Building your own Computer?

avfc4life · 9 August 2007 at 8:03PM

Im looking to get a new computer soon. I havent really got a budget at the moment as i havent looked into it properly.

I know a few people on here do build their own computers (Computerwoman etc) and was just looking for abit of advice really. I have reserved a book about from my local libary and hopefully that will help.

Basically i just want to know a few things:

1) How much cheaper does it work out if any?

2) How hard is it to do? (i know it will require alot of work but if its really hard to do i dont think ill bother)

3) where do you buy the parts from is there like a catalogue (sp) you can get?

4) How long would it take in hours?

and most importantly is it worth doing? I think it will be something interesting to do and hopefully save a few quid and help me get a better understand of how computers work.

Thanks

albertross_2 · 9 August 2007 at 8:11PM

Personally, I don't think it is worth the effort, and you will probably end up spending more than you would if you bought one from Dell. Others, I am sure, will disagree.

You can learn just as much by taking the cover off a PC, and having a good look around.

watermoss · 9 August 2007 at 8:25PM

avfc4life wrote: »

1) How much cheaper does it work out if any?

2) How hard is it to do? (i know it will require alot of work but if its really hard to do i dont think ill bother)

3) where do you buy the parts from is there like a catalogue (sp) you can get?

4) How long would it take in hours?

and most importantly is it worth doing? I think it will be something interesting to do and hopefully save a few quid and help me get a better understand of how computers work.

Thanks

1. I Built my current PC to a very high/custom spec - (the case was £300!) but got exactly what I wanted... if it is to be a budget PC I think Dell have a lot of deals on and they do seem very cheap for all the components you are getting!

2. Building a PC takes a bit of time (esp. the first) but is easy! Just be very careful attaching the motherboard to the case (scratched one once with a screw driver!). A PC is just like a big Mecano set!

3. I got all my parts from Dabs.com and Ebuyer.com - never had a problem with either company.. PC world tends to be very expensive but you don't have to wait for all the pieces to arrive in the post.

4. My last PC took 2-3hrs to built but then I had to install Windows etc etc which takes time... plus time for opening all the boxes, finding all the screws.. it soon adds up! Put aside a boring Sunday!

Bamber19 · 9 August 2007 at 8:33PM

I've considered building my own before and on the face of it it looks cheaper, definitely when comparing it to some major suppliers (there are some independant companies that do very good deals) but there's things you don;t consider, one is warranties, some companies include extended warranties without an additional charge. Whilst everyone loves to point out that the sale of goods act protects us anyway if the company wont play ball it can be time consuming to enforce. the other thing is the software that is bundled with it. For example various anti-virus/firewall and things like Microsoft office all add to the value of the package.

madnlooney · 9 August 2007 at 8:34PM

my first took me about 2 hours to build then installing windows and the set up takes longer. i went to computer fair and also places like overclockers.com and scan.co.uk are good for things. Normally with you motherboard you get a guide of instalation which helps. There are alot of guide on the internet too.
I built mine so i have the option of upgrading, which im looking at doing right now. Also when its all done you have the satisfaction of knowing you built it yourself.

avfc4life · 9 August 2007 at 8:40PM

Thats what i see as one of the main advantages of building your own. You then know how to upgrade easier and so can keep your PC for longer (or so i would have thought)

I think that is another reason i wanted to do it, so i can say i built it myself.

Id like to have a look at some parts is there not a catalogue (sp) i can get to price up all the things i would need?

elite_2 · 9 August 2007 at 8:45PM

Firstly what have you already got - anything that could be reused in the new box?

I use microdirect and aria if I can't find it cheaper online (they are local to me, but do deliver...)

madnlooney · 9 August 2007 at 9:09PM

avfc4life wrote: »

Thats what i see as one of the main advantages of building your own. You then know how to upgrade easier and so can keep your PC for longer (or so i would have thought)

I think that is another reason i wanted to do it, so i can say i built it myself.

Id like to have a look at some parts is there not a catalogue (sp) i can get to price up all the things i would need?

theres no catalogue of such, its just generally going from site to site comparing the price of what your after. also reading reviews about the different things as paying top price isnt always best

avfc4life · 9 August 2007 at 9:10PM

When i get the book from the libary i will give it a good long read. It does sound like something i would be interested in doing.

Where can i read reviews on parts?