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Building your own PC questions!

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January 13, 2014 7:09:19 AM

Ok, so I'm trying to figure this out for a friend. He's wondering if it is more expensive to use sites like cyberpowerpc.com, or ibuypower.com to "build" your own PC, rather that actually buying the parts, like off of newegg.com or whatever, and putting them together yourself.

More about : building questions

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January 13, 2014 7:21:18 AM

I really depends, with building your own you can pick and choose you parts to keep with in your budget, or you can choose to go the route of buying something like ibuypower, cyberpower, or another comparative system, but you really never know what is going in to them until you get the unit. For me i prefer to build my own for the simple fact that i can pick and chose the best parts for me for the task that i will be performing with the said device, and know for a fact what i have and the options for future improvement going in. No two computers are created equal. Just my two cents, but if it were me i would build even if it were just for the experience. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
January 13, 2014 8:22:48 AM

I agree with Darth Rache I really just wanted to add onto his comment and expand a bit. For the ease of reading I will breakdown my comment in the following format: Summary, Pros v Cons, Overview.

Summary:

I will use as much fact based information as I can and I will spare you the annoyingness of links. This is what I have found out to be fact from experience, friends and family, and customers.

CyberPower- good company, truly they are and they will build you a PC that will be exactly what you want. But that is just it, it will be exact with no room for upgrades except minor ones such as RAM, while you could upgrade your GPU etc. It will be limited by the PSU size you choose, which adds on to the price.

Last I checked they use a upgade (+$10, $20, $30 format). Next you will get what I call generic compnents and usually the cheapest base line needs for your PC (what they order in quantity). Overclocking, core unlocker functionality is usually not included on their mobos. (While they may be brand names like Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, they will still be generic base line components similar to what they use at Dell, HP, and even Asus).

Ibuypower- Similar structure to Cyberpower except they are known for putting crap PSUs in their systems which breakdown right after the warranty period. Let me give you a pros and cons list for buying Prebuilt, or custom-built PCs.

Pros: 1 standard warranty- what I mean by this is if something goes wrong with the PC, doesnt matter what you dont even have to figure it out. Contact their Warranty Department if it qualifies mail it back and they will replace it or adjust what is wrong.

Time: They will build it or have built it for you therefore you dont have to take the time to learn how to or be your own tech support channel. By tech support I mean figuring out what is wrong with your PC.

Cons: Warranty- which is a pro but also a con since it usually covers a small range of errors. If when you RMA your PC it does not fit into that criteria, then if you were not charged you will be, and if you were there will probably be a higher fee.

Cons: No idea what PC components they used which will require your time to research them and find out, you might know what CPU, but GPU they will usually list ex. Radeon 7950 but you have no idea what brand it is until you get the PC. For brands like Powercolor that are plagued with DOAs, and longevity issues this is a problem.

Building Your Own PC:

Summary: Building your own PC seems like a daunting task but in reality it is actually quite simple. If you have ever built, or repaired anything in your life it'll help but it isnt required. There is a sticky on the forum<hardware<systems titled Building your own PC.

Newegg.com also offers a How to Build your PC (youtube) video for AMD and Intel based systems.

Now I will go into the Pros and Cons for building your own PC.

Pros:
How the times have changed since I started building PCs, when you had to verify compatibility withthe mobo, cpu, ram, psu etc. Now they have a website pcpartpicker.com that does this for you. While it probably isnt 100% accurate it is 99% in my book but from force of habit I still verify that everything is compatible. You can post on the forums if you have any questions regarding compatibility.

Pro: you built it- an accomplishment in itself you can brag amongst your friends that you built your own computer

Pro: no bloatware period- your PC will only have what you load on it, no wildtangent games, norton antivirus trial, you get it,

Pro: tech support- while you are your own tech support this is a pro/con because you built it therefore from use of forums on the internet and your own personal knowledge you can deduce what is wrong. Plus since you paid for it and built it you care more about it and are less likely to make a wrong diagnosis than say some guy in a warehouse who just wants to go home. :D 

Pro:Your parts, you know the capabilities- there is not such thing as future proof yet people love toss out that term. If you built a PC today with the best components on the market. By tomorrow, next week, month or year there will be an announcement or release of a better component.

Now that you know that in case you hear that phrase, you can make your PC last beyond what a pre-built or custom built PC would. By purchasing components that feature potential hidden cores (black edition cpus- if they still make them), core unlocker, overclocking mobo (you can overclock with most mobos but for the best results it is preferred you buy one that advertises this feature), free air flow cases ( by that i mean a case designed for great airflow).

