Updating a new already built pc vs building?

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Avery Via

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Apr 1, 2013
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So I'm looking to build my own and I've never done this before. But I just thought of something after finding some already built computers at a good price...

As of right now, this is my build:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ND8W

But, for example, what about just updating this pc along the way as needed?
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=19&dgvcode=ss&c=US&l=EN&vw=list&oc=FXDOPP11p&dgc=CJ&cid=7420&lid=566643&acd=10550055-227502-F012A00BD342348ZZ0A99342348C84A01A0A381

It already has many features I would be looking for in a pc and I feel that I could add on to the pc pretty easy (or buy a new tower to allow space). It already includes the OS, keyboard and mouse, and things like bluetooth. I could add an SSD for $120, 8gb more of RAM for $50, and another video card for $220. But wouldn't all of that just make it an even better build than the one I would be putting together? Please help me... I feel confused now!!
 
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DiaSin

DiaSin

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Feb 7, 2013
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It will still be cheaper to build your own, and you will get FAR better quality in the parts as well. Also, Dell locks down the Bios in their system so you cannot overclock if you ever want to. The power supply in that will not be sufficient to add another GPU, so you would have to replace that, the motherboard would be Micro-ATX, which may not support crossfire/sli, so you would have to replace that, and to replace the mother board you would need a bigger case. Also, I just noticed that the highest GPU offered on there is a non-ti GTX 660, and I do not see an option to pick a CPU on there either. The only option I see for OS is Windows 8, and before you commit to windows 8 I HIGHLY recommend that you do ALOT of research into the differences between Win7 and Win8, as its about 50/50 in the gaming community whether or not windows 8 is worth having at all.

What is your total budget for a PC?
 
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Flying-Q

Flying-Q

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Feb 20, 2006
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When looking at the likes of Dell you should consider this:

If the machine you choose from them does exactly what you want out-of-the-box then buy it. If you feel it needs improvement to do what you want then always go self-build from scratch. That is the only way to get exactly what you want.

Your partpicker list seems good, however I would recommend a bigger SSD. I'm currently using a Samsung 840 (not pro) 250GB and with OS, full office suite, other productivity suites, and several large games it is getting near half full. I also have the pagefile on it as well as having the productivity apps use it as a temp scratchpad. All software and projects load and run lightning fast. Also with the cost of HDDs so low it would be worth buying two and putting them in Raid 1. Bear in mind that 2TB of data are a lifetime of memories that can disappear in a flash.

Q
 
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Avery Via

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Apr 1, 2013
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These are some really great suggestions. Thanks a ton! I will be sticking to building my own computer. I would really like to keep my budget right at or under $1000 for all the components (excluding OS, keyboard, monitor, etc). As for the storage, I have determined that I will actually have two 1 TB HDDs. They will serve as a backup for one another. I will also have an SSD, but I'm not sure I really would need a bigger one than 128gb. I'll look into it more though. Also, I'm unfamiliar with what Raid 1 is/would be so I'm going to read up on that. Maybe there is a better option!

Again, thanks for all of your help. I'll definitely stick with building my own and I'm on my way to Micro Center here in just a bit!
 
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Flying-Q

Flying-Q

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RAID1 = redundant array of inexpensive/independant drives level one. This means having all data on one drive mirrored on another drive or more drives, giving data protection if one drive fails. Level zero is having the data spread or striped across two or more drives, for more speed but less data security. Level 5 is like level one but has parity data spread alongside the user data on 3 or more drives which can rebuild the array if one drive fails. Level 6 is like level 5 but has 4 or more drives and can tolerate 2 failed drives simultaneously. There are more, but a home user is unlikely to need enterprise solutions.

Therefore RAID 1 is your 'backup for each other'.

(best answer?)
 
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