technology Are custom-built computers any better than factory-made ones?

[ReGen 1,466]

In case you don't know, I have a Chromebook.

 

Which sucks major flank. :|

 

So naturally, I would want to get a new computer. I've asked on another forum which brand of computer I should get, but most people said I should build my own.

 

Is it true that it runs better and it's cheaper? I'd like some more personal opinions before I consider it.

Edited April 28, 2013 by Unique (Aesu)

[NightOwl 912]

I would definitely recommend building your own PC. I have a few years of experience with building PC's and there is nothing like the feeling you get after turning on your own custom built PC for the first time and seeing it all working. Just remember to do plenty of research on the parts you want for your PC before hand.

Edited April 28, 2013 by NightOwl

[Gay Bird 421]

YES. VERY MUCH

 

Here's why

 

The major companies will cheap out wherever they can. They'll get the cheapest cooling, power supply, hard drives, ram, and motherboards they can get with the specs they're advertising. Then, they charge you more than a well built version of their computer is worth. If you build a computer yourself, you not only have the ability to buy better quality parts, but you also spend less money. Plus, you can upgrade and replace parts of the computer without having to pay for "installation" and you don't have to worry about breaking your warranties. If a part doesn't work, you can send it back for a replacement, so don't worry about that. It's really not as hard as you'd think. I got my brother's computer (which had a bunch of extra stuff like water cooling) together in 3 hours. Here's a tutorial that really helped me. 

[WingMcCallister 368]

Yes, building a PC is far better, and just a buck of a lot more fun than plotting around with some factory brand. I've built all my computers since 2002. 

 

If you need any help / assistance / whatevs, feel free to hit me up.

 

Now with added Nerdgasm

 

 

 

Edited April 28, 2013 by WingMcCallister

[jw5587 182]

Yeah. Custom built is a lot cheaper, plus you have the say in what goes into your PC. Also when you build it, you'll have a much better understanding of how your computer works so if (when I should say) something goes wrong, it's likely you'll be able to figure out the problem and fix it without having to pay some computer repair person an obscene amount of money. Not only that, once your parts start to become outdated you can just upgrade. You won't have to go and buy a whole new PC every couple of years.

[uuunph 288]

On 2013-04-28 at 9:03 PM, Unique (Aesu) said:

Is it true that it runs better and it's cheaper? I'd like some more personal opinions before I consider it.

Nope, a custom-built computer won't run any "better" under normal circumstances.

Cheaper? Definitely.

Edited May 26 by uuunph

[Jokuc 8,174]

Well it depends if you are experienced or not. If you do not know how to build a computer or which parts to buy I would go with a computer that's already built for you. Building a computer can sometimes be hard even though you watch tutorials. There can be a lot of things that goes wrong and well for example you'll need to know what type of PSU you will need in order to run your system.

 

Thooouuugh, custom built ones are usually better.

They are cheaper, well what do I mean with cheaper? Well a custom built computer with parts X Y Z would cost let's say 1 and a built one with the same parts would cost almost the double.

 

Also when you build your own computer you won't get all these stupid advertise programs.. Like 1000 trials and other shit that slows down your system.

 

You can customize it with the exact parts you want/need.

 

And it's always fun to learn how to build your own.

 

If you're curious this is what I got in my computer:

 

Asus P8Z77-V PRO  motherboard

Intel i5 3570k processor

GeForce GTX 670 graphic card

2512 GB memory

16 GB RAM

400~ish (somewhere around there cant remember) W PSU

+some weak fan I dont have any info on

 

acer 1680x1050 23" monitor

BenQ 1920x1080 27" montior  (<--- very good monitor, very cheap!)

Edited April 28, 2013 by Jokuc

[WingMcCallister 368]

Well it depends if you are experienced or not. If you do not know how to build a computer or which parts to buy I would go with a computer that's already built for you. Building a computer can sometimes be hard even though you watch tutorials. There can be a lot of things that goes wrong and well for example you'll need to know what type of PSU you will need in order to run your system.

 

Thooouuugh, custom built ones are usually better.

They are cheaper, well what do I mean with cheaper? Well a custom built computer with parts X Y Z would cost let's say 1 and a built one with the same parts would cost almost the double.

 

Also when you build your own computer you won't get all these stupid advertise programs.. Like 1000 trials and other shit that slows down your system.

 

You can customize it with the exact parts you want/need.

 

And it's always fun to learn how to build your own.

 

If you're curious this is what I got in my computer:

 

Asus P8Z77-V PRO  motherboard

Intel i5 3570k processor

GeForce GTX 670 graphic card

2512 GB memory

16 GB RAM

400~ish (somewhere around there cant remember) W PSU

+some weak fan I dont have any info on

 

acer 1680x1050 23" monitor

BenQ 1920x1080 27" montior

That's almost the same as the comp I built last year -- except it was before the 3rd gens / Z77 chipset came out. I love it. Whooshpanda.

