building ones own PC

zeta_theking

is there a really significant savings?

Heath Stewart

Depends. I've built several *nix boxes that are much cheaper (taking only hardware into account) and you always get exactly what you want. Sites like Pricewatch[^] really help a lot, too. If you're building yourself a Windows box and don't have an MSDN Universal subscription (to get Windows, your development tools, and Office), I think a manufactured PC (Dell, hp/Compaq, Gateway, etc.) is much cheaper - you just can't get the MS software for their prices!

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Megan Forbes

zeta_theking wrote: is there a really significant savings? If you shop around, certainly. A more lazy way to save cash is to buy a Dell with minimum memory, then purchase that elsewhere and slot it in yourself :).

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Lost User

A little, but it lets you choose the precise configuration you want. Warning: beware the gremlin static - use an earthing wristrap, make sure the case is earthed ! Elaine :rose: The tigress is here :-D

zeta_theking

Trollslayer wrote:**Warning: **beware the gremlin static - use an earthing wristrap, make sure the case is earthed !**** I'll remember that,i just installed a new carpet...plenty of static in the house.:)

jspano

If you target a high end cpu you will see much more savings. For instance, a friend of mine put together a 5K dell server for 3.2K. Much better parts than dell also. I tried to compare a self build machine on the low end the other day and couldn't beat dell. Dell was 750, mine was 737 but didn't have a cd burner in it.

peterchen

Sweet! I guess in this price range, it even makes sense if you're not in for the fun

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John M Drescher

jspano wrote: Much better parts than dell also. I agree 100% on that. PC vendors use a much lower quality parts (especially the power supply) than most people will when they build it themselves. John

Richard Jones

For gosh sakes, don't forget to put those little plastic spacers between the motherboard and the risers!:doh::sigh: "For all of our languages, we cannot communicate" - Christy Moore, Natives

73Zeppelin

Now who would do a cheap thing like that.... ======= Begin Subliminal Message Block ======= Me --> :jig: <-- Me ======= End of Subliminal Message Block ======= I simply can't imagine the kind of person that would do such a thing...:suss: John Theal Physicist at Large Got CAD? http://www.presenter3d.com[^]

J Dunlap

Usually you get a significant savings, but if you don't, at least you're sure to get exactly what you want. And, it's fun! :)

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John M Drescher

I have been building my own pc since I had a bad experience with a 486 DX 33 Packard Hell machine and also I build all the pcs for my department. In general if you build it your self you can get better quality and warrantee for the same or lower price if you are willing to give up a little techincal support that the big guys offer. At home I never buy a complete system so its always an upgrade. But my last upgrade about 6 months ago I got a brand new Athlon XP 2100 + 512MB of PC2700DDR + MOBO + quality case with 400W PS + 52X CD Burner for about $250 delivered mostly from ebay. John

Roger Wright

The voice of experience?:rolleyes: "Another day done - All targets met; all systems fully operational; all customers satisfied; all staff keen and well motivated; all pigs fed and ready to fly" - Jennie A.

Terry ONolley

5 years ago - yes. Today - no. With a 1 Gz+ Dell system selling for under $500 there is no longer any real pricing reason to do this. I used to build PCs for my whole family, but I quit doing it several years ago. The warrenty that comes with a name-brand system and the bundled software more than makes up for the price difference (not to mention the lack of hassle). JM2C

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Richard Jones

Roger Wright wrote: The voice of experience? Sadly, yes. Luckily the company replaced the mobo FOC.:-D "For all of our languages, we cannot communicate" - Christy Moore, Natives