Build or bought computer

[Yarishia 144]

I prefer bought computer because every my PCs are bought beacuse they are from funds for disabled and I can't build my computer from these funds, even if I really would like do this.

Edited November 21, 2015 by Yarishia

[Roseluck1 245]

Does somone has the GeForce Titan? I heard positive things about the card on League for Gamers.

Yeah man I'm totes gonna get four Titan Zs and put them in quad SLI.

Farmville is gonna go so fast now!

[SkullcandyPegasus 603]

Why would you spend extra on a computer from a store that could have hidden software spying on your every move? I need to build everything I use to know it's not bugged o-o

 

That coffee maker is out to kill me.

[Limeblossom 482]

Why would you spend extra on a computer from a store that could have hidden software spying on your every move?

Now I'm extra motivated to make sure I build my own computer for the next time.

[Nightfall Gloam 18,260]

Well, after my experience with my current computer, I think I would like to start building my own computer... I have a feeling that self-built computers are likely to be so much better than store bought ones.

[Limeblossom 482]

I have a feeling that self-built computers are likely to be so much better than store bought ones.

You're not the only one.

 

 

I don't have a Titan (too poor for that sort of thing ), but I do know that $1000 buys you the most badass general-consumer GPU on the market right now.

Maybe the prize will be reduced later, but I'm not sure if that would happen.

[Scrubbed user 3,416]

Maybe the prize will be reduced later, but I'm not sure if that would happen.

 

I highly doubt they will come down in price since they never really do if your buying a new one. If I was going to upgrade from my GTX 970, a GTX 980 ti is as high as I would go.

[Moony the Cat 3,702]

I bought all my Computers. Well, actually i never did that either, i became all my Computers as gifts at christmas. 

But they were all normal Computers from the store.

I have no idea how to build a Computer and i have no need or interest to learn that...so i dont.

[Scrubbed user 3,416]

i became all my Computers as gifts at christmas. 

 

I fully understand that english is not your first language, but this make it sound like you became cybernetic over time.

[Windseeker 546]

I have two different computers on which I both bought and the other one, built. I completely erased the former's hard drive and acquired a new operating system for it to flush out any bloatware, after that, the machine was awesome. The latter has been ridiculously time consuming to build as I manually searched the internet for parts. However, its proven to be very powerful, rugged, and versatile.

 

Cost-wise, there's ups and downs to both custom and pre-built machines. Sometimes computer manufacturers are kind enough to sell fine systems for a price that won't scare you, sometimes you'll encounter certain computer parts from specific vendors with a price you can buy a reliable car with. Albeit, when it comes down to performance and you know what you're doing, a 600 dollar gaming rig can be on par with a 1000 dollar pre-built system.

 

As for me, well, I don't have a preference. I wouldn't mind to manually build another system from the ground up again, but I certainly would like to have one of those fancy Northwest Falcon Mach V's.

Edited November 23, 2015 by Windseeker

[Jonny Music 3,414]

Depending on what form factor of a computer you want, it may come to personal preference.

 

For example, I'd prefer factory-built (and if possible, customizable from the factory) laptops as building your own laptop would be a nightmare in of itself (especially from the feedback I've been hearing from others about how incredibly difficult it is to achieve it).

For desktops, I would prefer to build my own as I already have some idea for what I want in my first build. Because of how much performance I need and want (for video editing, 3D rendering, animation, and then for gaming as well), my first build would have to be somewhere around a minimum of $4000 (basically a Workstation/Gaming Rig without having to pay for Workstation grade components). Yeah, I need as much power and performance I can get.

Edited November 23, 2015 by Jonny Music

[King 5,625]

The Titan is a waste of money honestly. If you really want to go top end without being insane, get a 980ti. It has really incredible performance without costing a liver and a kidney, though its still quite expensive.

 

As for build or bought, it depends on what you want it for. Id suggest a bought computer for your first PC, then spend some time learning how a PC functions and how to build one because from then on out, built is the way to go. Thats pretty much what I've done and its worked out really well.

[Luna the Great of all the Russias 2,985]

Depending on what form factor of a computer you want, it may come to personal preference.

 

For example, I'd prefer factory-built (and if possible, customizable from the factory) laptops as building your own laptop would be a nightmare in of itself (especially from the feedback I've been hearing from others about how incredibly difficult it is to achieve it).

 

For desktops, I would prefer to build my own as I already have some idea for what I want in my first build. Because of how much performance I need and want (for video editing, 3D rendering, animation, and then for gaming as well), my first build would have to be somewhere around a minimum of $4000 (basically a Workstation/Gaming Rig without having to pay for Workstation grade components). Yeah, I need as much power and performance I can get.

Interesting thing about customizable laptops is that there exists one that was designed to be upgradable and the company ensured that they will create the GPU for at least for the next two generations. Also includes a mechanical keyboard. Such a laptop would be great for me if it weren't for the fact that this is a very expensive system. Considering your budget, you could actually afford said laptop though obviously a notably more powerful and customizable desktop is much better suited for your needs. Thought I would mention it because I would personally love it if more companies made laptops specifically designed for upgradeability.

