Buy or build? Where is your next PC coming from?

[FuZoR]

been using the same ATX for a long long time

 

[Pliablemoose]

Hell, I can't even leave my TIVO alone without hacking it, I couldn't stand to own a pre built PC.

 

[raanemaan]

I built my first system and it won't be my last. A prebuilt is fine for people who want to surf the web or mild gaming. The cheap prebuilts usually lack the potential to upgrade as time goes by so you have to buy a new system. You should start with a good motherboard that has all the features that you want and has the ability to accept future upgrades. I also enjoyed the challenge and the feeling I got when I fired the system for the first time and it actually worked.

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: Staley8
Dude, I'm gettin a Dell

I already did

Sysadmin

 

[DrPizza]

Excepting the incredible deals from Dell (their pricing mistakes), I still think it's cheaper to build than buy. Although building usually results in spending more money than you would have spent if you bought directly from Dell.

I just configured a similar computer to what I'm planning on building next... wayyy more than it will cost me. (one difference being that I'm planning on going with AMD instead of Intel)

I'll agree though... their cheap computers can't be beat. But, you get relatively cheap components too. (ie lower quality ram, etc.)

 

[Muadib]

I'll continue to build my own.

 

[patrick409]

Originally posted by: oniq
Just picked up a Shuttle SB61G2 case/mobo from Newegg for $260. Its nice having a whole PC in 1/10th the size of my last case . Lots less noise in my room too, and its so cuuuuute I need another 512mb ram though, I think. Currently running a P4 2.4ghz 533mhz FSB, 512mb PC2700, Sony DVD+/-RW, Radeon 9800 Pro 128mb, and an ATI TV Tuner which I haven't used yet

I was thinking of buying a similar system from atacom.com. It's got a spiffy lil handle on top. How do you like your system?

 

[boomdart]

My parents gave me $1000 for a computer, so I built one...

I did no research as to what's good, so I got a dumb video card thinking it was better than the older "number" video cards >_<

Athlon 2800xp
256mb 3200 ram
256mb fx5200 video card
nForce 2 motherboard w/ onboard lan (I think it's an asus?)
Sound blaster audigy sound card
DVD R+/W
no floppy drive
Scorpio 868w case
120gb 7200rpm hard drive

 

[Double Trouble]

As much as I like tinkering with hardware and software, the truth is that for most everyday needs, a Dell or Compaq/HP or other such junk will work just fine. Still, I want to make sure I get the parts I want, not the cheap crap OEM's put into the system. I don't build PC's for others anymore, I just tell them to get a pre-built one, but for my own use I will continue to build systems to proper specs

 

[Amused]

Actually, it depends on if the next PC I buy is a desktop (I'll build), or a lappy (I'll buy).

 

[loup garou]

Well, I'm probably going to stick with my IDeq-based SFF for a while, so I'd go with build, even though I have no real reason to upgrade in the immediate future.
Actually, I'm looking to replace my r505, so I guess my next system will be a buy (x300 most likely).

 

[toant103]

building

 

[silverpig]

Prolly get a Sager laptop.

 

[amdskip]

I want an IBM lappy, used probably unless I find a really hot deal.

 

[FoBoT]

i can't afford store bought, i build all my own

 

[Ornery]

$399.00 Is Too Much, FoBoT?

• Intel® Pentium® 4 processor at 2.8 GHz
  Microsoft® Windows XP® Home Edition
  256MB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM
  FREE CDRW Drive!
  FREE Palm Zire, Printer or Digital Camera!
  FREE Shipping!
  AGP Slot...

You can build your own cheaper?

 

[Beller0ph1]

Building...a little one...SFF.

 

[thomsbrain]

since moving to laptops, i don't think i'll ever go back to a desktop, so my next one will probably be pre-built.

 

[flxnimprtmscl]

Build. I don't think I'll every buy another pre built desktop. For myself at least.

 

[Darien]

Will probably build my next computer. Unless:
>It's a notebook
>It's a mac desktop

 

[Twista]

building it...

 

[BurnItDwn]

usually i build them, though Once I bought a fully assembled laptop, and once a fully assembled server. The sever was cheaper as a whole with all the stackable coupons, rebates, and discounts then it would have cost to just buy the hard drives and motherboard ...

 

[TheToOTaLL]

Originally posted by: Ornery
$399.00 Is Too Much, FoBoT?

• Intel® Pentium® 4 processor at 2.8 GHz
  Microsoft® Windows XP® Home Edition
  256MB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM
  FREE CDRW Drive!
  FREE Palm Zire, Printer or Digital Camera!
  FREE Shipping!
  AGP Slot...

You can build your own cheaper?

Probably not, but then again when you build it yourself, you can get a piece at a time, instead of being hit with a massive charge at once.

Personally? I can't build them cheaper than I can get them from Dell

 

[petery83]

If it's a desktop, as it most likely will be, I'll build it myself (looking forward to building a dually)

If it's a laptop, I'll probably have to buy it

 

[phantom309]

I've always built mine, but next time I'll probably get a Dell Dimension 8300 or Precision workstation. Between my job and home rigs I'm sure I've built at least 100 computers - these days I just don't feel like messing with them much. I'm not as angry at Dell since they got rid of some of their Indian call centers. Their support is still a joke, but at least they're listening to their customers more now. And on the whole, they really do make good stuff for the money.