Anyone here built their own computer and satisfied by it?

Question

I want to build my own but don't want to be angry and disappointed if/when it doesn't work. The hard drive on my current Dell laptop is messed up and I get impatient using it (it's very slow).

I tried tinkering around with a paintball gun I never used and was totally upset that I spent so much money on it. My parents think that if I build my own computer there will be similar results.

Answer 1

There's no reason why ou should botch up this job, my friend. DIY is the best thing going! And all of us have to fall a few times before we get to run!

Please study the tutorials for which I've given you links below and I'm sure you'll be an expert in the art of building PCs in no time fleat!

http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/
http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/
http://www.mysuperpc.com/
http://www.webfreebees.net/howtobuildpc.html
http://www.daileyint.com/build/
http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecentral/reports/article.php/3580681

All the very best!

Cheers

Answer 2

MMM... Building your own PC is a love-hate situation. If you're not rolling in dough, you'll discover that JUST after you installed the newest, hottest processor, the prices dropped and a new one came out that's 20% faster, and it costs less than the one you bought three weeks ago that's slower. You'll discover that the damned bezel wires don't have quite the right connections for your motherboard - the power switch is three pins wide, while your mobo is two pins wide. You'll find that the power supply you thought was such a killer deal actually is missing one connecter, and you have to buy an adapter.

In the end, you'll have a machine that's like a shade tree hotrod - fast, cool, and a sense of pride, but when it breaks you'll discover assembling it didn't teach you how to troubleshoot it, and you won't have any tech support to call.

So here's the short scoop. If you really *want to build a pc* just because you *want to do it*, then by all means, do it. Just like that hotrod. But if what you really want is a daily driver, something that you can use and depend on, buy a computer from someone else. I would recommend a Mac, but any major manufacturer will supply you with a better "daily driver" than you can build for the money.

Answer 3

Yes...I've built several. It is not something I would attempt unless you know what you are doing. Just making sure all the parts are compatible takes knowledge. The CPU must be compatible with the motherboard. Memory must be a certain type. Power supply can be a concern. Once everything is together and the OS is installed you will need to install driver updates, BIOS updates, and OS patches. I also recommend downloading a few check programs from www.download.com such as a CPU burn in program and full computer check program to verify everything is working fine.
You can build your own cheaper if you shop around and wait for good deals. It will be a faster PC for the money compared to buying a fully assembled one but won't come with as much software. I recommend www.newegg.com and www.zipzoomfly.com. Check out www.dealsea.com, www.dealuniversity.com, and www.techbargains.com for good deals on parts.

Answer 4

I have built several computers...

But these days you can buy a computer already put together much cheaper than building one yourself...

UNLESS...

You need a special computer for a specific reason and then you might want to build your own (gaming, video, word processing.. are NOT special reasons... more like robotic control, sensor monitoring, building security, etc. are special uses that would require you to build one)...

If you do not NEED a laptop.. get a desktop because they are much cheaper and easier to upgrade...

these days very few peoplel really need a laptop but LOTS of people get them when a portable memory/Hard Disk or USB Flash drive would suffice.

Answer 5

Yes, I built my own PC with terrific results -- and it runs better than most manufacturer's because it didn't come loaded with all the extra crap that has very little value.

You need to be pretty savy -- but it doesn't require a lot of money if you don't want it to. Don't skimp on the motherboard; get one that is approved by whatever CPU you'll be using. Think ahead: get a MB with plenty of expansion for the future.

Answer 6

well, I never have built a computer from scratch. I personally don't think I could. But I do know someone who has, And he was very happy with the results. I say if your into that sort of thing, try it! It won't hurt to try new things. And if you don't do it right you can always ask for help, it would be an excellent learning experience. Good luck!

Answer 7

yeah i built my own computer and im very staisfhed at that moment i didnt have much money but i brought a new case, motherboard, intel p4 3ghz ht, and 512mb ram around 500 bucks but i was really stasifed with it...just to say dell has alot of problems so dont get yoru hopes down i have a dell laptop that i got for free and it gives me problems so yeah... having a custom built machine is better then a manufactured one cause you got more power then the manfacture and your able to over clock the system which is say you have a 3ghz cpu and u want more speed from ti just over clock to liek 3.4ghz its all worth it but you might want to worry about coolign the system also....custom built computers are like power houses all built for gaming which is my system for everything including gaming... and im upgrading all the way..

Answer 8

I have build my own computer, it does not require much efforts, and if u take enough precaution, do the connections carefully as described in manuals it works really good, apart from that buying proper components is very important, do a bit of googling, read hardware reviews for different component and then deside according to your performance needs and budget which component you want to purches. dont go for mear speed but look for future expansion possibilities and you will have built a good computer.

Answer 9

I have built MANY computers...parts from NewEgg.com at
http://www.newegg.com

...it's not too difficult BUT you do need to know what you are doing otherwise even if a small thing goes wrong you can get stuck if you don't have any idea what to do. If you decide to do this make sure you have somebody around that can help you figure things out if things go wrong.

Here is a website that may help:

http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/buildcom/socka/1.htm

and

http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/buildcom/athlon/ath_1.htm

These coverers Athlon computers, but Intel and others are similar...

Good luck!

Answer 10

It's well worth the experience. You might want to start with a cheap desktop computer and upgrade that one piece at a time as you can afford it... it'll build confidence and teach you a lot about the machine.