Which method of buying computers is cheapest?

[Lackmusboy]

I´ll buy a computer soon but can´t decide if I´m going to buy the parts separately or if I´m going to buy a computer-package. Maybe someone can help me out by telling which is cheapest?
Also, If someone wants to recommend a system, I´d be grateful of any suggestions (I don´t have a ****load of money, though, so no monster PCs, OK?).

[Nathan G.]

In the end, final cost works out to be about the same. BUT, Building your own, you end up with better components that will stand up longer without the need for upgrading. In addition you gain the knowledge of the hardware within your system. This in turn will help with adding components in the Future and your overall comfort with the system hardware. Since you built it, the Inside wont seem like a mystery. You can choose tobuild with less expensive parts(i dislike the word cheap.. implies poor quality) if YOU choose. Versus letting someone else pick for you!
Some may find taking the time and effort required to buy/build their own system is just too much. Those people should probably get one made for them.
my 1 cent http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Axel]

You want a really inexpensive system that has a little of what it takes - go here:
www.hotwheelspc.com (http://www.hotwheelspc.com)

No kidding - it's a neat little system by the looks of it. One of the best package deals I've stumbled across in a new system.

If you want to learn something and have plans to upgrade in the future, I'd buy one component at a time after asking about it here and then build it myself.

[grandslammer]

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Mike

[grandslammer]

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Mike

[narayan]

well if you really wanted to get by inexpensively (the "cheap" word...), you could go get a system with the mail in rebate from compuserve or whoever. you can get a choice of computers at most big electronics stores, the drawback being the compuserve subscription. my compaq cost me $100 this way, with 64M ram, 4.6GB HD, 32X CD, blah blah blah. it works and for the price I cant complain. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif even though it is a compaq (proprietary http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif) GOOD LUCK, AND HAVE FUN!!! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[JeffD78]

I went to Dell's site the other night and just for giggles built a pretty basic computer. Celery 466, 128MB RAM, 64 bit PCI Soundcard, 6.4gb HDD, 15-inch monitor, 48x CD-ROM, and a 56k modem, all for $1333.00. Then I called the place I bought the stuff to build my computer from and it all totaled up to $890.00 with some better pieces than the Dell. 128 bit soundcard, 50x CD-ROM, and 16mb AGP Graphics. Plus the mobo is overclockable.

The only advantages I can see with getting a pre-built PC over one you build yourself would be the warranty the pre-built comes with (1 or 3 year depending on the manufacturer) and the software it comes with, if you care about that. But, IMHO, the advantages to building it yourself listed above outweigh those, and the components all have their own warranties anyway (usually only a year).

[Ed_S]

Tough call these days. Both ways have advantages, it really depends on your needs. The price is only one factor (an important one!) but there are others.

Building it gives you total control. You get exactly the parts you want all the way, only limit is money. Fully upgradeable.
Catch to that is total control also means total responsibility. If something's not compatible, or gets fried, it's your baby.
And "fully upgradeable" is double-edged also in that you'll want to make changes before you know it! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Package deal means the maker is responsible for getting it set up right. Warranty is from one source instead of many. Financing is usually available. But - could be tough to upgrade later. Hard to "tweak".

Another thing that gets overlooked in a lot of these kind of discussions - SOFTWARE.
The prebuilts come with a software pack and operating system. If you're starting from scratch this is a big expense! But you get little choice in the packs...

Get the idea? A lot to consider!!
I build my own, preferring to do it "my way".
But I also have an HP for my kids that Dad doesn't mess with! (got a deal on it, and I was tired of the whining when "their" computer was down for an upgrade...)


After all that, NOW I remember this (http://www.sysopt.com/buildvs/) link!!!!

Hope this helps!