Intel Mobo: each generation of CPUS will feature a certain socket number i.e. i5 3770k (1150), i3 3100 (1155). I say this because if you purchase a 1150 socket mobo you can only upgrade your CPU that is 1150 enabled. So so Intel comes out with a cpu utilizing 1160 mobos (making it up for instructional purposes) you couldnt use it with an 1150 mobo or 1155. But if money is tight, and since most games and task utilize dual core hyperthreading tech you could get an i3 (1155) and upgade to an i5 (1155) or i7 (1155). That is how you can achieve longevity.

AMD: is a bit different and slightly more confusing, AMD has FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM2, AM3, and AM3+. While you should not see too many FM1, or AM2s it doesnt mean they arent out there somewhere. From the intel the same priciple applies, only FM1 socket CPUs, vice versa for the other socket numbers. From my experience, it seems AMD releases newer CPUs utilizing the AM3+ socket,and the AM3+ supports more CPUs including the AM2, and AM3. Allowing for PC longevity. AM2 will only support AM2 socket CPUs. Do not get AM3 confused with AM3+. AM3 if my memory serves correct supports AM3. While AM3+ supports AM2 and AM3, along with AM3+ Cpu sockets.

That was just a summary of how building your own PC can be a pro by upgradibility choice. Ibuypower, or Cyberpower, and even the prebuilt PC suppliers will use the cheapest mobos they can find in bulk. Usually meaning upgrading your CPU will be limited. Hence why they rarely tell you the socket number on the websites.

Cons: There are cons to building your own PC, but in my opinion they are that bad. But the choice is your friends at the end of the day.

Con: Time- first time builder expect 4-7+ hours building your PC, follow the tips on Newegg.com DIY PC videos and it will be less frustrating. But still it takes time, to cable manage, ensure correct build, upload windows etc. Itll be 4-7+ hours before you can use your PC.

Compared to prebuilt, custom builts 5- 10 minute set-up

Con: DOA- while building your PC you could run into a DOA component and if it is vital like a CPU, GPU, PSU, you arent going to know if anything else is DOA until it is replaced. If you buy from Amazon, the return process it cake 2 days as long as you provide shipping and tracking as soon as they recieve that tracking info they will mail out the replacement. Newegg's RMA could be 2 weeks or more.

Deadstick of Ram just means you will be a few GBs short until the replacement arrives.

Con: Warranty- if you have a deadstick of Ram, you have to review that company's warranty and then use their RMA process some companies its easy (MSI) Some companies (Asus) it can be annoying. (This is if your component fails outside of the return period for where you purchased the component from).

Con: Drivers, I my laptops never have driver issues compared to my built PCs. Recent example I was using Windows to update the drives etc. On a weekly schedule check, I went to play Star Wars the Old Republic. I kept getting a black display with like orange shapes across. Come to find out my gpu drivers had not been updated in over a year.

Meanwhile my laptop drivers were only like 6 months out of date. Build your own PC get familiar with downloading drivers directly from the components manufacturer.

Overview:

Maybe this is too detailed, but when I was looking at building my own PC years ago, this is the type of response I would have wanted. I believe the Pros and Cons provided will assist you in helping your friend make a decision. Lastly, my suggestion build your own, even in 5 years if a component is still working the PC you can take the hardware use it in a new build, make an HTPC etc, the possiblities are endless.

Update: Majority of the time it is less expensive to build you own PC, because of each components value. Meaning you will get better parts if you spend the same as buying from Cyberpower or Ibuypower. But you can "cut corners" spending less and getting a machine that outperforms a Cyberpower or Ibuypower.
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January 13, 2014 9:03:49 AM

chosen12k6 said:
I agree with Darth Rache I really just wanted to add onto his comment and expand a bit. For the ease of reading I will breakdown my comment in the following format: Summary, Pros v Cons, Overview.

Summary:

I will use as much fact based information as I can and I will spare you the annoyingness of links. This is what I have found out to be fact from experience, friends and family, and customers.

CyberPower- good company, truly they are and they will build you a PC that will be exactly what you want. But that is just it, it will be exact with no room for upgrades except minor ones such as RAM, while you could upgrade your GPU etc. It will be limited by the PSU size you choose, which adds on to the price.

Last I checked they use a upgade (+$10, $20, $30 format). Next you will get what I call generic compnents and usually the cheapest base line needs for your PC (what they order in quantity). Overclocking, core unlocker functionality is usually not included on their mobos. (While they may be brand names like Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, they will still be generic base line components similar to what they use at Dell, HP, and even Asus).

