bad support (among other things).

Some OEMs will send you shipping labels so that you don't have to pay a red cent for shipping. Most of them also offer at least 1 year warranties, which makes repairs free for you.

I'm not sure what OEMs you're speaking of, but most of the guys that we've dealt with (including the Tier I's) have had very good component selection. Quality of components is very rarely an issue. Quality of integration is much more commonly a point of discussion, and I challenge anyone to be able to build your own and get the quality integration that FNW, Maingear, OPC, VM, or Voodoo offers.
 
gwai lo said:
From what I've seen, it seems like it's usually people who A) think they know more than they actually do B) are lazy C) have really bad luck are the ones who end up with component failure and replacements.

I dunno...just what I've seen from experience. Many many times, a board may have been put in the case weird and thus stop the system from POSTing (I've had it happen numerous times) but people will RMA every last piece of hardware..

*shrugs*
Click to expand...

We're seeing more component failure now across the board from DIY to OEM than we ever have. They happen out of the box, usually. Kyle and I have discussed a major QA problem throughout the industry that seems to be affecting everyone.
 
it's cheaper to buy a prebuilt budget box... I have no idea how Dell can afford to give these computers away at ridiculously cheap prices.

On the other hand, I prefer building my own systems. When something isn't working, I usually have a better idea what's going on because I know every single part and read up on issues other people had before. Whereas with a pre-built, I sometimes have no idea what I'm working with and diagnosing problems can be frustrating.

In the end, I find building your own systems more fun :)
 
Stang Man said:
it's cheaper to buy a prebuilt budget box... I have no idea how Dell can afford to give these computers away at ridiculously cheap prices.
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It's actually easy - they don't make any money on them.

Dell is an incredible company in that their revenue comes from investments. They've put together some of the best financial minds in the industry to make money that is used for operating capital. They made billions of dollars last year, and only a fraction of a percent of that came from computer sales.

Intrepid, eh?
 
The one thing you miss in buying a computer vs building a computer is the learning factor. I work support and it's SCARY how many people are almost totally incompetant when it comes to computers. For God's sake, computers have now been around for decades and are in darn near every business and most aspects of our lives. Not knowing some of the most basic things about them at this point is ludicrous. Yes, if your intent with a computer is to just get by and have someone hold your hand for every little thing, please, buy instead of building. If, however, you'd like to actually learn something that will probably end up being needed in the future, then build. Yes, you're more likely to run into a problem on your own, but it's likely you'll actually learn something if so. I've built my career out of learning from these types of mistakes and while they can be a pain at times, sometimes that's not such a bad thing.
 
wtburnette said:
I dunno, I've never had a problem bad enough with any of the parts I've put in a system that would make me shy away from building my own. My first computer I built was a Pentium 133 on an Intel Endeavor mobo and I've built every system I've owned since (plus my son and wife's computers). Computers are my hobby and my career, so I learn when I build, I get hands on experience that may help me in my career and I enjoy it. What fun is ordering something, then just unboxing it?? :D
Click to expand...

wow, what kidna career lets u build computers everyday? thats just cool.
 
HighwayAssassins said:
I would NEVER go back. I like being able to choose exactly whats in my rig, you know what you are getting, its often cheaper than an OEM computer, and my god the understanding of computers you'll gain!
Click to expand...

You really do not gain much understanding of computers after building one....
 
Leright said:
You really do not gain much understanding of computers after building one....
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If you know nothing before building it, you learn a LOT.

Chris Morley and I sat down and built a computer when we were freshmen in college. He had already built a few, but I hadn't. Personally, I learned a ton. Your first time building is a huge step forward in your education. Subsequent builds aren't as educational, admittedly.
 
upriverpaddler said:
Depends on the machine you want / need.

Building your own high end Uber Gaming machine will save you some money.

Building your own HTPC may save you a little bit.

Building your own budget web browsing / email machine wont save you any money. It may end up costing more.
Click to expand...

QFT! I used to build budget boxes for my parish/parochial school. I won't any more, because prebuilt bundled boxes are just so damn CHEAP now. We just wipe the HD and put in our site licensed copy of WinXP.

If you're building yourself a gaming rig, doing it yourself is the only way to go. You'll save anywhere from 200.00 to 1000.00 depending on the components you pick and what vendor you're comparing it to.

Otherwise, go prebuilt, IMO. The only downside is all the crrrrraaaap they install on your PC to offset the loss-leader price of the hardware (free trials of every piece of sh,itware under the sun).

Hell, I saw an Acer Athlon64 system with 512 MB RAM, GF6100 onboard graphics, 80 GB HD, keyboard, mouse AND 17" glass monitor advertised at circuit city a couple weeks ago for 279, with NO REBATES. Go ahead, put that together with a licensed copy of winXP on your own from parts at Newegg for less than 400.00 - I dare you.

BB
 
upriverpaddler said:
Depends on the machine you want / need.

Building your own high end Uber Gaming machine will save you some money.

Building your own HTPC may save you a little bit.

Building your own budget web browsing / email machine wont save you any money. It may end up costing more.

But you do it for the thrill of turning it on the first time. For the feeling of accomplishment.
Click to expand...

