iBUYPOWER vs. Custom Build?

harmamba · May 31, 2015

I have been researching for a few weeks now and I have stumbled across an iBUYPOWER build that is equal if not better in parts and cheaper than a custom build put together. Just some thoughts from you guys on whether I should go for the iBUYPOWER build as it does have a bundle of toss-in's.

iBUYPOWER: http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/Special-A

Custom: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/R34JD3

I did some rearranging on the iBP parts list to match that of the customs and also a $50 coupon using 'geeks'. Let me know if you guys think this is a good buy as it is going to be my first gaming desktop.

RealBeast · May 31, 2015

While I can build a better machine cheaper, I think that iBuyPower or CyberPower are a better alternative than an OEM for many users that would rather not do a build themselves.

Both often have sales, and both customize rigs nicely.

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($121.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($67.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($319.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($87.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1076.26
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-31 20:29 EDT-0400

IBuyPower sometimes uses POOR PSUs so building your own is cheaper and you can get better parts.
The one i posted will play games for many years

tiny voices · May 31, 2015

The prebuilt has a junk PSU and a poor performing motherboard.

The custom build also has a poor quality PSU but a better motherboard.

The CPU cooler in both builds is not good. A Coolermaster Hyper 212 EVO would be more quiet and perform the same for less money.

tiny voices · May 31, 2015

Bossyfins build is a great idea. Much better than both of your options. I would recommend it over anything else for that budget.

harmamba · May 31, 2015

Do any of you guys have an idea of a place that will build a PC for you if I brought the parts in? I really do not trust myself and do not want to screw it up even though I have heard that it is easy.

tiny voices · May 31, 2015

Microcenter will for a fee. Honestly though it IS pretty easy.

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

If there is a nearby PC store, they would probably build it for a small labor fee.

RealBeast · May 31, 2015

While you really can do it with all the good videos on how to and TH forums for details, we all had a first time, if you just cannot make the decision to go that way, just be sure to select all good parts for any mass builders.

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

harmamba :

Check out Carey Holzman. Really nice guides, Linus's videos are okay too. Although I prefer Carey since he is MUCH more in depth.

harmamba · May 31, 2015

I really appreciate your help from all of you, one final question. If I am going to order all the parts in from Bossyfins build, can I go a little lower and have the same results, around $1000 flat? I was only going to order from iBP because it is prebuilt

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

Do you have a MicroCenter near you?

They give you an addition 40$ off your cart if you buy a CPU and Mobo together, not to mention MicroCenter has the LOWEST cpu prices around.

harmamba · May 31, 2015

Bossyfins :

Yeah, I think I do, maybe a 30 minute drive from where I am.

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

http://www.microcenter.com/

Go here and the top you should see a Location. Click it and go to your local store page. Then, locate the 4690k and the mobo.

harmamba · May 31, 2015

Bossyfins :

I did, both came out to $331 and I got an upgrade on the mobo, went from the MSI Z97-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard to the MSI Z97-Gaming 5 LGA 1150 ATX Intel Motherboard.

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

How much was it if you just got the Gaming 3?

harmamba · May 31, 2015

Bossyfins :

They do not have the Gaming 3 in their inventory.

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

What is your location for the store? I'll try to find a cheaper and equivalent mobo.

harmamba · May 31, 2015

Bossyfins :

Westbury/Long Island

Myth_N_Legend · May 31, 2015

I would build it yourself, that way you are completely happy with what the result is. Plus nothing beats the feeling of something you created.

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

Sorry, I had a Math tutor come to help me with some homework

So from what I see, You could also get some open box parts. I see a nice Gaming 5 mobo from MSI, for 100$, as well as a Z87X-UD4h for 79$. That would drop the price down a lot. Also, there is a MSI Gaming 970 for 297$.

So if you did get those, this is what you should do.

If you get the gaming 5, have a couple of employees insure there is nothing wrong with the board. Also have them check for bent pins and if the socket cover is still there.

If you get the Z87X-UD4H(I like it better than he Gaming 5 from MSI

) Have them look for bent pins and anything wrong with it, etc. But also have them update the bios so you can use the new 4690k. I don't know if they will but if they don't just get the Gaming 5.

For the GPU, If you do get it, have them inspect it, and when you bring it home to build the PC, run a stress test like Furmark or Heaven Benchmark to put the GPU through its paces. If it passes, then you are okay with the GPU.

I actually did the same for the mobo, gpu as well.

EDIT: There is also a good deal with an asus Z97 Mark II SaberTooth which isn't bad actually.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/446598/Sabertooth_Z97_Mark_II_LGA_1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard?ob=1

Those are your options.

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

Z87X-UD4h
http://www.microcenter.com/product/423908/GA-Z87X-UD4H_RF_LGA1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard_Refurbished?ob=1

MSI Z97 Gaming 5
http://www.microcenter.com/product/433406/Z97-Gaming_5_LGA_1150_ATX_Intel_Motherboard?ob=1

MSI Gaming 4g 970
http://www.microcenter.com/product/439029/GeForce_GTX_970_Gaming_4GB_GDDR5_Video_Card?ob=1

Myth_N_Legend · May 31, 2015

micro center usually gives a discount on the MOBO with the purchase of a CPU. I would still compare to what Newegg has, I was looking at the
Asrock Fatal1ty X99M and a I7-5930k
Newegg: 809 U.S. (both), 772.00 after rebate ($40.00)
Microcenter: 780 U.S. (both)

( I want the X99X but for comparison purposes)

I have been monitoring both places for 2 months. The micro center in my state doesn't have as wide of a selection. I have also been thinking about getting the MSI X99A GAMING 9 ACK LGA 2011-v3 Intel X99 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 USB 3.0 Extended ATX Intel Motherboard instead, and micro center only had the MSI X99S LGA 2011-3 ATX Intel Motherboard version.

if there is one I learned when shopping for your custom build it's be patient and read MANY reviews. In my situation I am contemplating a R9 295x2x2 build, so I want 40 lanes etc, the X99A Gaming 9 is overkill and in comparison to some other 2011-3 Mobo's out there maybe outperformed, but at the end of the day when I look in my case window I will smile :pt1cable:

Bossyfins · May 31, 2015

MicroCenter for him has most of things he needs (mobo, cpu and GPU.)

tiny voices · Jun 1, 2015

Microcenter is great. Always the best CPU/mobo deals.

iBUYPOWER vs. Custom Build?

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