• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Would anyone here even consider buying a pre-built computer any more?

At least Gateway puts decent cards in their systems, like SB Live and Radeons. Give us your rig config on that Gateway.
 
After I just built my last one (thanks to Anandtech!), I'll never buy a pre-built again.

Who visits Anandtech and DOESN'T build their own computer (Besides Windogg)?
 
I would - from certain places. Sure as hell never another retail system. But honestly, if I could pay an extra $1-200 or whatever to guarantee that it's a stable system that won't pop up with a new incompatibility or problem every other week like mine seems to do, I'd probably take it.
 
I built my first one a few months ago and found out thats the only way to go. You save money, get better components, and you can say "I built it".
 
If I had the financial ability to say "Screw it" and buy an Alienware or a Falcon NW, I might go that way, just to have the freedom from headaches and let me get back to blowing things up.

KF
 
I will always build my own, just because I feel safer that way. Tho if I had to buy a pre-built system I would be pretty comfortable with Alienware.. I've recommended them to a few friends of mine.. they build some rocking boxes.
 
I would. Have built my own PC's for the past 5 years now though.
Pre-built systems are actually pretty good deals if you take into account the software packages that come with them. If a good deal came along I would buy one. Like the Gateway 6400 deal. It would be hard to build a comparable system for what they are selling it for.

 
Ahh people misunderstand. That is the server that went for $400. I hope to sell the HDD and bring my net price down to $350 after shipping.

Otherwise I always build.
 
I Build my own, but when I have someone ask me to build them one I Will quite often tell them to go buy a dell (I just dont wanna have to do the user education that most new users want)
 


<< This brings up my old poll. It indicated 95% of AnandTechers build their own. >>


Actually it indicated 95% of ATOTers who read your thread and voted build there own.

Lies
Damn Lies
Statistics...
 
I have built my last two. If people come to me, I have them buy from a particular company in OHio. Just got a 1.2G Athlon for them for about 450. That isn't too bad if you ask me. And they aren't tied down to any particular crappy isp.
 
I build my current one and I'm quite happy with it (saved me tons of dough 😀), but if I didn't have to worry about money, I'd probably save my time and buy an Alienware, or from a local shop (but only if I knew the technicians, most are incompetent).
 


<< Actually it indicated 95% of ATOTers who read your thread and voted build there own. >>



Would you please do some research before you comment? Do you want to be more specific? Limited to only OTers and GHers? And also limited to those who took the poll?

Accusations
Damn accusations
without looking at the whole picture...

serialb
 
For myself, only if it's a damn good deal ala 6400.

For other people, especially the stoopid ones, send them to dell, I don't want to do tech support. Unless they're hot
 
I'm planning on buying a e-machines for $399 so i could get a nice router 🙂 but this will be my first computer purchase!
 
I would consider it, but really depends on the price and what I can get in it.
Of course I could use an update to Office 97 &amp; Win 98 so maybe.

Seriously, though I prefer to build my own.
 
Back
Top