??New computer-Build or Buy??

[berks]

So i am thinking about buying a new computer. I would really like to hear from some cows out there as to what type of systems they really like and would suggest to a friend.
I currently have a 1998 NEC that has been giving me nothing but problems as of late and has been showing it's age.
Thanks in advance.

[bluetailfly3]

Are you going to put it together or are you buying one already put together??

[gbread49]

Personally, instead of buying a prebuilt system, I'd consider building my own or having one built (by someone who knows what they are doing, of course) Several reasons......

True you can buy a pretty good system for around $700 to $800. Problem is, most of these "bargain" systems are not upgradable. Yes, you can upgrade the RAM (usually) and you can change out devices (usually), however, the main component, "the motherboard" is the big factor to consider. A year or two from now will it be able to accept an updated processor, thats questionable. Another thing to consider, a store bought system is bloated down with junk you will never use. Not to mention all the promotional garbage that is installed.

The big advantage to building or having one built for you, is that you can choose what devices you want, what software is installed, and for sure you will know that it will be upgradable, if you do your homework first..... And it won't cost you much more, or even less than that store bought system.

[berks]

i don't know yet i haven't messed around to much with putting a computer together, just your basic stuff like adding hardware and stuff. I just wanted to get some ideas. I like to play games, watch movies, play, and we use a lot of graphics programs all the time. From what i have looked at it is pretty cheap to buy a system with almost anything you would want in it already made. So i guess i am leaning more towards that. But not set.

[berks]

sorry gbread your post came while i was replying. I have looked around at computer stores at pieces to buy to put one together. My biggest worry is that i won't get it to run correctly. I can't imagine not having my computer. I will have think about this one. Thnks for the advice

[AlienChld7]

If you're going to buy one already built, i'd go with the soon-to-be monopoly Dell. Most of their competitiors simply suck. Whatever you do, do NOT buy a compaq/hp or gateway computer. Save yourself the aggravation later.

[gbread49]

Not trying to sway you.....*L*...but you said you use alot of graphics programs, watch movies and play games. That can be some pretty memory intensive stuff. One thing to be aware of if you do decide to buy a prebuilt system, 99% of them do not have a separate graphics card, they use on-board integrated graphics that shares a certain amount of RAM with everything else. They do this to save cost in manufactoring the system (good for the manufactor, bad for you). If you want a separate graphics card, prepare to pay extra for it. Also, most of these systems only come with 128 to 256MB's (256 if you are lucky) of RAM installed. Not much actually, considering that the minimum for WinXP is 128MB's and the recommended amount of RAM is 256MB's.

Just a thought to consider when you go computer shopping....
And I do agree with AC7 on the ones not to buy.....

A little story to, real quick....*L*..A friend of mine recently was considering buying a Gateway system...$699..not bad, however, by the time he got what he REALLY needed on the system the price had jumped to almost $1,400 with shipping and handling fees included. Heck of a bargain, huh! *L*

[berks]

my parents have an old gateway and have had nothing but problems with it.

Thanks for the advice all. I'll have to keep looking around.

[Baggins]

it might be worth finding an indpendent pc shop in your area who will build one for you but also give you the support you need, ask around.

just something else to think about - when you build or get someone to build you a pc you can get quality brands for less normally than what you would pay for prebuilt system, where the hardware can be unbranded, altyhough with dell i am sure they would add specific hardware if requested, such as a graphics card and loads of ram!

I do understand you worries about support though, your choice!

[gbread49]

Off topic.....but bilbo, I love your avatar, that surely sums it up nicely......*L*

[bluetailfly3]

www.pricewatch.com is a really good place to go to get a pretty good idea of how much you are going to spend if you build the computer yourself..i agree with gbread...building your own computer is well worth..I think that it gives you a better understanding of your computer so that if you run into problems you will be more equipped to get it fixed yourself.. www.sharkyextreme.com is another really great place to go to do some research on products such as processors, video cards, etc...they run benchchecks on alot of equipment and post reviews....there are a few other sites to check out..if i can remember the addresses i will post them up here.

[skimpy2u]

i would have to agree i love the computer i built!!!!!

[Baggins]

Gbread49 said -


'Off topic.....but bilbo, I love your avatar, that surely sums it up nicely......*L*


Well, like just about everything else that is good on my pc, i found it through a posting on UTC!
:beer:

[rastagard]

I agree 100% with AC7. Dell is probably the best company to work with. That is why they have such a large market share, not because of dirty dealings.(unlike a certain $oftware company we all know)

If you are not comfortable with building a computer from scratch I can tell you that it is fairly easy.........to screw up! I have known more than one person to fry a processor by installing it improperly. It can definately be done and turn out well, I also know many who have done it without problems. The deciding factor would be your level of expertise.

I would also tell you that gbreads warning about upgradability is worth noting. When shopping make sure all components can be upgraded. (Video card, Sound card, Memory, etc) This will ensure that your computer will last a lot longer.

The general rule is buy the best computer you can afford.:computer:

[LPDad]

Well, I build computers for fun (Hobby).
Everything said so far is right on the money.

building you own is much easier than you would think, and for anyone out there who wants to try it we can point you to some pretty good sites to help you out and where you can get great information so you can decide for yourself.

We initially had a compaq which served it purpose, but I have since upgraded it as much as is humanly possible (which is not much BTW)--I am now setting it up for my kids/

The big difference you really should think about and consider.
If you buy a prebuilt big name system you get a warranty, which you probably will not need until it expires. Generally, when you have a problem they tell you to reinstall your opSystem anyway.
PreBuilts have components that have been tested and all work well together (at least they are supposed to!!). And, down the road, when you do need service you will pay a MInimum of $100+ for the service tech just to tell you what is wrong with it--It will generally cost you more for them to fix it. (And of course you will have to pay it because you have no idea what is wrong).

Building your own (AFTER you have done some basic research) is fairly easy, will cost you roughly HALF of what you would pay for a pre-built, and will require you to actually learn something about how the damn things work (really pretty basic, for the most part).
You will have NO WARRANTY (other than the parts themselves) and you will be mixing and matching parts that might not work as well together as a prebuilt (then again--They may work better!!) If you have done your research properly this is almost never a problem. YOU will be your own tech support!!
Note: As long as you have access to a second computer this is almost never a problem. If you are having difficulties trying to figure out a problem, or trying to fix something you will be able to go on-line and post your questions AND GET ANSWERS!!!! Not the most time effecient, but VERY rewarding when you actually figure out a stubborn problem. I have ALWAYS been able to get the correct answers and FANTASTIC help on-line--you learn quickly where to post your questions to get the best help.

You will get EXACTLY the system you want.
Your system will be UPGRADEABLE (at minimum cost) -- provided you have done your homework and planned properly.

It will be far cheaper to upgrade in the future-- you only replace the components you need, and keep using the rest.

If you decide to go this route, there is alot of help available and do not be afraid that you will break something-- you might--but if you are properly prepared you probably won't.

If you want no problems, buy it and use it-- Get a pre-built.
if you want to actually learn something about the computers and are not in a hurry-> consider building your own.

..Just MY OPINION.