Good site to buy custom built computers besides dell?

[gib4501]

I'v never built a system before and was wondering if anyone knew of any good sites that lets you customize your system and build it for you or let you buy barebones computers. KInd of like mwave.com. ON my last computer i just bought a barebones computer and then just plugged in the drives. I know there is also cyberpower. Is there any other good ones for good prices. Thanks.

 

[bamacre]

You should build your own. Everyone did it for the first time, once.

It is not difficult, you'll save some cash, and gain a fantastic experience.

Otherwise, Dell is not a bad choice. I would suggest getting a basic XPS 410, and upgrading it yourself. Get the minimum ram, cheapest video card, and maybe even smallest hard drive. Then replace as desired.

 

[gib4501]

Yea when i get ready to get a new computer i may seriously think of building it myself. It cant' be that hard. My biggest concern would be installing the cpu correctly. Surely it cant' be that hard. When the quad cores come down in price i may build a computer. Thanks.

 

[bamacre]

Installing a cpu is easy to do.

Read up a little bit...
http://mechbgon.com/

 

[gib4501]

cool thanks. i'm reading it right now.

 

[soydios]

You seem to have decent knowledge of how to work around inside a computer. I'd recommend that you give building one yourself a shot.
If you have any questions, post them here of course! We're always glad to help.

 

[gib4501]

cool thanks. I think i may end up building one come july or august after the next intel price cuts. I'll be sure to ask for recommendations on here before i decide to buy.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: gib4501
cool thanks. I think i may end up building one come july or august after the next intel price cuts. I'll be sure to ask for recommendations on here before i decide to buy.

Try reading posted threads on your questions first. :laugh: Many members have redundant requests.

I wouldn't really classify Dell as a "custom builder". You can't pick any parts, only the limited options they offer.
> ABS has a great reputation <

 

[magreen]

Just know that on a budget computer ($500 or less) you'll save money by going with Dell. If you look around in their Smart Values section and in Dell Outlet, you'll find deals that you can't even come close to if you built it yourself. But for > $800 you usually save money doing it yourself.

Of course if you just want to have fun building it then that's another story.

 

[TallBill]

Its more fun to build your own! I bought one computer through cyberpowerinc and had no problems, they have 3 year warranties too. But I'll probably be building my own for a while now, at least untill I'm filthy rich.

 

[bruceb]

If you build it yourself, you will find in most cases, that the cost will be similar to say Dell or in some cases a bit higher.
However, you can select the parts best suited for your budget and uses. And if you want, go top of the line parts.
You also select the style of case you want and there are many to pick from, most with multiple cd bays, floppy bay,
multiple internal hard drive bays ... and you get to chose if you want an AMD or INTEL CPU as you will also be
selecting your own motherboard ... only downside is how long it will take you to get all the software installed and
configured. For the cpu, follow the instruction sheet exactly as to how to handle it and mount the fan / heatsink
as that is the most critical part. Check the pins are nice and straight before attempting to insert into the socket.
A mechanical pencil works very well to straighten any bent pins.

Let us know how you do. It should take about 2 days at most once you have all the parts.