[Kamil 315]

Building a computer for yourself will almost always be cheaper than attempting to purchase an equivalent system; the only exceptions are crazy random sales (which don't really count since the individual parts also have crazy random sales, just not at the same time), and laptops, which I don't believe can reasonably be assembled without expert knowledge and design.

 

For regular desktops though, assembly isn't even all that complicated. Watch a video or two to figure out what goes where, and it's pretty much plugging things into the right place and tightening some screws... as long as you make sure to stay grounded so you don't fry your components.

 

Speaking of components, the real challenge of building your own PC is deciding what parts to get and making sure that they all work together. Better to ask one of those fellows up there for advice on that front though, I've never actually done my own build and I bet a lot of people would scoff at my insistence that there are perfectly valid circumstances for informed consumers to purchase a pre-built gaming laptop.

 

Also, and I bet they'd scoff at this too, I don't think it's "stupid" or anything to buy a pre-built system, or a custom system from a company that does that sort of thing. It's faster, easier, usually pretty well guaranteed to work without needing to worry about wasting money if you do mess something up really bad and destroy everything (very unlikely, but maybe your cat will decide that your graphics card is a good thing to sleep on during installation. That sort of thing could cost at least a little more than having someone else do the construction). A pre-built machine will be more expensive, and there are some unkindnesses in policy if something does turn up at your door non-functional (and the major companies have a tendency to put on a bunch of unnecessary bloatware, but that's usually not TOO bad), but it will also be easy and fairly reliable.

[Jokuc 8,174]

 

 

That's almost the same as the comp I built last year -- except it was before the 3rd gens / Z77 chipset came out. I love it. Whooshpanda.

Whooshpan.. what? Explain

 

But wow that sounds interesting. This mobo is pretty neat, it has a built in network adapter thingy.

..But you didn't use the same monitors I suppose haha (Im thinking about changing my acer one to another BenQ, because this one is awesome and very cheap)

[Boop 102]

Yes, custom built computers are much better because you can have all the desired specs you want. Did I mention it's much cheaper to buy the parts for a custom-built computer?

[WingMcCallister 368]

@@Kamil, I don't think it's stupid to get a pre-built system. You're essentially paying a company for convenience. It does take some knowledge to build a system, but it is also a lot of fun, and doesn't take a lot of effort to figure out. One of my friends was a complete comp novice, and I helped him get through the process. It's certainly not for everyone... err pony... but it's an experience. 

 

@@Jokuc,  No, I have a really old ass Samsung monitor or my plasma tv. I need to upgrade, but I just got my Ph.D. in physics and will be moving in like two weeks... so it's probably not the best time to get new stuff. 

[ReGen 1,466]

Thanks everybody! Hopefully I can convince my mother that it's way cheaper!

 

Now, I had another question: Is it possible to build a custom laptop? If so, is it incredibly harder?

[WingMcCallister 368]

Thanks everybody! Hopefully I can convince my mother that it's way cheaper!

 

Now, I had another question: Is it possible to build a custom laptop? If so, is it incredibly harder?

I have only seen a few brave people do this. Most of them were engineers who had fabrication equipment. I haven't seen any kits for it recently. It's not impossible, but I doubt it's cost-effective.

[N.W. 3,619]

I intend to build a PC this coming June, just getting the money for it now. I can't wait. The laptop I am on now just does not cut it for gaming.

 

 

EDIT: Here are a few builds 

I would not reccomend this one below as you would be limited with the CPU and GPU combination.

 

razetheworld is one of my favorite Youtube channels 

Playlist 

Edited April 28, 2013 by T-90MC

[Guest]

Yes, they are, for a number of reasons.

 

1. You get to choose your own components

2. You save money by doing it yourself

3. When something goes wrong, you can fix it and don't have to pay for it to be serviced.

and 4. They usually perform better for a lower price, providing you choose the optimal combination of components.

[Jokuc 8,174]

 

 

plasma tv

 

 

 

 

 

Jokes aside though, yeah you need to upgrade.

 

 

 

Hopefully I can convince my mother that it's way cheaper!

Well sometimes it's not "waaay" cheaper. Sometimes it's just a little cheaper. The biggest reason why people buy their own parts is usually because you may pick exactly what you want and you won't get these advertise programs which slows down your system.

 

 

 

Is it possible to build a custom laptop? If so, is it incredibly harder?

For you, no. For me? No.

For some crazy-ass skilled person in like.. Japan? Probably, yes.

[Guest]

Thanks everybody! Hopefully I can convince my mother that it's way cheaper!

 

Now, I had another question: Is it possible to build a custom laptop? If so, is it incredibly harder?

