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Question

Better to build a computer or buy?

May 23, 2012 5:43AM PDT

I need a computer for school work, and running virtual box. Since I am not gaming I do not need a expensive desktop, but I want it to be fast still. I am looking to build a cheaper desktop computer or buy one. On geeks.com there are refurbished desktops under $200 with windows 7 and in there email letter they have deals with them for around $100. If I get one of them, I will upgrade the ram, because I will be using virtual box a little. I was trying to decide if it would be better to buy one or build my own. Please say which way would be better and why. And if I built my own, what would be the parts you would recommend using? Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Small world.
May 23, 2012 6:09AM PDT

I have picked up refurbs from geeks since about 2000. I can't tell what's best for you but will write that most of those are good deals.

Bob

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Better to build a computer or buy?
May 23, 2012 8:19AM PDT

Thanks, I have been looking at them but there prices were so cheap I weren't sure how good they were. Thanks

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build
May 23, 2012 5:10PM PDT

if you are professional ,build one. , Mischief

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Compare specs
May 23, 2012 11:37PM PDT

Think if you DIY, what you want. List the specs and then compare against whatever deal for a pre-build or refurbed one. While pricing certainly is a consideration, don't fall for the cheapest as a cheap PC may become a expensive PC once you realize what it takes to make you happy if it doesn't what you think you need up front. There are good deals out there, but i find anyone too willing to think cheap finds that out as well. For what its worth, Geeks is a good vendor to deal with.

tada -----Willy Happy

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better to buy for most people
Jun 1, 2012 11:45AM PDT

I have built 2 so far. It is always more costly to build yourself, because you are paying retail packaging for each component. If you have to buy a retail copy of the operating system, that's even worse.

Also, prebuilt computers are often sold at discount and may go on sale. It would take a long time if you wait for a sale on every component you need for your DIY pc.

You will also need to do some wiring between the motherboard and the PC case for the USB ports, power switch, reset button, hard drive light, etc. Since there is no standard connector for these, you usually have to connect them one pair at a time and sometimes you need to modify the connector to fit. The is the most dreaded part for me.

Also, if after you build one it doesn't work, you would have to debug the hardware. A small but possible risk. Both pcs I built worked the first time, so I can't share my experience.

You may find that some components interfere with others. E.g. the super cool CPU fan may butt against the RAM and not fit, so you have to return it and buy a smaller fan. There may be an airflow dead spot at one of the hotter running chip and you have to put in an extra fan.

The pros of building your own is, it can be cheaper by reusing components you already have. Many pc builders have lots of extra parts and they can tear down and older one for parts, so they may only need to buy a CPU and motherboard to build a new pc. In that case it could be slightly cheaper.

If you really want to build one, first decide on the CPU. You can tell which one gives the most bang for the bucks by observing which CPU is used most often by prebuilt pc. Or visit your favorite pc parts store and check user ratings for each components.

My suggest is, if you need the pc for real work, buy one. If you're not in a hurry and don't mind paying more, then you can consider building one.

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Don't let the misinformed scare you away...
Jun 3, 2012 3:26PM PDT

" You will also need to do some wiring between the motherboard and the PC case for the USB ports, power switch, reset button, hard drive light, etc. Since there is no standard connector for these, you usually have to connect them one pair at a time and sometimes you need to modify the connector to fit. The is the most dreaded part for me. "

@ hellocomputer

I don't know which decade you're living in; but to advise someone not to DIY their own PC based on your archaic experience is [in my opinion] just plain bad advice.
All PC components can be readily found on the web now; the wiring you speak of comes standard on all PC cases, and can be found at most PC component stores [so no need to dread anything here].

While yes, building your own PC can seem daunting at first; if you do your research first [including reading the motherboard manual]; plan ahead what components work [and fit] together, what components work within your budget, then going the DIY route can be both an easy and very satisfying experience.

Don't let the misinformed scare you away from whichever route you go down; as both can be a daunting, or rewarding experience for you.

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From what you say, "Buy" is probably the best option
Jun 1, 2012 7:41PM PDT

If you need some feature out of the ordinary or as a hobby or academic exercise, by all means, build your own. You'll get exactly what you want. But don't expect to save any money doing it. Unless you want to run Linux (I guess not since you mention Windows 7) the operating system alone will cost 2 or 3 times the Geeks price.

If you just need a machine that works and doesn't cost a lot, best to buy it. I don't know Geeks but when I was in the UK, a similar outfit called Bigpockets sold refurbished desktops and laptops. I had several from them and they were always good deals, no dead on arrivals and all came with some kind of warranty, typically 3 or 6 months. A Centrino based IBM Thinkpad for around USD 200 equivalent, can't be bad.

Your choice of a desktop is probably the better option for what you describe as you can upgrade the memory for Virtualbox and any other components that prove to be a limitation. But one word of caution, choose a machine that isn't more than 2 or 3 years old. Getting components for older machines can be a challenge and may be expensive. As an example, DDR3 RAM is readily available and cheap. DRR2 can be found without too much difficulty but is more expensive and straight DDR is like searching for hen's teeth and relatively very expensive per GB! Just compare the price off DDR and DDR3 on Crucial's website and you'll see what I mean.

Also, check a refurb's specs to see how many memory slots they have and what the maximum capacity is. And some older Dell's used to use some proprietary parts, not sure if they still do but if so, worth avoiding.

Good luck!

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...
Feb 26, 2013 1:47AM PST
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Nice start. But I find that's not enough.
Feb 26, 2013 2:02AM PST

Today I find folk struggle to install Windows. It doesn't seem to matter.

Here's my question.

Microsoft has had decades to tackle the driver hell issue. Do you think it's game over for Windows?
Bob