Prebuilt vs. Building Rig Myself Help

T

TheEnglishJob

Weaksauce
Joined
Feb 21, 2009
Messages
110
Okay, so I bought my current computer in 2000 and it has been great (not a single problem..its an HP). Anyways, around 2004 I wasn't able to play Battlefield and went out and bought a new graphics card (Radeon X 700 pro) and it has been able to play half of the games I've wanted up to now. Now, with Empire total war coming out and some old games that just run to slow I desperately need a whole new system (especially one with more then the 512 mb of ram that I have right now). I've been looking around a lot have and have toyed with the idea of building a computer myself for some time.

Right now I'm looking at the Dell XPS Studio and the Gatewaye FX6800-01e. I don't want to spend over $1500 total (everything included). My decision is whether I should go with one of these prebuilt rigs or attempt to build my own. I don't know a lot about building my own rig but I would be willing to put the time in if I could get some configuration ideas. The only thing that I could use from my previous build would be the graphics card (but I'm not sure if that would be a limiting aspect of my new system and perhaps I should upgrade to a 512mb graphics card). I'm looking to run the 64-bit Vista (which I will have to purchase) on whatever I get and upgrade the ram to at least 4 gigs, maybe 6.

I don't need a mouse or keyboard, however a new monitor would be nice as mine turns funky colors randomly until I hit it a few times. I won't need a media card reader (although it would be nice if its reasonably priced).

I'm planning on using the computer mainly for gaming purposes and I don't need the latest and greatest. I just want to be able to run all the games out on the market and in the next 3-4 years at a reasonable quality (I don't need everything to be the highest resolution...however if I can get that for $1500 I wont appose). I don't really plan on overclocking the system and my research has shown that SLI and RAID are kind of unnecessary for what I'm looking to get out of the rig. Besides games, I mainly use the computer for general school work and web browsing. (If it matters I live in Los Angeles). I appreciate any help you can offer.

BTW, if you think building my own computer is the better idea, can you recommend either a build configuration or some forums/sites that can. There is SOOO much stuff out there I have no idea where to start. Thanks!
 
You'll probably won't be able to reuse that video card since it's still on AGP whereas many new cards today uses the PCI-E format. I recommend going through the stickied threads in the General Hardware subforum for info on how to build and troubleshoot problems with a PC.

For a little more info and just to make it so that people don't have to read through all of that to get the salient facts, please answer these questions:
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
3) Where do you live?
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
6) Will you be overclocking?
7) What size monitor do you have or plan to have?
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?

Oh you might want to ask a mod to move this thread over to the General Hardware subforum, Something tells me that this thread will definitely belong there sooner or later anyway :)
 
For completeness:

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
No more then $1500 (less would be better)
3) Where do you live?
Los Angeles
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
Everything :(
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
None :(
6) Will you be overclocking?
Don't plan on it
7) What size monitor do you have or plan to have?
Need (19" would be nice but I'm not picky)
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Within the month
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
Honestly...not sure. From my research I think RAID and SLI won't do much for my gaming. As far as any other features, I want to be able to take advantage of future technologies.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
No. I was thinking 64-bit Vista

I'm kind of a big novice at this and the whole thing is a little overwhelming. Thanks.
 
i would recommend building your own. for the most part its pretty easy assuming you have common sense and patience. obviously there is some risk or problems such as dead on arrival products that you would have to return, but thats like a 5% chance. for 1500 for computer and monitor you should be able to build yourself a nice machine.
 
Great. Thanks for your help. I'll go ahead and work on the build over in the general hardware forum.
 
Yeah $1500 would be overkill for something like this. I'd say even with Vista + a monitor you could build a great PC for ~$1000
 
I would say build your own. You will learn a lot from the process, and save some cash in doing so.

With your budget of $1500 you can build a very nice system,

Do you know what size monitor you would like to buy?
 
Since it looks like the consensus is to build my own rig I started a new thread in the correct local. (http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1395995) You're input would be greatly appreciated.

As far as the monitor is concenred, I never had any problems with my 17" but I won't complain upgrading to a better/larger monitor for a reasonable price.
 
You thought I could get a good rig for ~$1000...what is your recommendation? In my other post I'm getting totals closer to $1450.
 
You will get totals up to your budget. They can give you a great build for $500 if that's what you want to spend... or $2500 if that's your limit... but if you specify that you have 1500 to spend, you'll get nearly 1500 builds :)
 
There are some great deals on gaming systems at Amazon.com and Newegg right now. Check them out, too. With the economy as it is, the prices for prebuilts are getting really competitive.
 
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You get longer warranty on your parts from building your own than your standard 1 year warranty from Dell, HP, etc.
 
