Build PC/Buy PC

[CastorTr0y]

Hey everyone!

Well, as you could imagine, I'm trying to decide whether to build my PC, or to buy it from ibuypower. I've taken a barebones PC and built a PC out of it before, so I'm not a complete noob, but I am, somewhat. Well here's the system specs from ibuypower:

$2147-3.0 ghz
$1967-2.8 ghz

2x 512 Corsair PC3500 RAM
80 GB Maxtor HD
420 W PSU
Custom Lighting/Thermal Display/Extra Fans/Round Cables
Radeon 9800 Pro
480 W 3 Piece Spk.
Combo kb/mouse
19'' flat CRT
Windows XP Pro

Now, here's the question. Should I spend that much money on that system? Or should I build that system myself? About how much money would I save if I built it myself. I've done a bit of searching, but not too much, and found I could definitely save like $200. But, I don't know if you guys might think I would be able to save more?

So basically, how much extra money am I spending to basically just have a warranty with my system, and no chance of me frying a processor and not being able to get my money back?

Sorry for the long read, and thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Novgrod]

you should build the system yourself. It'll cost a little less, and more importantly you'll learn how to build a system.

Now I'm too lazy at the moment to look up everything, but if you go to www.newegg.com and look up everything you'll be good to go.

I really can't imagine spending $2 000 on a computer though . . . good luck with (what i hope will be) your first system build.

 

[paperfist]

Well if you've built from a barebones system already I'd say your not too far off to be able to build from scratch. I would think you would have an understanding of static electricity and how not to zap your components, how to install cards and the OS.

I didn't look up all the prices either, but I am guessing you could save a little more then $200. The CPUs you have are a little on the $$$ side, the rest of the components you could save some money on and get better stuff in the process. Like 120GB HD would only be a few dollars more over the 80GB. I think that's what building your own PC is really about, picking all the parts you really want/like and having the experience of putting it all together with your own 2 hands. Saving money is the icing on the cake You lose out on the 'free' tech support, but you can always get that here and most of the parts you buy yourself have their own 1-3 year warranties.

Oh and if you were asking if you should spend that much on that system/parts specifically; personally I wouldn?t, I?d go with something like a 2.4C and a 9700Pro because the difference in performance for the premium you are paying isn?t worth it. If you are a hardcore gamer to the bone or just have to have the latest and greatest then that?s a different story.

 

[magomago]

Build, definitely. Even if its 200 you save that is 200 towards a) More PC Parts or b) Paying off that first month's debt on the Computer
Yeah...the 2.8C and 3.0C have too big of premium. If I were you I would definitely go the way of the 2.4C or 2.6C and overclock!
Also for the Keyboard/mouse I usually reccomend against buying them online unless you have tried them out in real life because a picture means nothing...I got my "Logitech Wheelman Mouse" for 6.99 AR at best buy but I love the mouse to deaht - samething with my logiteh "internet navigator" keyboard (geez they make it sound like i'm some first mate controlling the pc or something hehe). And I ESPECIALLY MEAN THIS when it comes to moniters...No matter what I feel more "secure" when I go and try out a motherboard on my own in the store and look and make a decision - and that IMO is probably the best choice though i'll still put up a price just because moniters are kind of subjective...especially when you get a bunch of brands that are similar in specs and stuff the way I decide is what I think has better image quality [again to me something might be good while to you it isn't] (providing it has specs to back it up)

2.6C 221.00
2.4C 177.00

radeon 9800pro 383
radeon 9700pro 308.00


2*512 pc3500 corsair 151*2=302
Logitech Cordless MX Duo 91
Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1 - OEM Full Version 143
Any 19 Inch for ~200 200
Case/PSU since you seem big on ricing it out - 250
Logitech Z640 5.1 Speaker - RETAIL - 65
HardDrive...check out your deals...My friend got a 120Gig WD for 79.99 AR @ circuit City but for now BB has 80gigWDSE for 80$

That seems to cover it, no? Other things you might want to consider: Instead of a 420 Watt PSU where you might not know what it is get something like a Antec Tru Power 380 or something. Since you are pimping it out you might want to look into a combo that tosses in a AntecTru Power with the case because at higher prices that seems like a better deal.

Assuming you go thte 2.6C + R9800pro (I definitely reccomend the 9800pro 128meg over the 9700pro because it seems there are some problems between those and springdale chips with some) it'll cost you 1735.

If you go the 2.4C + 9700PRO it comes out to 1616 which is less.

Then again that also assumes you somehow spend 250 on a case/psu/fans and you spend the full 200 for the moniter...if you go look around though and shop through today's magazine you'll prolly be able to pick up that 120gigwdse for ~80 somewhere and you might be able to find a better deal on a keyboard/mouse (I personally wouldn't spend 90 dollars on that)


And one more thing - you ARE going to overlclock...right? Why else would you have pc3500 ram...


But if you really try to shop around I bet you could knock it to ~1500 for the 2.6C+9800PRO providing you are resourceful. But to d that you really got learn how to shop I guess and decide what you need (IE: Do I need to spend 250 on a case+psu?)

and if you are MYsticMan1 when it comes to Rebates you'll come out of this PC making 20 dollars and getting a year's worth of free Cheese or something

 

[wetcat007]

If your spending that much u might want to go with the GeForce FX 5900 Ultra? Just a suggestion.

 

[CastorTr0y]

Thank everybody so much for all of your input. I am really probably going to be assembling my system myself now, not really because of the money, just for the experience. I just wasn't sure about it, cuz I have 2500 bucks to blow on w/e, but it sounds like it'll be a lot more fun/rewarding building my own. Thanks again guys!