Is it cheaper to build your own? (1 Viewer)

[Carlo_M]

Pretty much at the speed of the processor you can go with software decoding. I think someone posted once that hardware was really for CPUs under 450MHz in speed and less than a PIII in power.

And yes, the few horror stories I've heard of people building PCs have come from usually the AMD side, with VIA chipsets (like my own not-so-nice experience). Let me say this: I just built my girlfriend a P4 system with the Intel 850MVL mobo and, although their parts are a little more expensive and less agressive (i.e. can't tweak it as much) there is something to be said about the reliability and stability of that machine. It turned on at the first attempt, and has been stable ever since!

 

[Corey Albers]

yeah, i've been looking to get an Alienware this xmas and all i've heard is that they're "good but overpriced", which i don't get.. yes they are not cheap machines and you could definitely save money by building the exact same system yourself. but configure a similar system from Dell (or others) and Alienware has them beat on price. after all things considered, i don't think Alienware is as overpriced as everyone says. i'm looking at the Aurora AMD XP 1900...

 

[Rob Varto]

I too was checking out the Aurora XP 1900. But what irks me is the price of some of the components. They want an additional $194 for a Plextor 16X CD-RW!! That's crazy, you can get one for $110 at Dell.com. Other than that, with their reputation it's a very intriguing option.

 

[Carlo_M]

Rob,

Adding components like a CDRW is easy as pie! Why not have someone like alienware build a machine with parts you don't feel like you're getting ripped-off on, and then add the parts later? You can find that CDRW for pretty cheap on the web, and even if you don't build PCs, installation of a CDRW is relatively easy.

 

[Tom Garvey]

Thanks for all the feedback on this topic... Now I need to decide if I want to build one myself or have it built.. I'd love to attempt it but would be kicking myself (along with my wife) right in my A$$ if I screwed it up :frowning:
Maybe like Carlo said.. I should look at Pentium instead..

 

[DaveF]

While computer companies do cut costs by using cheaper parts in some cases, they also save money because of economies of scale. It's cheaper, per unit, when you're building tens of thousands per year versus just one.
My opinion is that you should build your own computer if:
- You think it's fun
- You want to learn more about general computer hardware
- You just like DIY projects
- You want to specify exactly what components are in it
- You're a sadist
- You've got a source for wholesale prices (then it might be cheaper)
- You enjoy the "hunt" of shopping for many different components
You should buy one if:
- You want to save money
- The point of the journey *is* to arrive (that is, you want to use the thing, not build it)
- You want tech-support
- You want tech support from a single source (the computer seller) and not from the maker of every component in your computer.
- You don't like DIY projects
- You're a sadist
- You enjoy the "hunt" of finding the single best system configuration from the single best company
Every product has its problems and horror stories, but on the whole, there are several reputable manufaturers with strong reputations. I'm partial to Dell, having owned and ordered many from them, with zero problems.
And most retail hardware is not "proprietary" the way that e.g. IBM's "microchannel" bus architecture was, back in the early 90s. That is, it will work in different machines; it's not hardware that locks you in into a small set of potential upgrades, and that no one else uses. Often times, the components are modified versions: a video card without the standard TV out or a slightly slower clock speed; a monitor without all the adjustment features of the retail equivalent; a specific type of RAM chip that is a bit more expensive than generic RAM chips.
If you choose to build, enjoy!