TheEnglishJob said:
So do you recommend building my own rig instead one of the two prebuild options then?
Click to expand...

certainly I'd recomend building your own over a Dell. Michael Dell seems to be hellbent on single handedly destroying the PC gaming industry. You cant get a decent gaming machine from dell for anything less than $2000, and even then the rig is about as processor heavy as a mini-coupe equipped with a 6L V10.

I'd recomend a VM or Puget if you still want to stay away from building your own.

Theres a substantial chance that after everythings put together and you turn it on you wont hear that all-important beep. When that happens, you'll have only yourself to blame (and these boards ready to help).

Anyways I'll head over to that other thread you've created.
 
Do it yourself; it's a rewarding process, you save money, and you get a better PC.
 
This is [H] so getting "build it yourself" is going to be the popular choice and in this instance I would go that route too.

Picking between Dell/Gateway and building it yourself, I would build it myself.

However, if you want a three year parts warrant, lifetime tech support, and quality builds, there are plenty of boutiques to choose from:

M Force PC
Velocity Micro
Digital Storm
Puget

come immediately to mind. Check them out.

The only detriment to building yourself is that you have no one to turn to to fix your system, if it goes bust, but yourself. If you're cool with that, then, yes, building it yourself is the way to go.

Good luck either way...
 
Get a good build for $1,000 and save the other $500 for upgrades. Once you start building, it's hard to stop.
 
Throc said:
Get a good build for $1,000 and save the other $500 for upgrades. Once you start building, it's hard to stop.
Click to expand...

This is the build I'm currently thinking of. Where do you think I can cut costs and upgrade later. I want to maker sure that I have all the key parts upfront.

-DVD/CD Burner (LG 22x sata dvd burner) $25.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152
-Case (Cooler Master 690) $80.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
-Hard Drive (Western Digital 640gb AAKS) $75.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218
-Graphics Card (EVGA GTX 260) $220.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434
-Memory (G Skill 6gb 1600 ram) $112.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231225
-Motherboard (Gigabyte EX58-UD3R motherboard) $200.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128375
-OS (Vista Home 64bit) $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
-CPU + Power Supply (i7 920 + corsair 650w combo) $365.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.159778

Total: $1177
+ tax = $1271
 
TheEnglishJob said:
This is the build I'm currently thinking of. Where do you think I can cut costs and upgrade later. I want to maker sure that I have all the key parts upfront.

-DVD/CD Burner (LG 22x sata dvd burner) $25.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152
-Case (Cooler Master 690) $80.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
-Hard Drive (Western Digital 640gb AAKS) $75.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218
-Graphics Card (EVGA GTX 260) $220.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434
-Memory (G Skill 6gb 1600 ram) $112.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231225
-Motherboard (Gigabyte EX58-UD3R motherboard) $200.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128375
-OS (Vista Home 64bit) $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
-CPU + Power Supply (i7 920 + corsair 650w combo) $365.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.159778

Total: $1177
+ tax = $1271
Click to expand...

Thats actually a great deal. If you don't need all the ram or the fancy motherboard you could trim the price a bit there and probably have everything under $1000 shipped.
 
What other quality motherboards are there out there that run the i7 920? Any recommendations on ram that you've had some success with? This is my first time so I want to make sure I'm not buying something for cheap that is cheap.
 
There's some good online boutiques too.

M ForcePC
Maingear
Digital Storm
Velocity Micro
Puget

The first three were those I considered highly when looking for a new computer. I ended up going with the first on the list.
 
I'd certainly look into the boutique builders before considering any of the big companies like Dell or Gateway.You do save money building it yourself,but you also inherit all the headaches.
 
I'd start cutting costs by looking for items with free shipping at newegg. Also, rebates help cut the cost (Just visualize all that money coming back in a few months that you can use to upgrade with,lol). It's hard to cut costs if you're going i7. The mb's are way too expensive and featureful and DDR3 is still pretty expensive. That said, that's still a good price for a i7 system. I like the case too (it's what I'm running right now). I'm still running a C2D, p35, and DDR2 800 and it will still chomp through anything you throw at it. The software really hasn't kept up with the hardware over the past year or so imho and I'm not sure when it will.
 
bekfreak said:
There's some good online boutiques too.

M ForcePC
Maingear
Digital Storm
Velocity Micro
Puget

The first three were those I considered highly when looking for a new computer. I ended up going with the first on the list.
Click to expand...


I would also like say that I agree with Bekfreak here....online boutiques are a good thing to consider as well. The system gets assembled, tested, and comes with a multi-year warranty as well. On top of that...as long as the boutique isn't located in the same state as you....you get to avoid paying sales taxes. :) The ony thing you have to have when ordering from a boutique is patience...because it's usually a 3-5 week process from ordering to receiving your computer. But for that peace of mind knowing that it's been tested and it's warrantied makes it worth it.

