Is it cheaper to buy OcUK PC or build one from OcUK components?

kissenger

kissenger

kissenger

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Hello all, this is my first post here.

The VAIO AR11S laptop I use as my main computer looks like it's about to die a horrible death and I think I might need to get a new computer. I had planned to build my next computer because I was under the impression that, if you did that, you could get a really high spec PC for little money.

However, I have very little know-how with regards assembling PCs - the most I've ever done is install extra RAM. So, with the prices of OcUK PCs being so low, as far as I can tell, I was wondering: is it cheaper to buy OcUK components and build my own PC, or should I buy one from OcUK (or anywhere else that you could recommend)?

Btw, I have no set budget as such, but I don't really want to spend more than about £700, £800. And I want the PC for games mainly. Oh, but it has to have at least one firewire port (not the Sony type - the other type).
 
for that budget, if you need everything, base unit, screen , keyboard, mouse etc it would be better to build it yourself.
 
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Firstly, we cannot recommended other places to buy from as they are competitors and it is against the rules.

Now, on to the main point. Is it cheaper to buy the components from OcUK and build yourself, or buy a pre-built system from OcUK directly. Well, that depends on what you want to buy (component wise) and what you dont need to buy as you already own.

If you want to buy a whole system from OcUK (for example: Ultima OC 8800GTX" Intel Core 2 DUO E8400 3.00GHz @ E8800+ 3.66GHz Dual Core SILENT DDR2 System) retailing without OS from OcUK at £821.33.

If you were to buy the same system from OcUK components only then build yourself you will spend around £780 but you don't get the pre-assembled system, you don't get the thrown in overclock or the guarantee that the system is all working when built so the chances of having fault components is limited.

There isnt really much in the price, but if your a novice and not confident in building, its only likely to cost you an additional £50 ish.
 
It's cheaper to buy your own parts, but it really depends on your feelings. Virtually anyone can learn to build a PC, given a a little while and a little application. Does it strike you as something you'd like to learn to do yourself, or would you prefer to pay the extra £50 to avoid the hassle?
 
As stated there is not a huge cost difference, but the huge feeling of satisfaction when you get all your parts and put them all together and it all works cannot be beaten.

At least first time around, those that build a lot / for a living would probably be very bored by then lol.
 
Nothing better than the heart beating faster than a pervert in latex when you first push the on button after finishing the build :D
 
Wiggins said:
Nothing better than the heart beating faster than a pervert in latex when you first push the on button after finishing the build :D
Click to expand...

and it's not working ! :D

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Anyways as others have said already, there isnt much difference in price.
Tho I would recommend to buy prebuilt PC from OCUK if you don't feel too confident about putting all these things up.
 
PhoenixUK said:
and it's not working ! :D

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Anyways as others have said already, there isnt much difference in price.
Tho I would recommend to buy prebuilt PC from OCUK if you don't feel too confident about putting all these things up.
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Brilliant first post and sound advice :D. Welcome to the forums ;).
 
J.D said:
Brilliant first post and sound advice :D. Welcome to the forums ;).
Click to expand...

Thanks,

I've got some hardware exp so not that fresh on this.
After buying parts from OCUK for over a year now I also started to like this forum lately. Hope I can help someone :).

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Another thing @OP , maybe you've got some friend that knows more and can help you out on it ? Then you benefit more as you will both learn stuff ( you can watch him do it or get help if u dont know something ) and save some $$.
 
Although I've been building systems for around 10 years now, I still don't think it is always the best way to go.

If you spot a pre-built spec that you really like, with no money wasted on crap, then quickly tot up the cost of the components to see how much premium you are paying. If the extra cost isn't that much, then IMO it is worth it to have the system pre-built for you, guarenteed overclock etc. You get piece of mind because either the system will work flawlessly out of the box, or you can get them to fix it for you.

The problem with a self-build is that when something goes wrong, you have to troubleshoot the issue yourself, which can be tricky if you don't have compatible parts to test with.

The main reason I've always gone for self builds has been because it is very rare that I've ever wanted a complete new system - normally I'll be transferring stuff across, be it memory, graphics card, harddrives, soundcard etc.
 
Conversely, building your own PC can be fun if you find this kind of thing stimulating (even the troubleshooting part!) It's probably pretty dull if you've been doing it for ages and you're not building for yourself, but many people find building for themselves pretty interesting, especially if it's the first time!
 
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