So.. after fighting with my old machine for the last few days (the reasons for the fight have been around awhile, though), I've decided to turn it into a paperweight and look around for a new machine.

As the title of the thread states, I'm wondering if I should build one or just buy one. Pros and Cons of each? I know if I build one, I won't get the cool software bundle.. but do I really need MSOffice or Money or all that other stuff?

Help a somewhat computer literate person out here!!

Building lets you have more control over what you want. Like cheaping out on sound and buying a little better video card or chip.

Buying, hmm, well software bundles are nice, but usually come with junk you don't need. Sometimes buying a machine you can get a really good deal, but you are also stuck with whatever they have put in it.

I think both are good, but I always go for building, just because of the freedom you have with it.

Just my opinion though ;)

I always push people to build they're own... Unless they are computer illiterate, cause then I just point them to Dell or Futureshop. I find that when you buy from a store, your buying a computer with tech support and hasstle free warranty. That adds about 100-200 on top of the cost compared to building your own. Somtimes the bundled software packages are nice, but you can easily find cheap or free alternatives on the interenet.

I just put together a computer for a co-worker and the parts were suited for what he needs, and its fast for the price compared to pre-assembled comptuers. It was pretty much the cheapest everything with a video card so that his son could play some new games. And I find with the cheapest everything, you still get quality parts which all on their own have warranty. ( I try no to buy OEM which only has 30 day warranty)

I think for cost, your still getting more for your money when you build, even if you have to buy some software. The only thing is, you need to do some research on almost each part you buy to see how it performs and how works for other people.

For store bought, usually they have been fully tested and you know you'll get something that will run pretty good, and if you get a rotten egg, you can just take it back to get another one no questions asked..

I bend to both principles.

I can build, and have for others and myself. But I also like store configured to order ordeals, which is why just received my 3rd Alienware box.

There are pro's and con's to both sides.

Here is a link to Alienware's Buy or Build:
http://www.alienware.com/build_vs_buy_pages/index.aspx

The joys of building are you put in what you want, to purchase, and you get to work out all the kinks, but you know how its done, and you can fix it.
Purchasing, you get a little better build, some nice cable wraps, and you do get some nice package deals, along with Tech Support.

I will say, that every "store" or "factory" built machine, I've modified it right out of the box (less this last one, since its liquid cooled).

In essence, I tear it apart, find out what's what, maybe even load my own versions of the OS to see how drivers differ. Then maybe use their "restore" or "recovery" disk to note the difference's.

As for price differences, well, Store/Factory built verses Order it all, and build it, the prices can be almost the same. Build self may crop up some hardware issues, store bought takes time. Build self has every peice's shipping if from different spots, factory built its all one shipping cost (less the 200 bucks for 2 day for last system, to include a new UPS).

But for some quick fixes Dell, Gateway are good, but Dell's support has gone to ****.

Some factories allow chipset (Intel vs AMD) some don't.

Too many Online shop per peice stores to name, but a few supper custom jobs can be found at Alienware; Falcon-NW; VooDoo PC; Thunder (something forget) are a few I browse from time to time.

Bottom line I tell people when they're upgrading or looking to buy, is "What does your wallet say?". Go with what you can afford, and for what you need.

Good Luck,

I've built a couple and they were nice machines. Built the way I wanted them to be. But the store bought ones are so cheap now it is hard to build as cheap as you can buy.

I am currently on a HP, 2 Ghz, 512 Mb ram, 160 Gb hard drive machine with a CD/DVD burner. It has integrated video (yuck) but runs UO3D and City of Heroes with no problems. I paid only $500 for it at Fry's.

I already know that my next one will be bought at Fry's. (unless some other store can beat 'em)

Either way you go is pretty good so I guess just shop around and see how much the parts will cost compared to a new one. And see what they will come with.

I've always built my own in the past. But that's when prices were so much higher on new boxes and was an attempt to save money. I bought a custom from HugeBee a while back for my niece and got it to her delivered for about $499. As Thradia pointed out, you never know what parts you're going to get, but you can choose your own video card in most cases. The sound built into the motherboards is adequate unless you are doing stuff with music, mixing and such.