Ibuypower- Similar structure to Cyberpower except they are known for putting crap PSUs in their systems which breakdown right after the warranty period. Let me give you a pros and cons list for buying Prebuilt, or custom-built PCs.

Pros: 1 standard warranty- what I mean by this is if something goes wrong with the PC, doesnt matter what you dont even have to figure it out. Contact their Warranty Department if it qualifies mail it back and they will replace it or adjust what is wrong.

Time: They will build it or have built it for you therefore you dont have to take the time to learn how to or be your own tech support channel. By tech support I mean figuring out what is wrong with your PC.

Cons: Warranty- which is a pro but also a con since it usually covers a small range of errors. If when you RMA your PC it does not fit into that criteria, then if you were not charged you will be, and if you were there will probably be a higher fee.

Cons: No idea what PC components they used which will require your time to research them and find out, you might know what CPU, but GPU they will usually list ex. Radeon 7950 but you have no idea what brand it is until you get the PC. For brands like Powercolor that are plagued with DOAs, and longevity issues this is a problem.

Building Your Own PC:

Summary: Building your own PC seems like a daunting task but in reality it is actually quite simple. If you have ever built, or repaired anything in your life it'll help but it isnt required. There is a sticky on the forum<hardware<systems titled Building your own PC.

Newegg.com also offers a How to Build your PC (youtube) video for AMD and Intel based systems.

Now I will go into the Pros and Cons for building your own PC.

Pros:
How the times have changed since I started building PCs, when you had to verify compatibility withthe mobo, cpu, ram, psu etc. Now they have a website pcpartpicker.com that does this for you. While it probably isnt 100% accurate it is 99% in my book but from force of habit I still verify that everything is compatible. You can post on the forums if you have any questions regarding compatibility.

Pro: you built it- an accomplishment in itself you can brag amongst your friends that you built your own computer

Pro: no bloatware period- your PC will only have what you load on it, no wildtangent games, norton antivirus trial, you get it,

Pro: tech support- while you are your own tech support this is a pro/con because you built it therefore from use of forums on the internet and your own personal knowledge you can deduce what is wrong. Plus since you paid for it and built it you care more about it and are less likely to make a wrong diagnosis than say some guy in a warehouse who just wants to go home. :D 

Pro:Your parts, you know the capabilities- there is not such thing as future proof yet people love toss out that term. If you built a PC today with the best components on the market. By tomorrow, next week, month or year there will be an announcement or release of a better component.

Now that you know that in case you hear that phrase, you can make your PC last beyond what a pre-built or custom built PC would. By purchasing components that feature potential hidden cores (black edition cpus- if they still make them), core unlocker, overclocking mobo (you can overclock with most mobos but for the best results it is preferred you buy one that advertises this feature), free air flow cases ( by that i mean a case designed for great airflow).

Intel Mobo: each generation of CPUS will feature a certain socket number i.e. i5 3770k (1150), i3 3100 (1155). I say this because if you purchase a 1150 socket mobo you can only upgrade your CPU that is 1150 enabled. So so Intel comes out with a cpu utilizing 1160 mobos (making it up for instructional purposes) you couldnt use it with an 1150 mobo or 1155. But if money is tight, and since most games and task utilize dual core hyperthreading tech you could get an i3 (1155) and upgade to an i5 (1155) or i7 (1155). That is how you can achieve longevity.

AMD: is a bit different and slightly more confusing, AMD has FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM2, AM3, and AM3+. While you should not see too many FM1, or AM2s it doesnt mean they arent out there somewhere. From the intel the same priciple applies, only FM1 socket CPUs, vice versa for the other socket numbers. From my experience, it seems AMD releases newer CPUs utilizing the AM3+ socket,and the AM3+ supports more CPUs including the AM2, and AM3. Allowing for PC longevity. AM2 will only support AM2 socket CPUs. Do not get AM3 confused with AM3+. AM3 if my memory serves correct supports AM3. While AM3+ supports AM2 and AM3, along with AM3+ Cpu sockets.

That was just a summary of how building your own PC can be a pro by upgradibility choice. Ibuypower, or Cyberpower, and even the prebuilt PC suppliers will use the cheapest mobos they can find in bulk. Usually meaning upgrading your CPU will be limited. Hence why they rarely tell you the socket number on the websites.

Cons: There are cons to building your own PC, but in my opinion they are that bad. But the choice is your friends at the end of the day.

