Adv. to buying/building

[hobcat1]

If I built this computer, it would be my first. Obviously, cost is a big issue when it comes to buying or building. My question is that, with this system below, could I really save any by building it myself? Even then, building is nearly out of the question, due to me not paying for it.
Ahanix Platinum XP with 425 watt PSU
MSI KT3 ULTRA ARU motherboard
XP 2100+
512MB PC2700 RAM
GF4 Ti4200 (maybe 4400, but even me, one who's never overclocked anything, could figure out how to do it to the Ti4200)
80 GB 7200 Hd (manufacturer unknown(
floppy
16x DVD
no CDRW, already have one
Viewsonic 19" E90FB monitor (250 dollars in itself)
modem, keyboard, and mouse, all generic
no speakers, will buy Z560/Z540 from retail store near here (or other place online)
rounded cable upgrade with extra USB ports also

All of this from Cyberpower PC, reviewed in Comp. Shopper, PC world, etc.

Approx. price (many variables could change this):1325-1350 dollars

Now, with this monitor, this seems like a good deal, considering Gateway, Dell, etc.
From my approximations, I'm paying them about 200 over retail price on all of the parts to assemble it, along with the warranty.

But then I see someone who got a case w/ PSU, motherboard, 2200+ cpu, etc. with all essentials except video card for $529. Am I getting ripped?

Also, is there anything wrong with my system? Should I add anything before I order it?
P.S. Monitor is relatively cheap, but reviewed nicely everywhere. Add 100 bucks for shipping.

 

[Alex]

im getting a similar but slightly worse rig for $1500... there's always gonna be someone getting better stuff cheaper than you... live with it...

your rig is fine and the price is more than reasonable IMO.

 

[hobcat1]

Thanks. I feel better now...Of course, I'm not paying for it!

 

[CrazySaint]

I just spec'd that system at newegg.com for $1155, but you could knock $50 or so off that if you wanted because where parts were unsure I put in good quality stuff (like Western Digital 'SE' 8MB cache HD which costs a bit more than most drives, but is worth it, IMO). You could knock another $50 off that by getting PC2100 RAM instead of PC2700 since there is hardly any performance benefit.

 

[CrazySaint]

Oh, I forgot to add in the OS or any other software, so make sure to figure that in (OS = $90).

 

[JamesM3M5]

Originally posted by: CrazySaint
I just spec'd that system at newegg.com for $1155, but you could knock $50 or so off that if you wanted because where parts were unsure I put in good quality stuff (like Western Digital 'SE' 8MB cache HD which costs a bit more than most drives, but is worth it, IMO). You could knock another $50 off that by getting PC2100 RAM instead of PC2700 since there is hardly any performance benefit.

Ditto that. Go to Newegg.com. Shipping on 19" monitors is only $40. I ordered my measly Athlon 1800, good 'n' cheap Shuttle mobo, vid card, memory, HD, case w/PS, etc etc for $500 shipped. Rushed the order (same day) for a whopping $3. Got the parts all the way from CA to VA in 3 days. Placed the order online, got emails for charging my credit card, shipped parts, and Fed Ex tracking numbers. You don't get online commerce any smoother than that!!!

JamesM

 

[hobcat1]

Good, so I'm not getting knocked off by the price. Gotta add warranty and service too. What about that monitor?

 

[hobcat1]

At Cyberpower, shipping for any monitor is fourty dollars also.

 

[human2k]

If your not going to build.........your not a "true" member of this forum...............cmon man its all about the glory of assembling your own rig! When you get all your parts just grab a seat and login to the forums and everyone here will assist as you go.