You cannot build a custom laptop, but you can however choose a laptop with a fast built-in processor and gpu, and simply add your own SSD and RAM. Beyond that, there's not much you can do.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

Yes, you can get far better specs for the money by building, I once tallied up a build(to bad I can't afford it yet) that was $1000 including a 23" HD monitor, and some of the pre-built towers that ran like $1500 bucks on Amazon had far lower specs. 

Edited April 28, 2013 by Shoboni

[~Master~ Button Mash 2,308]

I've had one custom built PC (that I didn't build) that I lated modded, so I guess I have some limited experience in dealing with custom PCs. It is definitely worth it. Cheaper, more customizable, etc. Not to mention it's easier to configure the unit to do fun things like over clocking! All it takes is some time and effort.

 

Only thing you need to do is be cautious when buying parts. Some companies out there are really cheap (*cough* Thermaltake *cough*) and are best avoided. Also, don't buy into gimmicky items like cases with built-in water cooling systems, or water cooling kits. If you're going to water cool, buy all the parts individually.

 

(Then again, this was a few years ago, so my knowledge might be outdated)

Edited April 28, 2013 by AtomicBassCannon

[A Blithering Div 247]

Custom built is better. Not so much because its cheaper, but because you have finer control over what you want in the PC which can be more balanced to what you actually do. I've built a few over the years and it was well worth the effort. Come June I may finally retire my aging Phenom II in favor of Haswell.

[joeyh3 153]

Pros of a custom-built PC:

• Hardware is usually cheaper than an OEM PC with the same specs.
• Full customization - you can choose exactly what goes in your PC, what it looks like, etc.
• Usually all standard components/connectors, making upgrades and repairs easy and affordable.
• No bloatware or unwanted "extras".

Cons of a custom-built PC:

• Each component would have a different warranty period, making it more difficult to keep track.
• Risk of accidentally selecting the wrong component.
• Windows license is not included, meaning you'll have to purchase an expensive license to use Windows legally.
• Very limited options for support.
• Locating drivers can be difficult.

Pros of an OEM PC:

• Ready to go out of the box - no need to find drivers (usually*), setup programs, etc.
• Standardized warranty - usually all components are covered for the same period of time.
• Windows is pre-loaded, saving you the cost of having to buy a license**.
• Full tech support is usually available.

Cons of an OEM PC:

• Less flexibility, you have to take what is offered.
• Some OEMs use nonstandard componentss/connectors, so upgrades/replacements can be difficult.
• Tons of bloatware included, meaning hours removing/uninstalling all the stuff you don't want.

Conclusion:

Really, it depends. If you're looking for a cheap, basic computer, don't plan on making many upgrades to it, and would like full support, an OEM/retail computer would usually be the route to take. However, if you don't mind being your own tech support, would like to extend the life of your computer through upgrades, and would like a range of flexibility from your computer, then a custom built one would be the better option.

 

Notes:

* Sometimes a manufacturer will ship a computer with a bad driver. My current laptop came with a faulty wireless driver, and the WiFi would not work when the computer was running off battery. I've also seen a computer that shipped without a USB controller driver, meaning that the USB keyboard/mouse/printer would not function.

 

** Technically the price of Windows is included with the computer, but most major OEMs get their licenses at a significant discount, so there is a price savings there.

 

*** Remember, piracy is wrong. If you build your own computer, be sure to either purchase a legal copy of Windows or use Linux.

[Thrashy 2,800]

Oh yes, they are almost unequivocally superior. Most stock computers I've ever owned would start slowing down within the course of a year, perhaps. I've had my custom-built computer for over a year now, and not even a single sign of slowdown, still runs as smoothly as the first day I got it.

 

As far as cheaper...not necessarily. In fact, my computer was about a grand. But then again, it's true what they say - you get what you pay for. And let me just say, that was a G well-spent.

[Lost 1,411]

Building your own PC is far superior to a factory built one, you have full control of what will be inside it and is considerably cheaper.

Also when you self build you dont get those irritating manufacture programs, my last PC was an alienware which came with AlienRespawn, it liked to pop up every 5 mins and tell me to pay for it, it couldnt be uninstalled and would pop up even if i told it to never as me again -.-

 

 

 

My current PC:

 

 

 

 

[WingMcCallister 368]

Building your own PC is far superior to a factory built one, you have full control of what will be inside it and is considerably cheaper.

Also when you self build you dont get those irritating manufacture programs, my last PC was an alienware which came with AlienRespawn, it liked to pop up every 5 mins and tell me to pay for it, it couldnt be uninstalled and would pop up even if i told it to never as me again -.-

 

Your case looks vaguely familiar. lols. That looks like a great machine you got there, Lost. Look at that creamy GTX actions.