Con: Time- first time builder expect 4-7+ hours building your PC, follow the tips on Newegg.com DIY PC videos and it will be less frustrating. But still it takes time, to cable manage, ensure correct build, upload windows etc. Itll be 4-7+ hours before you can use your PC.

Compared to prebuilt, custom builts 5- 10 minute set-up

Con: DOA- while building your PC you could run into a DOA component and if it is vital like a CPU, GPU, PSU, you arent going to know if anything else is DOA until it is replaced. If you buy from Amazon, the return process it cake 2 days as long as you provide shipping and tracking as soon as they recieve that tracking info they will mail out the replacement. Newegg's RMA could be 2 weeks or more.

Deadstick of Ram just means you will be a few GBs short until the replacement arrives.

Con: Warranty- if you have a deadstick of Ram, you have to review that company's warranty and then use their RMA process some companies its easy (MSI) Some companies (Asus) it can be annoying. (This is if your component fails outside of the return period for where you purchased the component from).

Con: Drivers, I my laptops never have driver issues compared to my built PCs. Recent example I was using Windows to update the drives etc. On a weekly schedule check, I went to play Star Wars the Old Republic. I kept getting a black display with like orange shapes across. Come to find out my gpu drivers had not been updated in over a year.

Meanwhile my laptop drivers were only like 6 months out of date. Build your own PC get familiar with downloading drivers directly from the components manufacturer.

Overview:

Maybe this is too detailed, but when I was looking at building my own PC years ago, this is the type of response I would have wanted. I believe the Pros and Cons provided will assist you in helping your friend make a decision. Lastly, my suggestion build your own, even in 5 years if a component is still working the PC you can take the hardware use it in a new build, make an HTPC etc, the possiblities are endless.


Holy novel batman! That's a great wealth of info.
January 13, 2014 9:38:23 AM

JOOK-D said:
chosen12k6 said:
I agree with Darth Rache I really just wanted to add onto his comment and expand a bit. For the ease of reading I will breakdown my comment in the following format: Summary, Pros v Cons, Overview.

Summary:

I will use as much fact based information as I can and I will spare you the annoyingness of links. This is what I have found out to be fact from experience, friends and family, and customers.

CyberPower- good company, truly they are and they will build you a PC that will be exactly what you want. But that is just it, it will be exact with no room for upgrades except minor ones such as RAM, while you could upgrade your GPU etc. It will be limited by the PSU size you choose, which adds on to the price.

Last I checked they use a upgade (+$10, $20, $30 format). Next you will get what I call generic compnents and usually the cheapest base line needs for your PC (what they order in quantity). Overclocking, core unlocker functionality is usually not included on their mobos. (While they may be brand names like Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, they will still be generic base line components similar to what they use at Dell, HP, and even Asus).

Ibuypower- Similar structure to Cyberpower except they are known for putting crap PSUs in their systems which breakdown right after the warranty period. Let me give you a pros and cons list for buying Prebuilt, or custom-built PCs.

Pros: 1 standard warranty- what I mean by this is if something goes wrong with the PC, doesnt matter what you dont even have to figure it out. Contact their Warranty Department if it qualifies mail it back and they will replace it or adjust what is wrong.

Time: They will build it or have built it for you therefore you dont have to take the time to learn how to or be your own tech support channel. By tech support I mean figuring out what is wrong with your PC.

Cons: Warranty- which is a pro but also a con since it usually covers a small range of errors. If when you RMA your PC it does not fit into that criteria, then if you were not charged you will be, and if you were there will probably be a higher fee.

Cons: No idea what PC components they used which will require your time to research them and find out, you might know what CPU, but GPU they will usually list ex. Radeon 7950 but you have no idea what brand it is until you get the PC. For brands like Powercolor that are plagued with DOAs, and longevity issues this is a problem.

Building Your Own PC:

Summary: Building your own PC seems like a daunting task but in reality it is actually quite simple. If you have ever built, or repaired anything in your life it'll help but it isnt required. There is a sticky on the forum<hardware<systems titled Building your own PC.

Newegg.com also offers a How to Build your PC (youtube) video for AMD and Intel based systems.

Now I will go into the Pros and Cons for building your own PC.

Pros:
How the times have changed since I started building PCs, when you had to verify compatibility withthe mobo, cpu, ram, psu etc. Now they have a website pcpartpicker.com that does this for you. While it probably isnt 100% accurate it is 99% in my book but from force of habit I still verify that everything is compatible. You can post on the forums if you have any questions regarding compatibility.