 

[Jonny Music 3,414]

The Titan is a waste of money honestly. If you really want to go top end without being insane, get a 980ti. It has really incredible performance without costing a liver and a kidney, though its still quite expensive.

 

As for build or bought, it depends on what you want it for. Id suggest a bought computer for your first PC, then spend some time learning how a PC functions and how to build one because from then on out, built is the way to go. Thats pretty much what I've done and its worked out really well.

 

The Titan Z has 2x the amount of CUDA cores compared to the 980 Ti. CUDA cores actually play a part with rendering, so the more CUDA cores, the better (for my situation anyways). CUDA cores are an essential part that I look for when it comes to performance for everything in general.

 

But I am still trying to save up a budget for it as of now. So who knows when NVidia will release an even more powerful GPU that is meant to replace the Titan Z. Because I will need as much VRAM possible for rendering 4K video and previewing in 4K also (I want my future 1st rig to be 4K gaming and editing ready, and I will have an editing dual monitor setup anyways (one normal 4K monitor (calibrated) and a larger 4K monitor/TV for previewing (also calibrated)).

 

Interesting thing about customizable laptops is that there exists one that was designed to be upgradable and the company ensured that they will create the GPU for at least for the next two generations. Also includes a mechanical keyboard. Such a laptop would be great for me if it weren't for the fact that this is a very expensive system. Considering your budget, you could actually afford said laptop though obviously a notably more powerful and customizable desktop is much better suited for your needs. Thought I would mention it because I would personally love it if more companies made laptops specifically designed for upgradeability.

 

 

I already saw that vid from Linus and it looks cool, I'm not dismissing that. But I'm not sure if I would need to get another gaming laptop in the future. I plan to give my Toshiba Qosmio X70 (the same one I'm using right now) to one of my brothers as soon as I do build my own desktop. When I will be travelling more often, I may consider getting one (or maybe even a Workstation laptop from HP from their Zbook series (as it's already possible with today's Workstation GPUs that you can play games with them)) soon.

Edited November 23, 2015 by Jonny Music

[Moony the Cat 3,702]

I fully understand that english is not your first language, but this make it sound like you became cybernetic over time.

 

Oh, i see. 

Sorry, i still have problems with the different times and different forms of words.

 

I did become all my Computers at christmas? Is that correct? I have become all my computers...umm, how about I got all my Computers at christmas? Yeah, that sounds okay...maybe.

[King 5,625]

 

 

The Titan Z has 2x the amount of CUDA cores compared to the 980 Ti. CUDA cores actually play a part with rendering, so the more CUDA cores, the better (for my situation anyways). CUDA cores are an essential part that I look for when it comes to performance for everything in general.

 

 

Of course. I never said it was worse, only that its a waste of money unless you make a living off of something like game development, music, video production...things like that. For a general user there is no reason to drop about a thousand bucks on a GPU unless you really want to go cutting edge.

[Jonny Music 3,414]

Of course. I never said it was worse, only that its a waste of money unless you make a living off of something like game development, music, video production...things like that. For a general user there is no reason to drop about a thousand bucks on a GPU unless you really want to go cutting edge.

 

Yes, exactly. I would not waste money on something I would not need to get in the first place. That's why I always do my research before-hand to make smarter buying decisions instead of impulse-buying.

[Guest]

I will never buy another computer (with the exception of Laptops because they are annoying to build) because I am tired of being overcharged for parts that are low quality, poor design choices, and systems that are generally underpowered and loaded with bloatware. Hell the first thing I used to do with any pre-built machine was format it and re-install Windows/Mac OSX clean so I could get all their crap off of my computer. You end up paying for useless software too!

 

Which would you rather your money go towards?

 

Future-proofing your computer so you don't have to buy another one down the road? Or Useless software that you are just either going to deinstall, never use or worse it just sits there slowing down your machine? I'm sorry, but I am not going to pay to have my PC run SLOWER. I work at Best Buy and I can confidently say that the people selling you PCs know NOTHING about them. Best Buy's geek squad are not even required to have any college under their belts. Best Buy and other major computer retailers are PARTNERED with anti-virus software companies and other computer part companies to push their parts and software, not the best stuff. Studies have already proven that Norton and McAffee are the two most USELESS virus softwares in the world and yet they both get shipped with nearly every computer out there. PNY makes some of the WORST computer parts in existence, and yet almost every store pushes their parts.

 

You are not going to find trusted brands like Corsair power supplies and G.Skill/ADATA RAM in pre-built machines. They will use some random cheap crap which won't last.

 

For those saying it's not "worth it" or too "difficult" to build a PC (excluding non-gamers because really if you are just getting an office PC, it's whatever) is it too difficult to save money? Is it worth it to save money? Trust me! Building PCs is easy and it can be fun! When you build a PC you enjoy the benefits, not the big companies.:

 

• Cheaper if you find a friend to help you, which many will GLADLY offer advice!
• Learn a great skill! A skill that you can actually not only take with you in life, but actually look good in a job interview. When asked about your computer skills, you can now say "Oh I built my computer!" That looks super nice in an interview.
• Better performance! You will be running all quality parts with actual warranties that are worth more than the paper they are printed on.
• UPGRADABLE! You won't be forced to buy a whole new PC in 4 years from now.
• Customized to YOUR needs. Don't use a lot of space? Why are you paying for a 1TB hard drive? You can design your PC to your needs.
• You make big businesses that have become successful by ripping people off take a hit. Every person you show how to build a PC then gives them another hit. You're helping take power out of companies with notorious reputations for terrible customer service such as Toshiba and Dell!
• Satisfaction. You accomplished something great, something that you can be proud of.
• NO BLOATWARE!

