2007-12-03 09:11:19 · 9 answers · asked by runner1 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
I build sell and repair computers and, contrary to what others say, altho custom built computers are better than storebought ones I don't even monkey with towers under $1000 because I can't even buy the parts for what places like Dell and HP sell their built low-end towers for nowadays. The days of saving money custom building low end towers were over long ago. If you were looking at getting a high-end gaming rig thats a different story but with $400 to spend forget about a custom built rig.
2007-12-03 11:20:01 · answer #1 · answered by s j 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I spend $400 on a computer, can I get a better one custom built or off the shelf ? Maybe or maybe not . Depends on what you really need in a computer . If your going low end - then why not just go with a used system ? Goodwill - Yard sales etc. You just might find a great deal out there . You could even piece one together from thrift stores and yard sales and friends ....My best find was a set of Boston digital speakers (2 - desktop speakers 1- Digital Sub) for $ 6.50
they retail at about $ 99.00 dollars :) Happy hunting
2007-12-03 09:40:35 · answer #2 · answered by Godzilla Gal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In your situation. I recommend buying one off the shelf. If you find a computer at a sale price it is often close to the same price point as building your own if it includes the operating system and perhaps some additional software. There are advantages both ways. The educational experience and pride of accomplishment can be quite rewarding. On the other hand, technical support and a descent warranty has it's reward. As far as suggesting a good model the choice is not obvious. I would recommend either AMD or Intel, 2,to 4 cores.
2016-05-28 01:07:11 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In short, custom built always beats off the shelf for whats inside a computer, and off the shelf usually has better software bundled with it. Depends where your priorities lie.
2007-12-03 09:15:35 · answer #4 · answered by Knight_Times 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
custom built will always win. get a computer that has alot of ram more than 1 gb of it. Makes things ALOT faster trust me
2007-12-03 09:19:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
PROBABLY custom. But for $400 i would not expect much either way!
2007-12-03 09:15:00 · answer #6 · answered by Triple Threat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guaranteed custom.
2007-12-03 09:31:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
for that budget off the shelf
good parts cost money video card alone will cost that
2007-12-03 09:18:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_tlcNEW.asp?CatId=6&CMP=ILC-FPM-PC
2007-12-03 09:18:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