Thanks Community! Retail v. Custom

Hello Tom's Community,

I just wanted to share my experience with you all to express my gratitude for your insight and frustration with my own ignorance.

About a month ago i decided on getting a new computer as a graduation present for myself as well as a transition back to desktops. (When i started school i decided to get a high end laptop for portability and entertainment sake as well as productivity) - HP HDX9494nr

Computers were my only hobby i entirely enjoy - i mean every aspect of it, i don't know why its just something special that i think a lot of you can relate to.

So for my new desktop, after a lot (but not enough) consideration I decided to buy a pre-fabbed desktop from a manufacturer. I broke my own rule; i said to myself many a time that i wouldn't do that!

I thought that i was too busy with work and school that it would just be easier and so i went with iBuyPower.

So i did more research and was dissapointed by all the negetive reviews, i mean i literally never saw so many horrible things about a company (maybe a lil exageration, but i mean just a little bit thuough! cuz the customer reviews were always so horrible. I talked myself into beleiving that mine would be different... ... ...

That system:

i7 930
6GB Dominator 1600
x58 ud3r
5970 XXX
haf932
various other things...

$2500.71

So, all that needs to be said is that after my refund was initiated i began looking again and found so many deals/ promos/ coupons/ rebates that i decided to go with my various shopping carts and do what i hadn't done for myself in 3 years (because of school and work)

So once my refund was back i immediately started ordering parts

i7 980x
Rampage III
12Gb Dominator GT 1866
Corsair Obsidian 800D
X-Fi Ti Fat Pro
2*2TB WD Blacks
2*1.5TB WD Blacks
Asus DVD
BT 3.0
Wireless N
9800GT (untill i decide what gfx to buy 5970 - GTX480)
point being way faster computer

~3000.00

Built with time and care, zip ties and actually spending some time for cable management (ibuypower spawns flying spaghetti monsters in their cases), i can't believe the power and quality of my new computer.

But i can't take all the credit.

You guys gave me so much insight that i ignored here or there, but in the end it turned out great.

Thanks Tom's Forum Members!