The benefits are insane. I built my PC like 5 years ago almost now and my last upgrade I paid $100. When my laptop finally hit a 5 year mark, I needed to buy a whole new one for $600. It's already paying for itself!

[DJW 142]

Also, even if they charge a 'reasonable' price for parts, you will still end up with poor quality parts. They might rave about the CPU, GPU and how much RAM is in it, but you'll get a shoddy mobo, shoddy RAM, bare minimum PSU etc.

 

Until I got my current rig, I was very apprehensive about building my own, as I hadn't done so in about 13 years.

These days it's even easier, with modular cases (loving my Fractal R4), interweb help and none of the nightmare that is thermal paste.

 

Also, you can save a lot by waiting, or at least buying 'last-gen' equipment.

 

My comp's best parts are from 2012 and it will still run Fallout 4 on ultra high (...just).

[Limeblossom 482]

Of course. I never said it was worse, only that its a waste of money unless you make a living off of something like game development, music, video production...things like that. For a general user there is no reason to drop about a thousand bucks on a GPU unless you really want to go cutting edge.

I would take it if I had enough money for it.

 

@@Key Sharkz: You motivated me more to build my own PC for the next time.

 

My current PC still works, for now. With some pre-build PC's I had the experience that they become slower (except for the W98 and current W7 computer I had/have). Also a symptom of Bloatware?

[ArDee 100]

Bit of both, really. Started out as a pre-built Lenovo Ideacentre K330B but I've upgraded it with a larger power supply when the OEM one failed, and a new GTX 950 just a week ago during a Newegg daily deal. Thinking about upgrading the CPU from a quad i5 to a quad i7 (maybe even a K/Extreme i7) but that's gonna cost a lot to do, if the mobo will even take something that powerful.

Edited November 23, 2015 by ArDee

[Omega Centauri 317]

Building a computer definitely gives you more bang for your buck, especially if you want a gaming PC, but there is a moderate learning curve if you're new to it. Among the main reasons you save so much for building your own PC is that most pre-built PCs are very under-equipped with their graphics card. So to get one with a graphics card fit for gaming, you'd have to spend more on all the other parts than you need to. And while there are pre-built PCs intended for gaming, they're still way over-priced.

 

If you know how to build a PC, or know a friend who wouldn't charge you an arm and a leg to do it for you, get a custom one.

[Lost 1,410]

I build my own PCs i have bought though in the past, only due to being able to nab them for the cost price of the parts due to business discounts though. The PC im running right now i built a few years ago and its still going strong, whereas the one i had before (a £2500 Alienware) lasted me about a year.

[DJW 142]

if the mobo will even take something that powerful.

If your mobo will even accept it. It may very well be the case that you will need a completely new mobo.

 

And frankly, if it was a mobo that came as part of a built system, I strongly recommend getting a new one. $100 is enough for what you are likely to need.

 

Also, it's not simply a case of i5 vs i7. The naming convention isn't simply a matter of what generation they are at but the 'style' of CPU.

For example, there were i5 processors released in October this year, where as the i7 family has been around since 2009.

 

Really, with each generation, Intel releases i3, i5 and i7 versions of their CPUs. Each generation is given a code-name (Sandybridge, Ivybridge, Haswell, etc.) and a number beginning with the generation number. So you could have an i7 3770 or an i5 5675.

That said, within each generation, the i7 versions will be better than the i5s.

 

This is where research comes in. What do you want your rig to do? Find the right CPU for you budget/needs, select the right mobo and peripherals and get started.

 

Of course, this can be utterly bewildering.

Go to places like Tom's Hardware, Steam and other forums and ask; 'I have $500 to spend on mobo/CPU for gaming, recommend me some stuff'.

Edited November 24, 2015 by DJW

[Windseeker 546]

• You make big businesses that have become successful by ripping people off take a hit. Every person you show how to build a PC then gives them another hit. You're helping take power out of companies with notorious reputations for terrible customer service such as Toshiba and Dell!

I don't think major companies are terrible with customer service as much as they are at lying. They do rip people off and that's a given, it grinds my gears when computer manufacturers try to pass off under powered budget machines like the Gateway SX2110g-UW23 as "gaming ready" when the thing can barely play fifth generation games. Or over exaggerate the size of 4GB memory, when that's barely sufficient for most (I should just say any) modern PCs operating on a 64 bit architecture.

 

I guess there is a major benefit on building your own PC, you learn a lot from it, and when you do, you lessen the odds of falling victim to eloquent fallacious advertisement. I never thought about it from a socio-economic standpoint.