Poll: What Do You Prefer?
You do not have permission to vote in this poll.
Buy a system
50.00%
2 50.00%
Build a system
50.00%
2 50.00%
Total 4 vote(s) 100%
* You voted for this item. [Show Results]

Building a System vs. Buying a System
#1
OK, RodneyYouPlonker will give me a good laugh at my expense even if it is to laugh at a joke from one of his imaginary friends, but I'm starting to waver: I think I should give up on building a system for all the butthurt I gave myself from the last three months. I have wave the flag in defeat, agreeing with him, for once.

Before I do, I have just one question: would you rather build a system, or buy a pre-built system? I'm leaning towards buying because a franchise computer store in my area sells them for less; they're refurbished.

Talk about it, discuss, debate, but don't throw eggs at me or put this in the Void.

Thanks!
Reply
#2
It depends... I've done both, and recommended both.

It is not possible to build a system as solid or polished as something like an iMac, and you can't get support for something you build yourself.

On the other hand, when you have a specific task in mind, building it yourself is the only way to get it right. It is also a fun hobby.
Reply
#3
Tell me about it. Smile

Before I knew anything about getting better supplies, I just bought a 300W one for $40 Canadian and found out I squandered that $40. Now I have to hunt for cheaper 500W ones the next time I go parts shopping. Still learning though.
Reply
#4
Cheap power supplies become expensive mistakes later.
Reply
#5
Point well-taken.

Which wattage would you recommend?
Reply
#6
There is no single number that is right.  It all depends on what components you are going to drive.

A single low powered processor with integrated video and an SSD requires a lot less power than a dual processor rig with a dedicated video card and 4 10K HDs.

You can get a good 750 watt supply for around $100 that will last through multiple builds and handle all but the most extreme projects.
Reply
#7
Well, my conceived machine is going to be all-purpose, burning videos, watching videos, playing 2010 games and before,browsing the Internet, scanning, listening to MP3s, those kinds of stuff.

Can 300W do that?
Reply
#8
Probably. After you have your processor, video card, and storage selected, add up their power usage and see.
Reply
#9
Probably? You don't seem sure.

Regardless, I'll use 300W until I can find a 500W one in a local store.

Thanks for everything, Moe. I will now make my decision.
Reply
#10
I don't think he is unsure as much as he's making a general statement based on the specifics you provided... If you had the exact info on what you were getting it would be easier to provide advice.

For example, when I had a desktop, I had an Nvidia something or other that tells you it requires a specific Power supply. I ended up buying a 700w PS.

I built a computer and thought it was cool as a learning experience, but now I can't be bothered with it. When this POS finally falls apart I'll just look for something in my realm. Another good thing about building is you can save a little more $$ if you do some savvy shopping.
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  Hardware System Requirements - Increasing and Increasing theSEMAR 20 63,407 Nov 17, 2021, 14:31 pm
Last Post: waregim
  Beeps But No System Failure RobertX 41 94,187 Mar 10, 2021, 17:31 pm
Last Post: dueda
  Buying a TV and need insight jigsaw52 0 14,715 Aug 20, 2017, 00:42 am
Last Post: jigsaw52
  AT&T Develops Credits System to Limit File-Sharing Bandwidth Ernesto 1 17,417 Jan 30, 2014, 19:22 pm
Last Post: ddoking007
  Strong backing for retina TV system Scrumptious 0 12,934 Jan 23, 2014, 16:37 pm
Last Post: Scrumptious



Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)