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03/13/2004 12:39:50 AM · #1 |
Is it difficult? I know its WAY cheaper, but if its too difficult a task I will just buy one from a store. Also is there a site or book that goes in depth about how to build a PC from scratch? Thanks
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03/13/2004 12:46:31 AM · #2 |
Usually people build computers themselves because they want the best parts (motherboard, RAM, video card, harddrive, etc), and also enjoy doing it. If the best parts don't matter to you and/or you don't really like doing that kind of thing, just buy one pre-built.
Personally, I've never purchased a pre-built computer, because I like building them, etc. Although you do run into problems and it can be a headache. And never by cheap parts from big stores like Fry's Electronics, etc. or you WILL regret it. :) |
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03/13/2004 01:10:23 AM · #3 |
Hey Jeremy,
The catch is that if you build your own computer with reliable performance parts, it should cost as much if not more than the same system offered from a company like DELL.
So if a low price is a major factor, it is best to buy one online from a company like DELL or from a cheap online store offering there own systems. DELL will provide you with a low priced system with reliable quality parts and you have a warranty that allows you to return the whole computer. Whereas if you were to purchase individual components, it would be your responsibility to establish which components are failing in the event of system instability and replace those components individually on warranty. So it is certainly more complicated if things go wrong and hence more important to buy quality components.
It isn't difficult to build a computer and a quick search on google will reveal a multitude of communities dedicated to the process and discussion on components. Try a website like www.tomshardware.com
In buying your components be certain not to look for the cheapest low range components, but instead look for good deals on mid-high range components. Spend some time on the boards at tomshardware.com or read the articles and it won't be long before you understand the distribution of quality components in the market.
It is a rewarding exercise if you like technology and are up for the challenge. If you are thinking about building your own to save money then it would be best to instead go with a low range product from DELL or HP/Compaq. |
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03/13/2004 01:28:21 AM · #4 |
I've built a computer from leftover parts, but most of the time, it's not worth your time. Many places on the web will build the computer you specify and test it for $50 over the cost of the parts, or sometimes no charge at all. I have done this for three computers.
However: one thing about building yourself or specifying the parts. Even if you know how to build one (it's actually quite easy), it's harder than you think to pick the best parts, and also to pick the best parts that will work together harmoniously and with good performance.
When I mean work together harmoniously, it's not an issue of whether or not the PC works: more often it's a matter of how stable the system is.
My last two PCs I have bought Dell Precisions, because I know they are tested for stability, and Dell ensures that eventually, even if things don't work 100% right (like my ATI Fire GL video card), at least they settle down and become "stable" (don't crash).
I looked for the current state of the places I've used on reseller ratings to make sure they've still been good to customers, and there's only one left in business, and they get great ratings (from me too):
KC Computers -- Kevin Chalker is very knowledgeable and helpful
But there are certainly others out there!
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03/13/2004 02:08:01 AM · #5 |
a lot of the items like a monitor, mouse, keyboard, CD drive, floppy drive and hard drives can be reused from your old system thus keeping he cost down.
you can get a new case with a 400w power supply for around $50, and a new processor, mother board and memory can be had for under $300.
If you are froogle and reuse as much from your old system as you can, you can save a ton of moey and get a nice system.
this site will give you a good idea on going rates for all PC componets and the prices are usually much lower than most other places
James
Pricewatch
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03/13/2004 07:08:14 AM · #6 |
If you're technically skilled or don't mind learning the ins and outs, building a computer can be cheaper as James says - but if you don't know what you're doing, it can be a real headache. I've built about three computers from the box up, and each one has gotten easier as technology improved - that being said, there are still lots of things you have to know and consider - one of which is just really knowing the basic components and not mixing old and new technologies - i.e. buying the right type of memory for your mother board, making sure your processor will work with your mother board, etc. These things are critical to getting your system put together correctly. If I had to start from scratch again, I'd probably start with a "bare bones" system. That way, you're insured of starting with technology that all works together. One of the sites I use when I'm looking for parts a lot of times is:
Computer Surplus Outlet
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03/13/2004 07:27:54 AM · #7 |
| I just wanted to know, if i am only interested in doing Photoimaging using Photo Shop is the onboard video card of mother board sufficent , Lets suppose i go for an orginal Intel Mother board |
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03/13/2004 08:08:59 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by General:
I just wanted to know, if i am only interested in doing Photoimaging using Photo Shop is the onboard video card of mother board sufficent , Lets suppose i go for an orginal Intel Mother board |
It may be, but if you want to run 32-bit true color (a and you need to for photo work) at any resolution above the most basic, say, 1024x768, you will prolly have issues, since the on-board video will have little video RAM compared to even a pretty basic add-in card.