All of these boutiques are highly regarded here and all of them will definitely treat you right and give you a product that you'll be happy with. I ended up going with the first one on the list as well for several reasons.

So if you are interested in checking out any of these boutiques and have questions feel free to ask. Several of them have representatives here that check in from time to time as well. And if you have any kinds of questions concerning the boutique bekfreak and I went with just shoot me a PM and I'll answer any questions I can. :)
 
Hehe less you're me who paniced about the fear of the big delay of out of stock parts. My case and mobo will be in this week sometime. I was going to go with a Mid tower Armor + if the ol 690 wasn't coming it but fingers crossed we're good so far.
 
The advantage of building your own rig is you get more power for your money, but the downside is you have no support when it fails.
 
Red_Star said:
The advantage of building your own rig is you get more power for your money, but the downside is you have no support when it fails.
Click to expand...

I really can't imagine someone else fixing or supporting my home computer when it fails. No reason for GeekSquad to visit my PC.
 
The big advantage I've found to building my computer is that I know what is in the tower so when things start acting up I can have an idea where to start. Also, I know the parts are standard parts, so even if something fails down the road it is easier to replace.

As it stands now, you have a little over 200 dollars for a monitor and if you choose new input devices. Unless you are wanting absolutely latest and greatest, I think I'd hold off on the i7 build since there really isn't any reason to pick them up now over the CQD or even a good C2D if you pretty much just game. I don't think games yet can take advantage of the extra 2 processors. Looking at a dual or quad core build can give you performance on par with what you'd get (especially if you are just looking at a 17-19 inch monitor) but give you money to also make sure you have a good set of speakers or headset to go with it. If I remember right, you have around 600 dollars earmarked for the CPU, mobo and RAM. I don't think from the use you are describing you will really benefit from spending that much. I liked the advice to hold back a bit for upgrades. If I were building a new computer right now I'd be more likely to drop a bit of extra money on getting a bluray drive...possibly even a burner than the premium I'd be paying for i7.

Also, from what I've heard the i7's can run a bit hot. So even if you aren't overclocking you might want to pick up an aftermarket cooler just to make sure the CPU doesn't get too hot. I'd probably factor in around 50 bucks for a good one. You can get them cheaper if you catch them on sale, but that seems to be about what they run.
 
I've kind of been thinking the same thing and have reworked my build.

Here is my updated version..what do you think?

-CPU (AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz) $150.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649
-Motherboard (BIOSTAR TA760G M2+) $80.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138137
-Memory (G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800) $46.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122
-Hard Drive (Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB) $75.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218&Tpk=wd 640
-DVD/CD (BurnerLG Black 22X DVD R/RW) $26.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153
-Graphics Card (EVGA GTX 260) $220.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434
-Cooling (XIGMATEK HDT-RS1283 Red Scorpion) $33.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233012
-Power Supply (CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W) $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
-OS (Vista Home 64bit) $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
-Monitor (Going to pick up one at local store as recommended) ~$150.00-200.00
-Case (Antec Three Hundred) $60.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&Tpk=antec 300


Total: $890
+ tax = $961
+ monitor ~ $1150

*I already have a nice set of headphones/mic and a good speaker set
 
Building it yourself is really the only way to go I think especially since that 3-500 saved could go toward a superior case, a nice monitor, better gpu, the list goes on. For first time builders, I'd set aside a good 3-4 hours. If you are building for the first time, having a friend who's built before does help a great deal. For me the longest part was the HSF mount, and just being a bit nervous about bending pins when dropping the processor in and applying the thermal grease (doing it correctly the first time). After that its really just following directions hooking up leds, cables, etc. I did spend a good hour or so organizing/tying what cables I could considering the size of my case (with its foam padding). In reality most of my time was spent figuring how to transfer my files from xp to vista using a crossover cable, oh and realizing that needed to change the jumper on my old IDE dvd drive lol.

If you really don't want to build MForce is really the only place I'd go with considering price/cs and build time (a few weeks though). I would not consider the others since they are either ridiculously expensive for what you get or are cheap but have horrendous CS (ibuypower, cyberpower, etc.)
 
I've never used Vista before...what do I need to be aware of for transferring my file over from XP?
 
Max just proved me his weight in gold. I had a Corsair TX-750 and well it's sold out EVERYWHERE and well he upgraded me to a Corsair TX-850 with no extra charge. I still have to laugh at the popularity of the Cool Master RC-690 case...the best of the budget cases I suppose. :)

Also, I learned newegg is actually erm expensive parts wise. If you're going for a boutique and want to have someone who's like Adrian Monk building your rig go for Max. I know .. no advertising but I really like what I've been through so far. The only part that's the hardest is the waiting for it to be built. :)
 
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