1. Buying online is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper, we're talking about 50% markup at least for pre-built systems.
2. Buying parts separately means you have better warranty over all, each individual part will have it's own 1 year, 2 year, 3 year or even lifetime warranty that will be honored no matter what. Buying in-store will have a holistic manufacturing warranty and is less likely to honor anything more than a factory fault.
3. Individual parts also come with extra spare pieces like screws, SATA cables, molex connectors, adapters, hell most GFX cards come with a free game.
4. You gain priceless experience in building a PC. It's not as hard as people make it out to be, nor is it a dangerous process. As long as you build it on a flat hard surface and ground yourself on a solid bit of metal, nothing bad will happen.
5. If you want to upgrade a single component in the future or you want to do some hardware troubleshooting you are free to do so without voiding any warranty. Good look doing that on a pre-built system. If they find out you so much as disconnected a molex connector they'll void the warranty.
6. You have complete control over the quality of components you put in. With pre-built instore systems you have no control over the brand of HDD, the brand of SSD, the make of the Graphics card (sure you can pick AMD or nVidia, but will you get a cheaper Palit or Sparkle card or will you get a reliable EVGA?).
7. Most pre-built instore PC's use non-standard cases and layouts. These can be a nightmare for customization and horrendous for proper cooling. And they usually accumulate dust a lot faster than a standard cases.
8. The fucking PRICE. I've already said it but comparing prices alone makes it a no brainer. I could have built my computer almost 3 times over with the money required to buy an Alienware or HP equivalent (my PC was around $1500, the Alienware equivalent was $4100).
Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing
Gigabyte GA-Z77-HD3 ATX LGA1155
Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB
Linksys WMP600N 802.11a/b/g/n PCI
Corsair 500R Black ATX Mid Tower
Corsair 600W ATX12V
LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Full (64-bit)
That is my $907 build and the only thing that might possibly need updating/upgrading is the CPU Cooler.
Good luck.
Last edited by jwgering; 07-21-2013 at 11:28 AM.
crex (07-21-2013)
Alright so I'm almost positive I'm going with your build @Doc . I should be buying the parts soon.
But I need a little more help. I started thinking about other external hardware. I have a 24 inch TV right now and I'm not sure what kind of cable I should get to connect to the build that you gave me. This is what I have: https://www.amazon.com/Sansui-Signatu.../dp/B004BOKBNM
Oh yeah and I also kinda need help for a keyboard and mouse. I honestly have no idea about that stuff.
Last edited by Woods; 07-21-2013 at 08:56 PM.
You can just use a HDMI cable for the monitor. You can get order one from monoprice for really cheap.
As for keyboard and mouse, it's mostly personal preference there. I mean I like mechanical keyboards, other people like low profile keyboards. I like simple mice like the Deathadder or the Sensei, other people like crazier mice like the R.A.T. Its up to you really.
crex (07-22-2013)
crex (07-22-2013)
These are some cheap ones I found that look decent for it's cheap price. I can't go that high price wise on this because I don't want to push what my parents already said yes to.
Amazon.com: Sharkoon Tactix Gaming Keyboard (000SKTK): Computers & Accessories
or
Amazon.com : E-3lue E-Blue PLEDGE USB Wired Keyboard : Keyboard Mouse Sets : Electronics
and
Amazon.com: E-3lue Cobra Type-M EMS131BK igh Precision Gaming Mouse with Side Control 1600dpi: Electronics
Feedback?
crex (07-22-2013)
Look into the ones I suggested. I personally own the X4 and Recon and they're awesome. In reference to what Doc said: yes, they do have LED's, but, no they are not cheap "game-y" products. Plenty of gamers would recommend these products, and I think they're worth a shot.
Once again, I apologize to Doc for "undermining" his post, but he sort of undermined mine by criticizing gaming products with the "game-y" feel.
crex (07-22-2013)
@Doc
I ordered the GPU and Heat Sink today!
Persuaded my parents because GPU's sale is gone today so I got it before it was gone. Good ass deal for high power. Can't wait.
Got heat sink cuz might as well since I'm at it. Sale ends in 2 / 3 days as well.
[MPGH]Doc (07-22-2013)
While you're at it, get a nice pair of gaming headphones (if you're into that stuff). I currently use the G930s for gaming.
Amazon is selling them for $105.00
Amazon.com : Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 with 7.1 Surround Sound : Computer Headsets : Electronics
These headphones are phenomenal when it comes to listening in to your enemies' footsteps as well your favorite band/artist. I bought mine for around $135 a while in back in 2011, but they've held up great! Highly recommend!
P.S. Don't forget to buy a decent sound card if the one in your motherboard doesn't suit you.
GL;HF with your PC build.
Last edited by JVBD; 07-22-2013 at 11:24 PM.
Or you could buy actual headphones that don't rely on a placebo effect and actually sound good.
Amazon.com : Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Open-air Dynamic Audiophile Headphones : Home Audio & Theater
Amazon.com: V-MODA Crossfade LP Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone (Gunmetal Black): Electronics
Amazon.com: Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones with Coiled Cable: Musical Instruments
Then buy a desktop mic or a Modmic and end up with an awesome setup that will be 10x better than any "gaming" headset.
Get the 760 instead it's about same price or the 7950 for 270$