The on-board video will also rely far more on the main CPU for functions that an add-in card will do itself. This is less a factor these days with extremely fast processors, but still does make a difference.
With good, capable video cards available for $50-70 USD, give yourself the flexibility and capability to move to a little bigger monitor, then set a high resolution, like 1600x1200, and your photo editing will take on a whole new level of pleasure.
On the general topic, I've built our last 4 machines, and would echo that it can be a pain, but is rewarding. I never spend alot less than I would from an e-tailer these days (actualy sometmes a bit more), however what I end up with is always more bang for the buck, i.e. I've spec'd my own parts & gotten all I can from them. I also like to overclock, which can really put you ahead a couple steps as far as speed. For Instance, my current system is a 2.4GHz P4, not an expensive processor, but it runs at 3.2GHz. When I built the system, I would have paid $500 more for "real" 3.2GHz (it might not have been available at all when I built the thang...)
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03/13/2004 08:28:25 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by shoebox:
Hey Jeremy,
The catch is that if you build your own computer with reliable performance parts, it should cost as much if not more than the same system offered from a company like DELL.
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My experience with 'performance parts' and Dell systems is very bad. They had some nice offerings a while back, looked great on paper, good price so we bought two. They ran slower than a handbuild Cyrix PR MX system with on paper a 200% slower processor and even more slower than a handbuild Pentium I with on paper 100% less processing power.
I will never ever buy Dell stuff again.
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03/13/2004 08:32:28 AM · #10 |
I've built a few computers and it is easy... however, some computer manufacturers have gotten it down pretty cheap... like Dell. I'm a big fan of their systems and prices. If you have to buy the software (OS, Office, etc.) you can't beat their price and it's probably not worth it to build one.
As far as computer books... I HIGHLY recommend Scott Mueller's Upgrading and Repairing PC's. You can find it here on Amazon. A must have for anyone wanting in depth information on any and everything that has to do with the computer.
Good luck! :-)
Message edited by author 2004-03-13 08:32:46. |
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03/13/2004 08:35:26 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Azrifel:
Originally posted by shoebox:
Hey Jeremy,
The catch is that if you build your own computer with reliable performance parts, it should cost as much if not more than the same system offered from a company like DELL.
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My experience with 'performance parts' and Dell systems is very bad. They had some nice offerings a while back, looked great on paper, good price so we bought two. They ran slower than a handbuild Cyrix PR MX system with on paper a 200% slower processor and even more slower than a handbuild Pentium I with on paper 100% less processing power.
I will never ever buy Dell stuff again. |
Not sure what you got, but if you went for the cheaper sale items, it was probably slow processer, not much RAM, etc. Dell offers bargain pricing, just like any computer manufacturer, but if you want current, fast stuff - you need to customize it.
I recommend Dell to all of my customers and they are very happy with their machines. The first time I set one up for a client, I was very impressed with the build of it and quality of the machine/parts. |
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03/13/2004 08:37:55 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by General:
I just wanted to know, if i am only interested in doing Photoimaging using Photo Shop is the onboard video card of mother board sufficent , Lets suppose i go for an orginal Intel Mother board |
I use a basic 32mb video card that cost me $35... works just fine for photo processing (or maybe it doesn't and no one has told me yet!) lol.
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03/13/2004 10:13:43 AM · #13 |
The cost of building your own computer is cheaper (sometimes) if you plan to pirate all your software. If you intend to be legal, there is no real way to build a PC for less money.
I recently completed my new homemade system and I somewhere between $1500 and $1600 in the hardware. The reason I chose to build a system rather than purchased somethign off the shelf is because of bad experiences with upgrades. I had an HP Pavilion P3/800 with 256mb of RAM. It had an onboard 16mb video processor. I could NOT upgrade the RAM or the video card in this system. The RAM was maxed out and there was no way to disable the onboard VGA. I tried several methods with no success and HP even said I couldn't do it. That was a bit frustrating. When I bought that PC, I was not doing digital photography and had no real need other than being able to have an internet connection at home.
The new system I put together gives me a strong upgrade path. The video is NOT integrated on the motherboard. I have 1gb of RAM on it now with the capability of upgrading to at least 4gb.
I think its a good idea to treat your PC purchases the same way you would your camera equipment. Cutting too many corners in your 'hobby' often results in dissatisfaction.
