How to build a computer?

Question

I was thinking of buying a laptop, but now it seems that it is becoming very costly for my configuration. So, I am thinking of buying a desktop, since portability is not really of great concern to me. The specs preferred are:

1. 150+ GB HDD
2. 8GB + RAM
3. Quad Core

I already have a 23.5" monitor, external keyboard and mouse. So, I just need to buy the CPU.

I am considering Branded or Assembled? Although, I feel that with Assembled I will get more flexibility in customization and reduction in price? What do you think?

If I want to build an assembled computer, how to proceed?

Thanks,

Answer 1

Jeff Atwood of this parish blogged yesterday about building a computer (actually rebuilding - but he linked to the building parts).

Do you need to buy Windows? If you do, then a generic bought computer will probably be as cheap as a self built one.

If you have an old 'CPU' that goes with you monitor etc, you could probably reuse the case, cd drive etc making a self built computer cheaper.

And don't forget that when specifying extra memory etc for a machine the companies selling pre-built machines often charge a lot more for that memory than you would pay in a shop. And some put "warranty void if removed" stickers on you machine to stop you adding more yourself.

So price up the alternatives, read about how to build a machine on several websites and then decide... but there is an unknown factor in that you cannot put a price on the knowledge that you built your own computer.

Answer 2

It depends how much experience you have with the innards of these things - I wouldn't recommend a novice build a PC from scratch, for example, particularly if the budget was tight and a mistake would be disastrous. I built up to it gradually, starting with simple things like adding memory (a whole 1MB into a 386 :D) or a sound card, then moving to adding more expensive or awkward components, and finally to actually building from scratch.

I believe the main focus should always be the motherboard, as it's the component that, if you need to upgrade it, will mean you'll end up upgrading almost everything else. Then the case. Everything else is much easier to replace. If you buy pre-assembled (unless it's a specialist like Scan 3XS), they'll probably give you a cheap version of one of those. Last time I had a Dell (a few years back), upgrading the power supply required sawing a hole in the back of the case as the pre-installed supply wasn't standard.

Answer 3

As you only want the desktop and no peripherals, you could go to your local computer shop. The people there should be knowledgeable and shouldn't try to sell you something you don't need.

As a comparison you could take the spec of the machine they recommend and type into the Dell or HP site and see how much it would cost you there.

Answer 4

Look up the spec you want and go to sites like eBay etc to get the best prices on the parts, then compare the overall price to a pre-built one.

My honest opinion is there is nothing better then building your own pc, its fun and you learn all the seperate parts and know exactly what your pc is like

Answer 5

Whit a screwdriver...

After this wonderfull wisecrack, i suggest you to assemble your computer on your own, BUT, be carefull, if you are not sure on what are you doing is better to follow carefully the right guide, there are many on tom's hardware or other sites. Moreover take time to confront prices and qualities of components examine if they have the right balance between money/quality and if they fit your requirements.

Talking about Branded desktops :

1. Overpriced
2. Most of all they are unupgradeable
3. Less fun (nothing to learn)

Answer 6

If you are trying to save money by building your own PC, don't. Buy a brand name PC that matches your needs. Build a PC if you want the experience of building one. It is very satisfying to use some you made. Some people point out that when you build your own PC they are easier to upgrade. This is true to a certain extent. However the most common upgrades are RAM and hard drives. these can easily be updated on almost any system, including brand name systems like Dell and HP. By the time you need to upgrade a CPU or Video Card, you most likely need to replace just about everything.

Ars Technic has some excellent guides they update yearly. Go read them.