Build or Buy – choose a custom computer or off-the-shelf system?

Introduction

In the modern era with times of economic struggle and the credit crunch hitting hard, people are looking to save in all areas. Computer technology is a vital component in 21st Century life; however is it best to buy from well-known companies or go your own and build it yourself? The DIY market has undoubtedly risen since the economic turmoil began with more and more people looking to turn away from consumerism and save a few pennies with the risk of unemployment looming. Let’s find out whether the DIY market can and should be applied to the computer industry.

First Glance

The first time you look inside the interior of a PC enclosure you are met with a tangled mass of cables and circuit boards. The sensible thing would be to quickly do the case back up and never venture inside again – the local computer shop can sort it all out for you.

However, is it really that complex and should more of us be taking the plunge and building are own computer systems? In all honesty, after getting stuck in and learning what all the different components are, you soon get used to this tangled mass and are at ease with all the different parts. At the expense of a few hours, you can quickly come to terms with your own PC and start to understand how it all fits together.

Practicality

There is one major downside to building your own computer system and this is the time needed in order to do so. Not only do you need to spend time thinking about what components you should purchase to ensure that they will work together and create a system that meets the requirements desired.

Once these components have been selected, the main challenge awaits – fitting them all together and making the computer turn on when you press the all important power button! This can take time especially if this is the first computer you are building as often you forget to connect up a certain cable or put some of the ‘f-panel connectors in the wrong places first time up. Consequently a good few hours can be spent tinkering with the equipment and in today’s era time is certainly of the essence. Therefore the act of having to build their very own computer is out of the question due to the simple factor of time.

Other practicalities apply to the build such as tools and space. Although most modern cases are virtually tool-less, they still require the trusty screwdriver not mention plenty of space to lay everything out to ensure it doesn’t get damaged before being installed.

Main Advantages

• Cost is a major advantage especially with economic chaos splashed across the news on a daily basis. Building your own computer can save a huge amount of capital as you only have to buy the components that are specifically required for your needs instead of choosing a computer that could have a specification higher than needed.

• Moreover, you will probably get better equipment as companies often use cheaper OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components in order to cut costs. However, you don’t need to and so can ensure you get top-notch products.

• A common misconception when building your own PC is that you don’t get warranty and so in the event of a breakdown you lose out; in actual fact warranty on computer components is really top-rate and most have at least 6 years. Therefore, if you get a problem simply send it back and you will receive a new component.

• This leads to another plus, if something does ever go wrong with your PC, no need to contact some ridiculously over-charging computer nerd to come and sort it out. Simply crack open your case, find out what’s wrong and get repairing!

Problems

• As with anything there are a few downsides, for instance many retailers now sell super-cheap computers to suit a range of needs which could lead you to believe – what’s the point in spending all this time and effort when I can pop down to a shop and get a great product for a cheap price.

• Time and effort are major factors – if you’re running short on these it’s probably the off-the-shelf system for you. However, if you love to experiment and tinker then this won’t matter to you and the world of over clocking will be your oyster!

• Finally, you don’t get overall warranty and so if one component goes wrong and damages another, for example your motherboard fries your memory then the chances of getting your RAM back on warranty are pretty slim.

Conclusion

Overall, building your own computer has a lot to offer: the best components, cheaper prices, the ability to fix your own PC and finally the satisfaction of making something you will use day in day out.

However, whether to build or buy is really down to you. I you want a challenge and don’t mind putting in some time and effort try the DIY option but if you’re really not the kind of person who likes to get stuck in and would prefer to take the easy option and buy a whole system there are still great products out there are reasonable prices.

Finally, my advice to you – get stuck in and give it a go after all you’ll earn the bragging rights of being able to say ‘I built my own computer’ – not many can say that.