Build or buy!

Admiral Huddy · 31 Jul 2009 at 14:15

Hang on peeps.. Don't just say BUILD without quantifying your answer.

If you have no experiencing of building PCs than building PC isn't necessary cheaper.

The reason being is that if anything goes wrong, which if you do your homework shouldn't, then it may cost you to put it right.

For example, a customer of mine last year decided to buy all the bits he needed but couldn't get it working. He rang me and it cost him 3 hours labour to put right plus all the fuss that went with it. He has quite embarrassed..

Also, bear in mind that just because you can or have built a PC doesn't make you a PC technician. Once built, you will have to support it and any issue that may arise. Obviously there's always someone here to help but your PC won't be under any cover apart from the individual component warranties, which can be a nightmare in itself.

Hey, I'm not trying to put you off. We all had to start somewhere but I'm try to be realitic about it. If your the sort of person that likes "stuff" to work straight out of the box and have the comfort of free support then building isn't for you.

Conversely, PC building is rewarding (as said) a superb hobby if you are a bit of a geek

It's excellent way to learn and gain experience providing you are prepared to put in the time, money and the occasional problem thrown in for good measure.

If you do decide to go the build route, please please do your homework first. read read and read.. Ask questions etc

Good luck

Serpico · 31 Jul 2009 at 14:17

The amount you save building is a pittance compared to the overall cost. Me, I'd rather have the peace of mind that an extra £30 or so brings.

mollymoo · 31 Jul 2009 at 14:20

Admiral Huddy said:
Hang on peeps.. Don't just say BUILD without quantifying your answer.

If you have no experiencing of building PCs than building PC isn't necessary cheaper.

The reason being is that if anything goes wrong, which if you do your homework shouldn't, then it may cost you to put it right.

For example, a customer of mine last year decided to buy all the bits he needed but couldn't get it working. He rang me and it cost him 3 hours labour to put right plus all the fuss that went with it. He has quite embarrassed..

Also, bear in mind that just because you can or have built a PC doesn't make you a PC technician. Once built, you will have to support it and any issue that may arise. Obviously there's always someone here to help but your PC won't be under any cover apart from the individual component warranties, which can be a nightmare in itself.

Hey, I'm not trying to put you off. We all had to start somewhere but I'm try to be realitic about it. If your the sort of person that likes "stuff" to work straight out of the box and have the comfort of free support then building isn't for you.

Conversely, PC building is rewarding (as said) a superb hobby if you are a bit of a geek It's excellent way to learn and gain experience providing yo are prepared to put in the time, money and the occasional problem thrown in for good measure.

Tis a good point I'm just looking from the point of view that I've never had a problem with a build can see where your coming from though

Admiral Huddy · 31 Jul 2009 at 14:23

Touch wood neither have I (touches wife's forehead) but you only have to read the hardware pages of these forums to get a good idea that a percentage of builders do get problems. Unless you know where to turn then the simplest thing can be quite a daunting for an amateur.