| Author |
Topic: Need help: Pre-assembled system, or build my own? |
Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2007 9:39 am |
|
Are there advantages to getting a pre-assembled system over building my own? I have very little knowledge in this area, as I haven’t shopped for a computer in 7 years. I’d like something portable, upgradeable, and practical, that would provide me with longevity for another 7–10 yrs. If the CPU/Mother board unit is good, I can switch out peripherals easier.
What I’m in "dire/critical" need of, is a processor, dual DVD/CD Burner, and high speed USB ports.
What I’d "like" to have is a big flat screen monitor with TV tuner capability. However, I can still get by with my monitor until the right deal comes along.
Existing equipment I have that I can continue to use: External 160 GB USB HD, Internal 75 gig HD, Audigy LS Soundcard, speakers (with subwoofer), keyboard, mouse.
Buying a pre-assembled system would give me many of the same cheap peripherals and stock sound cards…money that could go toward getting something higher quality that I’d rather have.
About 12 years ago I had a friend build me a system, but that didn’t work (software & hardware problems). Luckily he gave me my money back, So, I bought a Dell and didn’t have any technical or compatibility issues with the parts or software. But “building your own system” has probably come a long way since then, so I wanted to look into that option before making a purchase. My technical knowledge is average, if I have some good guidance...and a "Building Your Own System for Dummies" book (if one exists)!
If I build my own system, my idea is to get a good CPU unit with a Dual Core Processor, that is very easily expandable in regards to memory & speed. I’d also like enough easily accessible, high speed USB inputs (to plug in cameras, external drives, etc). I assume the sound and video cards plug into it
I play and make CDs/ DVDs a lot, so is it possible to get an external dual DVD/CD player/burner? The reason I say external is so that I could easily replace it if it goes bad; and, isn’t it possible to transport these? This way I could unplug it and take to a remote location to play & make discs. I ran across this, which gave me the idea of being portable...but could this act as a dual computer drive, as one would find in the standard “tower” unit?
http://www.compsource.com/ttechnote.asp?part_no=EZD1TDVDPIOKWd&src=F
However, if that’s not very practical for the extra cost, I can get the drives as part of the CPU in the standard “tower” unit. I think drives are pretty easy to install if they go bad.
Sorry for the long rambling post, and I would appreciate some tips, advice, or any help! 
Thanks! |
|
|
 |
Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2007 10:22 am
|
|
If you are serious about building your own computer why not visit this web page for more information and links to specific components. You are going to need to consider a new motherboard/CPU bundle, as much fully compatible RAM as you can afford, a new hi-capacity power supply, a really decent heatsink/fan for the CPU, and a licensed OEM copy of Clean Install Windows XP or Vista.
Some motherboards have built in good quality audio, video, and network adapters, while others only have sockets for your own cards. If your motherboard has SATA connectors you should buy a new SATA hard drive.
In my experience I always pay more for a homebuilt computer than I would if I went to a retailer, but I get to choose every component.
Just suggestions and opinions from a custom builder.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
|
|
|
Gary Shepherd
From:
Fox, Oklahoma, USA
|
Posted 5 Mar 2007 5:49 am
|
|
When you build your own, you can carry part from your current computer to the next one. Mostly, all I do is upgrade the motherboard and CPU when I build a new one - about every 2 years or so. When CPU prices fall, you can upgrade just the CPU cheaply. When memory prices fall, you can add as much RAM as you like. When hard drive prices fall, you can add a couple of newer bigger hard drives. It's not that hard to build a new one or upgrade your current system.
_________________
Gary Shepherd
Carter D-10 & Peavey Nashville 1000
www.16tracks.com |
|
|
|
Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
|
Posted 5 Mar 2007 6:57 am
|
|
| Although I could build my own, I'd rather not hassle with the integration of the hardware and will buy a "pre-built", especially with the prices of PC's lately. |
|
|
|
Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
|
Posted 5 Mar 2007 7:45 am
|
|
Another thing to consider when purchasing a name brand computer is that if parts fail the entire case made have to be sent to the repair depot, wherever that is. Most of the major builders are using custom made parts and you may run into problems if you replace a failed card or motherboard with an off the shelf brand.
When you build your own computer you are probably going to use nothing but off the shelf parts, which can be replaced with the same items available everywhere where parts are sold. This goes super-ditto for operating systems. Many major PC manufacturers no longer send you a licensed copy of the operating system. They embed it into a hidden partition on the OEM hard drive. If you happen to run into hard drive problems you may lose the ability to access that partition and have no means of recovering from a crashed drive, even if you purchase a replacement, as you won't have the operating system CD/DVD to reinstall it. In that case you will have to purchase a replacement drive with the OS embedded, from the manufacturer of your PC.
On the other hand, if you can find an off-lease Dell Optiplex, or equivalent business computer, you will get a really well built PC at a very reasonable price, with Windows XP Pro already installed, and higher quality parts. They keep on going and going and going...
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
|
|
|
Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
|
Posted 5 Mar 2007 8:36 am
|
|
| All the new Dell's come with the OS CD and the Drivers CD, plus the restore partition. I installed a new Gateway about a month ago and it didn't come with the CD's, just the restore partition however it had a procedure to create the OS CD, the drivers CD and Applications CD's and Gateway included blank CD's for that purpose. |
|
|
|
Eric West
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA, R.I.P.
|
Posted 5 Mar 2007 8:46 pm
|
|
I've built my last two systems. My first in 96 was a 166mhz less than 1g HDD and I spent WAY too much on it. This place built this one for me. I got the 945 DUal P 3.4 2ghz of RAM and two 80g HDDs. DVDRW etc.
I ended up with a few extras and XP Pro for about 900$.
There should be a comparable outfit in your neck of the woods. They are who I've dealt with over the years, and have had no probs with their stuff. I returned a celeron that wouldn't overclock with no problem.
If I have time tomorrow I could google you up a local place that does stuff like ENU does.
When I need a new one it's been two years since I fooled with them. Kind of like rebuilding carburetors, and in a couple years I need brushing up.
With these new machines, I'd be a week into building one that would be a lesser machine than what I got, and for twenty bucks I couldn't lose having them do it
JM $.0002
EJL |
|
|
|
Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
|
Posted 8 Mar 2007 7:49 am
|
|
Thanks Eric, I'll check that out! That's along the lines of what I'm looking for. Feel free to email me if you run across any local places that could do it for me.
Thanks also to Jack, Wiz, and Gary. |
|
|
|
