Question: Build your Own or Buy Complete?

[Ripper]

Build your own.

I've tried all 3 options in the past.

Store bought was expensive and came with cheap unreliable hardware.

Had a customised one built, but that had a few issues such as insufficient cooling.

My current computer was built by myself (only took about 30 mins to put it together).It is a high end comp and cost the same as a mid range store bought comp.it is pretty reliable so far only problem i've had was a power surge blowing the PSU (everybody should use surge protectors). The computer should give me another 4-5 years hopfully after which i'll need an upgrade (left room for expansion so that more ram and new cpu can be thrown in at that time).

[Shadowmage]

Online Configurator. Cheaper than buying complete systems at the store with even better hardware, but a bit of knowledge is needed

[ACEwoK]

i used to build my own but haven't been able to keep up to pace with all the new shit coming out, i think next time it will be an Alienware one, certainly after seeing them at the GO3 Expo last year...

[Angel of Death]

There are definitely some benefits to building your own PC.

You only have to purchase certain components once typically. (Case, power supply, cooling solutions (fans or water whatever))

One of the other significant benefits is the pace at which certain components are released. While processor form factors see a change every other year on average, expansion slots don't usually change for 5+ years. This allows you to purchase accessory cards (video, sound, etc.) and transplant them from build to build.

The tertiary significant benefit to building your own PC is that it's cheaper in the short and long term. Incremental upgrades keep you on the cutting edge for a fraction of the cost.

I perform a significant upgrade every third year. By significant, I mean motherboard, processor, memory (if necessary).

I perform a minor upgrade every other year. Usually video card upgrades, one generation behind. For example, nVidia's current gen is the GTX line, I would purchase a 9 series (actually, I would go with an 8 series, they are cheaper than dirt and they are the same chipset and clock speed as the 9 series)

I hope this has given you some food for thought.

[rumsponge]

On high-end systems, I build my own so I can get the components I want and manage the cost to match my budget.

However, I suspect that I will be buying an off the shelf SFF Dell one of these days to handle light duty everyday tasks (media, email, etc.).

Also, I have an off the shelf laptop that's been slightly modified.

[Nih]

i've always built my own.. but my next hardware purchase will be a laptop.. so going to be looking for a nice high end one that will last me awhile.

after that i'll be replacing my outdated dual xeon setup by building a full new system from the ground up.

[Musashi815]

Originally Posted by Nih

i've always built my own.. but my next hardware purchase will be a laptop.. so going to be looking for a nice high end one that will last me awhile.

after that i'll be replacing my outdated dual xeon setup by building a full new system from the ground up.

I got lucky and got a really nice setup from Best Buy. It's a gateway gaming laptop, and runs things like Crysis just fine and dandy

I was even pleasantly surprised by vista when I started using it. Having seen the outcry by people online i expected it to deliberatley wipe the hard drive at random while chuckling away to itsself.

[Nih]

Originally Posted by Musashi815

I got lucky and got a really nice setup from Best Buy. It's a gateway gaming laptop, and runs things like Crysis just fine and dandy

I was even pleasantly surprised by vista when I started using it. Having seen the outcry by people online i expected it to deliberatley wipe the hard drive at random while chuckling away to itsself.

gateway you say huh? never really considered a gateway to be a real worthwhile long lasting machine.. but i'll take a look at one. - ; )

I'm waiting until Windows 7 Release ether way so that whatever laptop i purchase is preloaded with windows 7.

[Angel of Death]

Originally Posted by Nih

I'm waiting until Windows 7 Release ether way so that whatever laptop i purchase is preloaded with windows 7.

I believe RTM is scheduled for October, so you're still a solid 6 months out, at least.

[Nih]

Originally Posted by Angel of Death

I believe RTM is scheduled for October, so you're still a solid 6 months out, at least.

yup.. and thats about how far out my budget plan is for it as well.. - ; )