Build or buy Next Computer?

[malebolgia Veteran]

I've finally had it with my 800Mhz machine at home. So I've decided within the next few months to get/build a new computer (preferably after or around December). I'm not sure if I should build one or just buy one? I was thinking of getting an Alienware if I decide to buy one (no Dell for me). Right now I don't have a lot of time to build anything so that's my reason to buy one. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[Hypoxiaicon]

well, after christmas there should be some pretty good deals if you dont have the time to build it. ive never built one (yet) but i dont think it takes that long really?

[rezza Veteran]

Don't have a lot of time? It only takes a few hours to get it set up and running properly...

Personally, I would never go with a pre-built computer. I like to know exactly all the details of what i have in my computer. I don't care how good the build quality is, or how good the after sales service is, if i didn't build it myself, I ain't using it.

[malebolgia Veteran]

My main concern is a quiet PC. Though that can be arranged by picking the right HD and so forth.

[nekrosoft13]

what type of question is that

build of course

[MEMO.INC]

Nothing beats the pleasure of building your own pc,

[z3r0n3]

Build. What other choice is there if you don't wanna end up in hell? :laugh:

[ﭘﺂשׂﺑ]

https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=108390

Well if I were you, I would buy my next piece of hardware for your next computer and ask someone to build it for you.

How's that?

[Psy]

nothing like building your first, second, third ... the pleasure is there everytime. just built my 4th.. had some troubles on the third but stained came to the rescue :).. custom modded this case.. took over 2 weeks but well worth every penny and ounce of time it took.. kids sit and stair at it rather then play it now lol.

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

I gotta say, if you had asked this 6 months ago, I would have immediately said to build your own.

In the majority of cases I agree, it truly is something the first time you build a PC and realise how cool it is.

However, looking at recent prices of "off-the-shelf" systems, the whole issue of pricing now seems moot. It used to be that you could save hundreds, but it's easy to find some great bargain systems now.

That said, troll the PC fairs in your area, even if you buy nothing you will realise that there are people geekier than anything you can imaging. See ya there! LOL

[Sn00pY]

you wish to BUILD my friend...

Alienware PCs are VERY expensive...and im pretty sure you could build your own [ok not have a snazzy alienware case - but hey get a Xaser III or something?] for somewhat cheaper...

[JK1150]

building a PC is a LOT cheaper

[xpatx]

build, brotha, build.

[wizbit]

yeah build definitely. Besides 'off the shelf' PC's normally have crappy hard drives 'n' stuff in them so the manufacturers can keep the costs down. When you build your own machine you know exactly whats in it (cos you bought all the hardware :p )

Al

[NeoMasamune]

Build, build, build! :yes: There's nothing better picking out the parts that you want and putting it together

[malebolgia Veteran]

You guys talked me into building it :trout:

[uniacidz]

Case

Coolermaster WaveMaster

Heatsink

Thermalright SLK Series combined with a silent fan.

CPU

Either AMD or Pent (recommend Pent at this time)

Hard Disk

Seagate

Western Digital with Cache

PSU

Vantec Stealth, Antec 350W minimum

Ram

Your choice of brand, 512mb minimum

Graphics Card

ATI Series 9600 minimum

Motherboard

Nforce - either Abit or Asus

Case Fans

Vantec Stealth

Soundproofing

Coolermaster Pro Studio Noise absorption kit

Generic Noise Insultation

[aem4162]

You'll like building your own computer. There are some really cool cases out there and you have the pleasure and bragging rights that come with building it yourself.

[l77Il7H]

BUILD!

[nekrosoft13]

I gotta say, if you had asked this 6 months ago, I would have immediately said to build your own.

In the majority of cases I agree, it truly is something the first time you build a PC and realise how cool it is.

However, looking at recent prices of "off-the-shelf" systems, the whole issue of pricing now seems moot. It used to be that you could save hundreds, but it's easy to find some great bargain systems now.

That said, troll the PC fairs in your area, even if you buy nothing you will realise that there are people geekier than anything you can imaging. See ya there! LOL

that true, that you can buy a computer really cheap in store.

but look what junk you gonna get.

onboard sound, onboard video, in case of dell you can't even take out the motherboard

its just ****

build your own its the best way to do it

[zMaxXz]

... and you shall BUILD your next computer... and shall it be!:D

Seriously, dude. Don't waste your money on those Dell's, or what ever junk they sell these days. When you build your computer you know what you put in there, and what quality is it, and how 'techie' it is.:cool:

For the money you will spend on buying GOOD computer, you can buy HIGH END computer that would last you YEARS. If you'll buy some cheap Dell in a year you'd be looking for another computer. And as far as I know Dells and Compaqs are not very build-friendly if you want to update them.

So get some cash, wait till December/January, Intel going to cut the hell out of Pentium 4 prices, and buy your self 2.8 - 3.2Ghz 800 FSB and good mobo (Abit IC7 Max3 or Asus), loads of memory(you'll need it for running your toys), nice looking case and you'll be one happy :woot: 37337 computer dude:):laugh:

Have fun building!!!

Max :D

[[hxc]]

i say build too. my first computer (a dell) was alright when i bought it, actually really good when i bought it. but now that i know a lot more about computers (thanks to neowin and other tech sites) i would rather build my own, that way, you know exactly what goes into it. no crap hardware. luckily my mom is addicted to the sims now and wants to buy my computer from me when i move out in a couple months. so she said she will just give me her credit card and i can order everything i need to build myself a new one. :)

[~Bull}{Dog~]

Imagine the beast you could build with the kind of money you would need to throw at an Alienware..

You could go for a water cooled opteron :D

[MEMO.INC]

I builded mine 3 years ago and it still rocks. 866 /mhz P3 512mb Pc133 RAM. Nvidia Geforce3 (currently on a via board used to be an intel one but did not have agp so i sold it).. a agreat case..I call it Terminator3 (P3 Geforce3).. when i update it (one more year) i will slowly buid it on top of this...

Seriusly dude build it your own, you will get experience, ask the community about hardware and get a good deal

[FalseLogic]

Depends on how much you are into computers. I've always built my computer, which sounds like a big deal, but it's just buying all the parts that you want and putting it all together.

I built a new system earlier this year. I bought exactly what I wanted. I researched which hard drive at the time was getting the best reviews, same with all the components, and then I bought a nice aluminum case with a huge window on the side. After I had everything running I later added 3-colored led fans and a uv light. It's awesome.

If all you care about is just buying a computer and having it work for you, then buy a dell, because you're paying for the simplicity of getting a computer up and running.

My cousin thought building a computer was big deal, but he did it, and he felt really good about using a system that he assembled himself.