Build Your Own Computer or Buy?

 

Just look inside a computer case. At first glance, all those wires and

components can look terrifyingly complex. And thinking about putting

them all together by yourself may seem impossible.

Not to worry! Even though they are the products of advanced technology,

the various pieces of a personal computer (PC) fit together with simple

connections. If you can use a screwdriver and follow simple instructions,

you can build your own PC.

Don’t be intimidated by the task of connecting the computer components

together. Many of the internal connections are molded so that it is

impossible to fit them together the wrong way. If you have ever

assembled a child’s toy, you are more than capable of assembling a

computer.

Advantages Of Building Your Own

You are probably asking yourself why anyone would bother to build a PC.

After all, you can buy a cheap computer in almost any retail store.

If cost is your only consideration, you probably are better off buying

one of those cheap machines. But if you have any special requirements for

software or hardware, you’ll benefit from the total control over the type

and quality of components you get from building your own PC.

You can save some money, too. Although you probably can’t match the

price of the cheapest preassembled PC, once you begin adding on the

inevitable customized hardware, the costs go up anyway. Suddenly

building your own computer starts looking cheaper. And don’t

forget–those super-cheap PCs are bare-boned systems. Unless you need a

computer only for basic word processing and e-mail, you will probably

have to upgrade anyway. Building your own PC can be a great learning

experience. You will gain a better understanding of how the various

components work together, knowledge that can be useful for

troubleshooting. If your computer ever breaks down, you may be able to

pinpoint the problem and fix it yourself, saving money on expensive

repair bills.

You are virtually guaranteed to get the best computer when you build

your own system. Big retailers often use cheaper OEM (Original

Equipment Manufacturer) components to cut down on costs. Components

like these can compromise the performance of a computer system.

Although you can buy OEM components yourself, the trade-off in

reliability and stability is usually not worth it. Brand name components

are just a bit more expensive, but are well worth the cost.

Disadvantages

The major disadvantage in building your own PC is that you don’t get a

system-wide warranty. For example, if a malfunctioning motherboard

fries your memory chips, you may not be able to get compensation for the

damaged memory. If something like this happens with a store-bought

system you could probably get the whole computer repaired under the

warranty.

However, if you buy all your components at the same time from the same

retailer, you are more likely to be compensated for this kind of situation.

Time is, of course, a factor. But it is educational time. And if you enjoy

tinkering at all, it counts as fun time as well.

The Bottom Line

Building your own PC has a lot to offer. You’ll be assured of getting the

best components available, which translates to the best and most reliable

computer for your money. You will learn about computer components and

how to choose parts with the best performance. When it comes to

servicing your computer, you may be able to solve and fix the problem

yourself.

Oh, and one final advantage. The bragging rights of telling your friends

that you built your own computer. Priceless!

Build Your Own Computer or Buy?
Just look inside a computer case. At first glance, all those wires and
components can look terrifyingly complex. And thinking about putting
them all together by yourself may seem impossible.
Not to worry! Even though they are the products of advanced technology,
the various pieces of a personal computer (PC) fit together with simple
connections. If you can use a screwdriver and follow simple instructions,
you can build your own PC.
Don’t be intimidated by the task of connecting the computer components
together. Many of the internal connections are molded so that it is
impossible to fit them together the wrong way. If you have ever
assembled a child’s toy, you are more than capable of assembling a
computer.
Advantages Of Building Your Own
You are probably asking yourself why anyone would bother to build a PC.
After all, you can buy a cheap computer in almost any retail store.
If cost is your only consideration, you probably are better off buying
one of those cheap machines. But if you have any special requirements for
software or hardware, you’ll benefit from the total control over the type
and quality of components you get from building your own PC.
You can save some money, too. Although you probably can’t match the
price of the cheapest preassembled PC, once you begin adding on the
inevitable customized hardware, the costs go up anyway. Suddenly
building your own computer starts looking cheaper. And don’t
forget–those super-cheap PCs are bare-boned systems. Unless you need a
computer only for basic word processing and e-mail, you will probably
have to upgrade anyway. Building your own PC can be a great learning
experience. You will gain a better understanding of how the various
components work together, knowledge that can be useful for
troubleshooting. If your computer ever breaks down, you may be able to
pinpoint the problem and fix it yourself, saving money on expensive
repair bills.
You are virtually guaranteed to get the best computer when you build
your own system. Big retailers often use cheaper OEM (Original
Equipment Manufacturer) components to cut down on costs. Components
like these can compromise the performance of a computer system.
Although you can buy OEM components yourself, the trade-off in
reliability and stability is usually not worth it. Brand name components
are just a bit more expensive, but are well worth the cost.
Disadvantages
The major disadvantage in building your own PC is that you don’t get a
system-wide warranty. For example, if a malfunctioning motherboard
fries your memory chips, you may not be able to get compensation for the
damaged memory. If something like this happens with a store-bought
system you could probably get the whole computer repaired under the
warranty.
However, if you buy all your components at the same time from the same
retailer, you are more likely to be compensated for this kind of situation.
Time is, of course, a factor. But it is educational time. And if you enjoy
tinkering at all, it counts as fun time as well.
The Bottom Line
Building your own PC has a lot to offer. You’ll be assured of getting the
best components available, which translates to the best and most reliable
computer for your money. You will learn about computer components and
how to choose parts with the best performance. When it comes to
servicing your computer, you may be able to solve and fix the problem
yourself.
Oh, and one final advantage. The bragging rights of telling your friends
that you built your own computer. Priceless!

 

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