Should I build a computer?

maxbimmer05 · 06-06-2005, 08:50 PM

Hey, I've been using my current computer for at least 2 and a half years now and it is wayyy too outdated and slow for anything new. I dont want anything too insane but I want a rig that will play games pretty well and be able to store tons of warez. What kind of price range am I looking at? and what should I put in it?

Marshillboy · 06-06-2005, 08:57 PM

Um, if you want more fun, build a computer, however if you want a lot less price, buy one.

lurkswithin · 06-07-2005, 03:41 AM

That depends on what you have now that can be used in your new build. But on average, you can build a compatable unit for about $700us that will play the games but really doesnt allow for much future upgrading and all that. But will serv you well for a few years on just general computing and gaming.
If you are looking to really get into the gaming end with multimedia and all that ..then look more towards $1500us and upward. But for your best decissions on this please look at this site that per suggested:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_To_Build_A_Computer

It will lead you in the right direction and then we will be more than glad to help you with your decisions.

philvia · 06-07-2005, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshillboy

Um, if you want more fun, build a computer, however if you want a lot less price, buy one.

i've always thought that building your own computer was cheaper

mr.monger · 06-07-2005, 12:29 PM

it is.

99nasha · 06-07-2005, 12:39 PM

In some ways yes in others no. Building a computer is a challenge and feel very proud of yourself when youve done it

So I think it better to build one.

Marshillboy · 06-07-2005, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.monger

it is.

Lol, not if you buy generic

99nasha · 06-07-2005, 03:02 PM

Ive seen some offers on computers and have been kicking myself. I saw a tiny with a AMD 4000+ in for the same price as mine cost to build

Marshillboy · 06-07-2005, 03:05 PM

I bought this Generic PC one year ago for 300 bucks, still haven't found a better deal..

The_Other_One · 06-07-2005, 03:38 PM

I think the cost to build a computer tends to be cheaper and usally ends up with better quality. You order a cheap computer, you get a cheap POS computer. You build a cheap computer, you usally can get decent parts. Then as you start getting better parts(which are usally much better than you could find in prebuilt computers) prices usally are cheaper for home built...

mr.monger · 06-07-2005, 04:22 PM

the reason cheap computers are cheaper is because they cut back on the video card and ram and such. theyre all like " hey look at this a pentium 4 3.2ghz with some ram. only $200 after rebates with a printer!. (small text (does not include a video card and only 256 ram. 40 gig hd and almost no cooling. generic mobo that cant do squat. psu that you cant replace unless we do it 4 u. printer does not actually work.

they can do this because the common man does not understand these things. only us

compgek · 06-07-2005, 04:31 PM

ya building your own computer is usally alot better then the prebuilt or generic computers and mostly cheaper you can get what fits your needs so you can skip over stuff you dont really need it makes the computer worth a hole lot more if you build it urself u get pride and the satifaction in building it. You also learn alot more then u can read in a hole bunch of books

maxbimmer05 · 06-07-2005, 05:59 PM

Thanks for the advice, I guess im going to build. What price range am I looking at if I want to have a ton of hard drive space, but I dont care as much about the gaming? and I want a sick networking card.

Nik00117 · 06-07-2005, 06:30 PM

Well, price? I'd say expect to toss in 700 or 800. And I find that onbaord networking cards work just as well. First off decide if you want a AMD or Intel. Then decide which socket (I hear 939 is the socket to go with for AMD) So find a mobo that supports that socket. Then look at PCI slots, APG or PCI express as well. And make your decision. Try www.newegg.com. WONDERFUL SITE if you want me to design you a comp i'll do it at no charge. Just tell me what you'd like to do with it. And i'll get you everything from the case to the powersupply and get all the links for it. (I have too much time on my hands)

Marshillboy · 06-07-2005, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.monger

the reason cheap computers are cheaper is because they cut back on the video card and ram and such. theyre all like " hey look at this a pentium 4 3.2ghz with some ram. only $200 after rebates with a printer!. (small text (does not include a video card and only 256 ram. 40 gig hd and almost no cooling. generic mobo that cant do squat. psu that you cant replace unless we do it 4 u. printer does not actually work.

Yeah, but you will still save alot of money and have fun adding aftermarket components

Bahawolf · 06-07-2005, 08:45 PM

I don't find it fun spending money on a system, then spending more than I probally spent initally upgrading everything. - Thats one reason of the many I've chosen to build my own computer.

As far as designing a list of parts for you, most of us will help you for no problem and when you have your initial list, get ready to change it around. (I changed mine multiple times before I settled on these parts.)

So, your not interested in gaming.. Ok, well that could save you a few bucks on a graphics card and sound card. But, I'd still reccomend getting a substantial amount of RAM. (512-1GB - I reccomend 1GB)

So, from here, its all your choice and then we can continue to help..

Which processor would you like to use (AMD or Intel)?
In my case, I chose AMD because it runs cooler and its better for gaming. I prefer the quality of AMD over Intel, and its also cheaper than Intel.

Intel does have benefits as well. - From what I've heard, Intel is better at multitasking.

(Its all about preferance)

Do you ever plan on being a gamer? If so, we might want to set it up for gaming now so you don't have to upgrade alot down the line. Both are possible though.. so don't worry.

Andrew2020 · 06-07-2005, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshillboy

if you want a lot less price, buy one.

It is useually way cheaper to build your own computer.... by buying the parts and such yourself.

decius · 06-08-2005, 02:59 AM

What kind of budget are you on? That can assist us all in helping you select parts for your rig.

Budget CPU I would go with a AMD Sempron, wait a little longer until the S939 comes out for the Sempron, theyre going to be sweet.

maxbimmer05 · 06-08-2005, 11:04 AM

I am have $2,000 to spend

decius · 06-08-2005, 01:53 PM

for 2k you can build an ultimate system that you wont have to upgrade for atleast another 3-4 years. I'll start looking at part prices and stuff, any clue on CPU AMD or Intel?