Pro: you built it- an accomplishment in itself you can brag amongst your friends that you built your own computer

Pro: no bloatware period- your PC will only have what you load on it, no wildtangent games, norton antivirus trial, you get it,

Pro: tech support- while you are your own tech support this is a pro/con because you built it therefore from use of forums on the internet and your own personal knowledge you can deduce what is wrong. Plus since you paid for it and built it you care more about it and are less likely to make a wrong diagnosis than say some guy in a warehouse who just wants to go home. :D 

Pro:Your parts, you know the capabilities- there is not such thing as future proof yet people love toss out that term. If you built a PC today with the best components on the market. By tomorrow, next week, month or year there will be an announcement or release of a better component.

Now that you know that in case you hear that phrase, you can make your PC last beyond what a pre-built or custom built PC would. By purchasing components that feature potential hidden cores (black edition cpus- if they still make them), core unlocker, overclocking mobo (you can overclock with most mobos but for the best results it is preferred you buy one that advertises this feature), free air flow cases ( by that i mean a case designed for great airflow).

Intel Mobo: each generation of CPUS will feature a certain socket number i.e. i5 3770k (1150), i3 3100 (1155). I say this because if you purchase a 1150 socket mobo you can only upgrade your CPU that is 1150 enabled. So so Intel comes out with a cpu utilizing 1160 mobos (making it up for instructional purposes) you couldnt use it with an 1150 mobo or 1155. But if money is tight, and since most games and task utilize dual core hyperthreading tech you could get an i3 (1155) and upgade to an i5 (1155) or i7 (1155). That is how you can achieve longevity.

AMD: is a bit different and slightly more confusing, AMD has FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM2, AM3, and AM3+. While you should not see too many FM1, or AM2s it doesnt mean they arent out there somewhere. From the intel the same priciple applies, only FM1 socket CPUs, vice versa for the other socket numbers. From my experience, it seems AMD releases newer CPUs utilizing the AM3+ socket,and the AM3+ supports more CPUs including the AM2, and AM3. Allowing for PC longevity. AM2 will only support AM2 socket CPUs. Do not get AM3 confused with AM3+. AM3 if my memory serves correct supports AM3. While AM3+ supports AM2 and AM3, along with AM3+ Cpu sockets.

That was just a summary of how building your own PC can be a pro by upgradibility choice. Ibuypower, or Cyberpower, and even the prebuilt PC suppliers will use the cheapest mobos they can find in bulk. Usually meaning upgrading your CPU will be limited. Hence why they rarely tell you the socket number on the websites.

Cons: There are cons to building your own PC, but in my opinion they are that bad. But the choice is your friends at the end of the day.

Con: Time- first time builder expect 4-7+ hours building your PC, follow the tips on Newegg.com DIY PC videos and it will be less frustrating. But still it takes time, to cable manage, ensure correct build, upload windows etc. Itll be 4-7+ hours before you can use your PC.

Compared to prebuilt, custom builts 5- 10 minute set-up

Con: DOA- while building your PC you could run into a DOA component and if it is vital like a CPU, GPU, PSU, you arent going to know if anything else is DOA until it is replaced. If you buy from Amazon, the return process it cake 2 days as long as you provide shipping and tracking as soon as they recieve that tracking info they will mail out the replacement. Newegg's RMA could be 2 weeks or more.

Deadstick of Ram just means you will be a few GBs short until the replacement arrives.

Con: Warranty- if you have a deadstick of Ram, you have to review that company's warranty and then use their RMA process some companies its easy (MSI) Some companies (Asus) it can be annoying. (This is if your component fails outside of the return period for where you purchased the component from).

Con: Drivers, I my laptops never have driver issues compared to my built PCs. Recent example I was using Windows to update the drives etc. On a weekly schedule check, I went to play Star Wars the Old Republic. I kept getting a black display with like orange shapes across. Come to find out my gpu drivers had not been updated in over a year.

Meanwhile my laptop drivers were only like 6 months out of date. Build your own PC get familiar with downloading drivers directly from the components manufacturer.

Overview:

Maybe this is too detailed, but when I was looking at building my own PC years ago, this is the type of response I would have wanted. I believe the Pros and Cons provided will assist you in helping your friend make a decision. Lastly, my suggestion build your own, even in 5 years if a component is still working the PC you can take the hardware use it in a new build, make an HTPC etc, the possiblities are endless.


Holy novel batman! That's a great wealth of info.


I saw that after I wrote it, but I was trying to give him the most information as possible, I mean there are pages on this stuff I thought this was the best way to summarize the info he should know. haha @ novel
!