Good luck in whatever you decide :)
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03/13/2004 10:17:04 AM · #14 |
If you've never seen or played around with the inside of a computer, I would suppose that building one yourself would be a bit intimidating. However, if you're familiar or comfortable with computers, it shouldn't be too hard. I happen to think it's quite fun. And yes, it can be way cheaper but it can also be way more expensive. It's all going to depend on the components you pick. The main difference is that you have the ability to select the brand and quality of every single thing in there. When you order a Dell (which I also have and love), you get to pick the hard drive size and the amount of memory, but you don't know what brand motherboard or what brand hard drive, etc. The downside to building your own is that the entire computer isn't under warranty, but each part will have it's own warranty and should you ever need to fix something, you'll be really familiar with the inside of the system.
There are tons of websites out there on how to build a computer. I actually picked up a small magazine at CompUSA which I can't remember the name of and used it in conjunction with an article in PCMag about building computers. Lots of pictures. I found some of the modders forums pretty helpful too. And I ordered all of my parts from New Egg whose customer service I found to be exceptional. (You really need to know what you want before you go to the website though as it's not all that user-friendly for browsing.) |
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03/13/2004 10:18:05 AM · #15 |
Thanks for reply, actually i am not into Pc so it is easier for me to buy a Intel Mother Board with on board Card , Unless members can help me decide how to buy video card , i mean what is the basis , i simply have no clue
As regards to Dell, I read in their Literature that it was basically formed with idea to sell computers to customers based on their need and ship directly to them as compared to other companies that have standard models where Customer has no say.
Any of you use Mac, i heard alot about it that it is much stable and better than Pc, I was about buy iMac but because its own OS i felt i might face some problems with Software i add later hence bough an IBM |
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03/13/2004 10:38:38 AM · #16 |
Thanks for the info... I was looking HERE and they seem to offer up to date equipment for a pretty good price. Anyone have any experience with them?
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03/13/2004 10:44:38 AM · #17 |
Have not dealt with them, or even heard of them before, however they have a high rating on resellerratings.com.
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03/13/2004 10:45:31 AM · #18 |
how do you suppose its cheaper only if you 'pirate' all your software.
did you consider that folks may already OWN legimate software licenses?
which could be installed on the new system...
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
The cost of building your own computer is cheaper (sometimes) if you plan to pirate all your software. If you intend to be legal, there is no real way to build a PC for less money. |
thats how i do it. just because you have a new mainboard and cpu doesnt mean all your current software wont work on it, and you have to purchase all new titles... and it may be close to the price of a dell system - but will run better, faster, longer, and be customizeable and upgradeable if any single part happens to crap out.
if you want to build a pc yourself go to tiger direct and look at their barebones kits - find a mainboard that suits your needs, and add the harware you want to it - making sure everything is compatible is the hardest part.
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03/13/2004 10:50:04 AM · #19 |
i might add - if you have no/minimal knowledge of BIOS configuration, and hardware conflicts, and troubleshooting problems - building one yourself will NOT be a good idea.
if you want to get the most out of a new system you have to configure it to run optimally ( same kind of goes for a boxed system - but not to the same degree )
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03/13/2004 10:51:54 AM · #20 |
gee, just build your computer, its easy, and worth it.
You will get the components you want, just be sure of buying Retail packed things, not OEM.
dude.
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03/13/2004 11:26:30 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by soup:
how do you suppose its cheaper only if you 'pirate' all your software.
did you consider that folks may already OWN legimate software licenses?
which could be installed on the new system...
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
The cost of building your own computer is cheaper (sometimes) if you plan to pirate all your software. If you intend to be legal, there is no real way to build a PC for less money. |
thats how i do it. just because you have a new mainboard and cpu doesnt mean all your current software wont work on it, and you have to purchase all new titles... and it may be close to the price of a dell system - but will run better, faster, longer, and be customizeable and upgradeable if any single part happens to crap out.
if you want to build a pc yourself go to tiger direct and look at their barebones kits - find a mainboard that suits your needs, and add the harware you want to it - making sure everything is compatible is the hardest part. |
i've built many computers and haven't had any problems. i usually get all my components from Tiger Direct. I highly recommend them.
i've also had good success with Motherboards.com for motherboards and cpu's.
important tip...cooling fans, cooling fans, cooling fans! :) |
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03/13/2004 11:44:36 AM · #22 |
i think that //www.newegg.com is the best, you can buy stuff either retail or OEM.
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03/13/2004 11:59:28 AM · #23 |
| I need to buy some Sdram for my P-3, where should i check |
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03/13/2004 12:02:43 PM · #24 |
i bought mine at office max, but you should try //www.newegg.com
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03/13/2004 01:41:09 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by General:
I need to buy some Sdram for my P-3, where should i check |
I use Crucial.com
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