(no subject)

[vicarz]

Geek question - for a PC only:
is it worth it to learn how to build my own computer and snap together the parts, or should I just buy a computer?

Anyone suggesting a mac will be rebuffed with "As a noncomformist, I refuse to invest in a monopolistic enterprise based solely on cute colors and rounded corners."

Comments

[grymnir.livejournal.com]

Pain in the ass to maintain. Doesn't save a significant amount when all is complete. No warranty. If you're a tech keep that like to download and check for patches, why your sound card doesn't work in the middle of a game, or tweak things at 02:00--then build your own.

...and yes...I say this because my last PC was a Frankenstein PC, and it proved a pain to keep working with the new software and when a component fried...no support to repair. Buy a new machine.

[anarcha.livejournal.com]

I did it in February. Since I valued the experience a great deal, it was completely worth it.

It all comes down to the value you place on time relative to money relative to experience.


If you do decide to do it, I have some books I can lend you. And if you ever get stuck, you can always take your work to Microcenter, and they'll trouble shoot it for you (for a price).

[vicar.livejournal.com]

I was thinking of doing a "build your own PC" class at microcenter, but they don't seem to advertise them anymore so I'm not sure they exist. I haven't had time, don't have time, but also avoided them previously because they insisted you buy the parts first - and I wouldn't know what to buy without the class!

As a hispanic, I want to give my pc tiny low-riding tires with spinners!

[judgefudge.livejournal.com]

As a hispanic, I want to give my pc tiny low-riding tires with spinners!

Putting the "puta" back in "computadora" since 2007.

[bentrazor.livejournal.com]

I'm gonna echo grymnir's thoughts on the matter. Building PC's is a fun but frustrating learning experience, but everything I read you post seems to indicate you're an overly busy guy who probably doesn't want to run back and forth to micro center picking up patch cables n shit.

[vicar.livejournal.com]

It just looks so easy since they eliminated dip switches...but the software could suck and really boost the price since everything from operating systems on up seems nearly free if you just get it with built pc.

[bentrazor.livejournal.com]

Well, mostly it's just a matter of "which cpu fits onto which motherboard fits into which case" and then it's just buying everything and plugging it in, but it's easy to miss something or just have some shit that straight doesn't work the way it's supposed to. It definitely teaches you a lot about what and how to fix stuff in a computer (I've always said if anyone knew how easy it is to do stuff like install a HD, they'd send me back to the grocery store).

I guess I can amend my last statement by saying; If you want to build a PC because you want to build a PC, then by all means, it's a fun learning experience, but if you just need a new computer, i'd say just buy one with whatever custom options you think you might need. Plus software IS a kick in the pants.

Let me also throw in, don't believe the hype; computers are like cars: they run as long as you take care of them and you don't need to buy a new one every year. If it means shelling out a few extra $ for something that's got everything you want in it, it'll pay for itself over time. The only reason for those obscenely specced out monsters is gaming or major production rendering (and 360 can do most of the first one anyhow)

[joanarkham.livejournal.com]

My brother always built his (and my) PCs from scratch, but he says it isn't worth it anymore. Of course, if you just want to learn about the guts of your PC it might be a fun project.

Personally, I never mess with hardware. I break things.

[inlaterdays.livejournal.com]

I've built several PCs from scratch but you really don't need to these days unless you want a heavily customized gaming rig.

Now I'm more likely to buy a pre-built one and then crack the case if I want to tweak it; add a second HD or more memory or whatever.

LOL @ my closets filled with cords, old motherboards, and assorted spare parts.

I love hardware; it's fun and it's not hard to learn how to do it, but it's not necessary unless you have really specific requirements.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_blackjack_/]

is it worth it to learn how to build my own computer and snap together the parts, or should I just buy a computer?

Only if you're a real man.

To tell the truth, the main reason I'm still running on obsolete hardware is that I don't have time to upgrade and I can't bring myself to just buy a whole new system. I've been replacing things a part at a time since, um, 1989. I've gone through like 12 computers in that time, but never bought a whole one.

[eac.livejournal.com]

hey, he's not a real man. you can see from his icon. :)

[nordiclizard.livejournal.com]

I don't think it is worth it to build your own in most cases. The main reason for doing so would be for the experience. When you buy a pre-built machine, you have a warranty, and you know the builder has validated that all the parts actually do work together. While this is less of an issue nowadays, it is still something to consider.

A couple years ago, I also thought about building my own. However, I looked at a decent machine from Dell that was on sale, priced out what it would it would cost for me to buy equivalent parts myself, and it was more expensive to build it myself. So, I went with the Dell.

BTW - if you want, I get a decent discount for Lenovo (formerly IBM) computers that friends are allowed to use. Lenovo is better for laptops though. If you want the login info to check out the prices, let me know.

[vicar.livejournal.com]

Thanks - I'm not unhappy with dell prices right now, and I get a mini discount for being federally employed. However, I'm weird on Dell politically - would need to research before spending money. I'm not sure I need a laptop, and that's a whole new level of decisions (small vs. normal, super light vs. cheaper)

[dcjester.livejournal.com]

Go for a Lunix machine!

OMFG, so kidding.

Build your own. The "deals" you see on Dells site or what not may look great, but they tend to be refurbished materials. Besides that, they dont always have newer stuff available, even though its on the market.

My first question tho is; What do you plan on doing with this computer?

[vicar.livejournal.com]

Good question - mostly the same stuff I do on my 4 year old computer. The only thing I was thinking of changing was revising my entire entertainment center, so the computer is the base of the television and music. I haven't quite figured out how to do this, especially as while I can HD my CDs, I also have a load of LPs that I'd like to be able to play of the HD at some point (now there is a software and wiring venture).

Mostly I just want one for no good reason. While I run backups, I worry that someday my HD will crash and inconvenience me, as it's been about 4 years.

rounded corners I'll grant you but...

[shadow27.livejournal.com]

I didn't know brushed aluminum was a cute color.

Re: rounded corners I'll grant you but...

[cobwellac.livejournal.com]

I think it's a color and a great one at that (for a computer). Sadly, Jose, we're on opposite ends of the spectrum on this: I'm totally suckered in by the aesthetics of a Mac.

[dnaspydir.livejournal.com]

Look man, if you are just going to slap windows on it anyway you might as well just buy something off the shelf.

That's sound advise from someone with 20+ years of tech behind them. I build machines with specific purposes requiring specific hardware and software. That plus I am a Bithead and enjoy a challenge. So if that's not you (and be honest) get a warranty.

And there's nothing wrong with Apples now that they have planted their roots in Unix.

[vjnightshade.livejournal.com]

If you're gonna build a computer, a good way to go about it is to have a hardware savvy friend help you out first. It's always good to have a second pair of eyes with this sort of stuff.

Other than that, it's all just a matter of following the instructions you get. If you ask me, it's worth saving the money.