Disagree on the last one. A budget machine is now cheaper pre-built. I got my dad one of those Dell B110 deals - 2.4 celery, 256MB, 60GB, DVD, and analog 19" LCD for ~$330.

You can't outcheap a ~$300 desktop unless you scrounge hotdeals parts for weeks on end.
 
geteg said:
wow, what kidna career lets u build computers everyday? thats just cool.
Click to expand...

I'm a desktop support analyst. I don't actually build computers every day, but the experience I've gained in building and troubleshooting my own helps me in my day to day work.

BTW, I'm not saying everyone should build their own. There are plenty of people who should just buy from Dell, plug it in, surf the web and be happy. Those who are gamers, or who just want to know more about computers are the ones who should build their own.
 
GreenMonkey said:
Disagree on the last one. A budget machine is now cheaper pre-built. I got my dad one of those Dell B110 deals - 2.4 celery, 256MB, 60GB, DVD, and analog 19" LCD for ~$330.

You can't outcheap a ~$300 desktop unless you scrounge hotdeals parts for weeks on end.
Click to expand...

...that's exactly what he said. Reread.
 
Budget machines are cheaper, but corners are cut. I got a killer deal on an HP during the nutso day after Thanksgiving shopping insanity. 9 months later I have...

1) Purchased additional hard drive and had to mod the case to fit.
2) Replaced the power supply. Too loud and not enough juice.
3) Replaced CPU fan. Too loud.
4) Replaced case fan. Too loud.
5) Added memory. Too slow.

Obviously not the most efficient path. Even if you only want a budget machine, DIY is still the best choice if you require silence.
 
HighwayAssassins said:
oh, no doubt...but what do you expect when you come to the [H] and ask if you should build your own, or go teh Dell route?

tongue.gif
Click to expand...

But you were responding to Doc, and Doc wasn't asking about that. :) :p
 
I agree with a combination of posts.

Build for gaming.

OEM for SOHO use.

and...you don't learn much after the first build in terms of hardware knowledge. You troubleshoot a few errors which will probably be driver/software caused...and the modern day OS and software is intelilgent enough to tell you if hardware has in fact failed.

when i do build now...i find it more time consuming and tedious than anything. I actually find more satisfaction in resurrecting ancient machines that can still be used.
 
General Crespin said:
But you were responding to Doc, and Doc wasn't asking about that. :) :p
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Actually, if you look at who I quoted (and therefore was responding to) you would see it was General Crespin. Furthermore, you will also notice my comment regarded the OP's question.
 
Building a computer isn't for everyone, but what I don't understand why come to a tech forum and say "is it really worth putting together a computer yourself?". Sure the response here is going to be "Heck yea it's worth it" - what kind of response did you expect? Not trying to knock anyone down, and if it's taking that way I apologize for it in advance for it's isn't my intention.

As for you don't really learn anything from building a computer that was posting in this thread, yeap you won't learn anything if you just throw the parts into the computer without doing research and reading....odds are the COMPUTER WON'T WORK!!!
 
wtburnette said:
The one thing you miss in buying a computer vs building a computer is the learning factor. I work support and it's SCARY how many people are almost totally incompetant when it comes to computers. For God's sake, computers have now been around for decades and are in darn near every business and most aspects of our lives. Not knowing some of the most basic things about them at this point is ludicrous. Yes, if your intent with a computer is to just get by and have someone hold your hand for every little thing, please, buy instead of building. If, however, you'd like to actually learn something that will probably end up being needed in the future, then build. Yes, you're more likely to run into a problem on your own, but it's likely you'll actually learn something if so. I've built my career out of learning from these types of mistakes and while they can be a pain at times, sometimes that's not such a bad thing.
Click to expand...

Do you know alot about cars? If your car broke down would you be able to diagnose the problem and fix it? Granted vehicles are more complicated than computers but it is based on the same idea. Some people just don't want nor need to bother with knowing what makes their computer.

I will be building my very first computer towards the end of the year, after a month of reading numerous posts/reviews/articles/diy assemply articles/etc I feel fairly confident all will go well.
 
HighwayAssassins said:
I bet I could fix any problem on a computer that I built faster than dell customer service could fix one of theirs. shit, my problem would be fixed and I would be gaming before you even got connected to someone in india for dell.
Click to expand...


I agree, support is useless. Most people on this forum know more than the average tech you're going to get for support at an OEM. If I have a problem that I can't figure out, I'll post it up on the forum. Chances are I can have it fixed within a few minutes, without hassling with tech support.
As far as build quality and warranties go, I've found that most computer parts that are going to fail, fail right away. In that case, I've got a warranty from the etailer that sold me the parts, or from the manufacturer.
 
DarkfallFan said:
Do you know alot about cars? If your car broke down would you be able to diagnose the problem and fix it? Granted vehicles are more complicated than computers but it is based on the same idea. Some people just don't want nor need to bother with knowing what makes their computer.

I will be building my very first computer towards the end of the year, after a month of reading numerous posts/reviews/articles/diy assemply articles/etc I feel fairly confident all will go well.
Click to expand...

Good food for thought. I would assume mechanics, electricians, plumbers and other skilled laborers feel the same way I do about people who don't learn something for themselves.
 
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