Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

The word is that 'build your own' is usually cheaper for a given system spec. The 'prebuilt' system might seem cheaper but that is only a good deal if you actually want a system that meets the cookie-cutter specs. If you want a better than average video card or more RAM than the standard spec they start charging you 'upgrade fees' at a much steeper rate than buying your own parts would cost. If you assess what you really want as opposed to what the current cheapie has, you'll see some major differences. Once the upgrades to the "standard" are figured in, the self-built is cheaper.

The only issues is, how confident are you putting it together? Some people are intimidated by the thought of assembling all those expensive parts. If you've done any tinkering with electronics before, it's pretty likely you'll be able to put your computer togther correctly.

Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

Rest your wrists on the metal case. It grounds you and isn't connected to the parts.

Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

Open your computer and look at the motherboard. Look for some screws holding the motherboard to the case. They look gold or copper don't they? Why do you think that is? Only ground yourself with the case if you can't do anything else. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

If you know how, build it. If you are a newb and it's a second system, build it. If your a newb and it will be your main rig, buy it from Mikey.

Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

I built my new system with little experience (I had changed the video card and added RAM to my previous machine). I did a fair amount of reading ("Building the Perfect PC", Tom's Hardware, CNet, NewEgg, etc.) before doing anything. I also watched prices for a while.

Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

building is easy. just read the manuals and follow the instructions. it is very easy and will save you a ton of coin... Take a look at a 1200 dell system, You could build a better system with a 64 bit amd , dual harddrives, better sound and video card for 800....

Plus building the pc will help you with troubleshooting and doing tiny upgrades down the road.

And the satisfaction of building something that works.

You could take a few days pricing out stuff... Either start with the AMD cpu you want and then find the recommened motherboards , video cards or Pick a motherboard and work you way out that way.

AMD CPU's will save you a ton of coin over intel... The price of a video card http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

As for cases I recommend you spend a little money and get a good case where you can remove both sides to get at everything , and also get a good powersupply, and good fans for proper ventalation.

ncix would be a good place to start for pricing out a system.

Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

New at it, will be primary machine, but not for a while. So I think I'll go ahead, build it, then have a while to find out what I did wrong, fix it, etc etc, then maybe when I need it down the road, it'll be ready http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

Having a second machine running while you build the first one is the best...

You can google whenever you're not sure, and you can ask us quick questions any time. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

Beware, I'll probably be asking a lot of questions! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: OT: Buying vs. building your own computer
 

Just my $.02

For my home computers, I've built them myself for years and saved a lot shopping around. Just be sure you're buying compatible parts. It really is not that difficult anymore, at least not the way it used to be.

I've always found good deals (lots of rebates and stuff) on parts, 'barebones' machines, refurbs, and accessories at TigerDirect.com and they have a lot of stuff there to assit in putting it together. Been having very good luck with them for years.