Is it cheaper to build a new PC, or just buy one?

Question

I have good skill with electronic components, and with building computers. However, it has been a couple of years since I built one. So, I'm ready for an upgrade to the newest technology. Should I build it or buy it? Would I save much money if I build it myself?

Answer 1

Hardware wise ... cheaper to build.
Quality, warranty & support ... depending on the unit ..may be better to buy.
Software & Operating System ... if you do not already have ... defenitely better to buy.

A PC is a lot more that the sum of its hardware parts. Higher end units like top Dells & HP Media Centers integrate a lot of research & engineering in hardware compatability, airflow, heat dissipation ..etc.

Every techy PC enthusiast in this forum will not approve of what I'm saying & I understand them .... in my early years of infatuation with hardware & the thrill of assembling one myself I would have agreed that building one is better ... but it depends on the unit & the user.

Now that I've been building & maintaing PCs for almost 20 years. I've learned that "cheaper" has got nothing to do with "better".

Also .. you need to consider TCO (total cost of ownership .. time spent shopping, assembling & maintaining ... not just the initial cost).

regards,
Philip T

Answer 2

The choice is yours, If you buy one, you can be sure it will work well, usually come with additional software like windows and provide a warranty or repairs at a service center

If you decide to buy a white computer, make it on your own, You will have more choice in setting it up the way you want. hard disks and mother boards come with a 1 year warranty and the processor 3 years. Building you own computer is also very cheap compared to buying a branded computer( they have to pay additional fees for marketing and software like windows, Microsoft rules over all)

I'm on my 4th PC and I've always had mine assembled in the shop rather then buying a branded one. Only had problems with one of them a cyrix mII whose mother board turned out to be a complete lemon, then again I did buy the new mother board for just $50 :-)

Answer 3

Building your own PC is relatively cheaper than buying one as you may want to specify your own specs; buying a new one, I tell you may give you a very cheap band-aid solution, but the components in it is questionable, and could cost you more in the long run.

Answer 4

I would totally just build one your self, the computer componets these days are so easy to install and Caveman could do it. It is also a lot cheaper then buying a new one.

Answer 5

building is cheaper if you want a good gaming or development pc (e.g. fast processor, tons of memory, etc.)

buying is cheaper if you want the cheapest $200 machine out there and you don't care about features.

Answer 6

development a workstation is alot much less complicated and decrease priced in case you recognize what you're doing and dont harm the areas. you may additionally customize it online and that they'll build it for you. It additionally concerns what you choose for to do with the workstation. in case you choose for gaming i might pass with development a working laptop or workstation. in case you choose for it for buisness in basic terms purchase a style workstation. development a working laptop or workstation is greater decrease priced in case you recognize what you're doing if no longer purely purchase a style call one.

Answer 7

Build it yourself, you will save a considerable amount of money and you just might get results like mine. :P
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6523/1lz7.jpg
You cant get this from any Dell or Alienware.

Answer 8

Build it. This way you can tweak it to exactly what you want. Check this link out...

Answer 9

Build it if you think you can.

Answer 10

if u know how to buildone that would change the subject but i dont know how much it costs