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Build or Buy?

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  • Do It Yourself
  • Build
  • Components
Last response: in Components
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April 3, 2014 9:12:19 AM

Hello,
This is my first time to build a pc and after some research I have settled on a DIY build from Newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?I.... However, I also found this pc http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... on newegg which has nearly the same specifications as the DIY. There is only a $50 difference between the two. Can you guys give me some advice for or against building it myself as opposed to getting it pre built and hassle free?
Thanks!

More about : build buy

April 3, 2014 9:19:18 AM

How confident do you feel that you could build this? Have you had any experience upgrading computers? If you answered yes to one or both questions, I'd say build it yourself. There is no greater satisfaction than taking a box full of parts and putting them all together and holding your breath when you hit the power button and wait anxiously until you see the first POST screen. You also will know your computer on a more intimate level, so if problems do arise you may be better able to troubleshoot the problem yourself.

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April 3, 2014 9:25:05 AM

Oops, answered before looking at either link. The motherboard is questionable and the power supply is junk. If you really want to build, pick the parts yourself. That way you'll get a quality power supply. For motherboard if you want an AMD AM3+ system, get something from ASUS, GigaByte, or even MSI in a 900 series chipset.
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April 3, 2014 9:29:38 AM

Those two computers are a little out of balance. Now what I mean by this is there are some very powerful CPUs equipped with very weak graphic cards. The HD 8760 is the OEM version of a 7770 HD which is an entry level GPU.

There are always sacrifices when getting a DIY build. Usually they sacrifice quality with cheap motherboards and cheap, lower wattage power supplies and the two builds you have listed have both of those aspects. I guess the great thing about DIY is the OS is pretty cheap.

As techgeek said, it's really not that difficult to install components and the OS. It's really more like Legos with advance instructions.
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April 3, 2014 10:07:16 AM

As far as parts comparisons, are there any advantages one way or another?

barto said:
Those two computers are a little out of balance. Now what I mean by this is there are some very powerful CPUs equipped with very weak graphic cards. The HD 8760 is the OEM version of a 7770 HD which is an entry level GPU.

There are always sacrifices when getting a DIY build. Usually they sacrifice quality with cheap motherboards and cheap, lower wattage power supplies and the two builds you have listed have both of those aspects. I guess the great thing about DIY is the OS is pretty cheap.

As techgeek said, it's really not that difficult to install components and the OS. It's really more like Legos with advance instructions.


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April 3, 2014 11:33:37 AM

change125 said:
As far as parts comparisons, are there any advantages one way or another?

barto said:
Those two computers are a little out of balance. Now what I mean by this is there are some very powerful CPUs equipped with very weak graphic cards. The HD 8760 is the OEM version of a 7770 HD which is an entry level GPU.

There are always sacrifices when getting a DIY build. Usually they sacrifice quality with cheap motherboards and cheap, lower wattage power supplies and the two builds you have listed have both of those aspects. I guess the great thing about DIY is the OS is pretty cheap.

As techgeek said, it's really not that difficult to install components and the OS. It's really more like Legos with advance instructions.




If someone held a gun to my head and told me I had to pick one, I probably would go with the ASUS prebuilt. Only because I think that ASUS may have used slightly better quality components than NewEgg through together for that DIY. At least you'll have an ASUS motherboard.
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April 3, 2014 11:42:20 AM

change125 said:
As far as parts comparisons, are there any advantages one way or another?


Not really.

Breakdown

For $504:
Pros:
-You get a 8320 which is a little faster than the 8300. (but little difference in performance)
Cons:
-Cheap motherboard.
-Cheap power supply.
-1 Stick of RAM (Pairs are better)
-No OS

For $550:
Pros:
-970a motherboard. Better than 760G but not sure of brand. Possibly Asus.
-OS
-Mouse and Keyboard?
Cons:
-8300, a little slower than the 8320
-300 watt garbage PSU.
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April 3, 2014 11:47:55 AM

I actually already have an OS. I think I will give building it a try as they seem pretty equal and maybe upgrade the parts in the future as budget allows.
barto said:
change125 said:
As far as parts comparisons, are there any advantages one way or another?


Not really.

Breakdown

For $504:
Pros:
-You get a 8320 which is a little faster than the 8300. (but little difference in performance)
Cons:
-Cheap motherboard.
-Cheap power supply.
-1 Stick of RAM (Pairs are better)
-No OS

For $550:
Pros:
-970a motherboard. Better than 760G but not sure of brand. Possibly Asus.
-OS
-Mouse and Keyboard?
Cons:
-8300, a little slower than the 8320
-300 watt garbage PSU.


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April 3, 2014 11:48:35 AM

Well what is your budget?
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April 3, 2014 1:54:18 PM

$500-550. I still have to buy keyboard, speakers, and monitor
barto said:
Well what is your budget?


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