Author Topic: New computer. Buy vs build (Read 3815 times)

RJ898 · « **on:** February 11, 2013, 11:42:16 PM »

I'm starting to do freelance video editing. I have quite a bit of experience in the field. I have never built a computer from scratch but I'm pretty tech savvy.
The question is, do I buy something from one of the big companies or do I build something myself?

whYME · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2013, 11:54:03 PM »

Quote from: RJ898 on February 11, 2013, 11:42:16 PM

I'm starting to do freelance video editing. I have quite a bit of experience in the field. I have never built a computer from scratch but I'm pretty tech savvy.
The question is, do I buy something from one of the big companies or do I build something myself?

If you have the time and patience to research which components are the best for you and wait to find what you want at a good price, I would say build your own.

Name Changed · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2013, 12:34:53 AM »

If you are looking for certain specific specs then it might be cheaper to build your own, but typical CTO computers are much cheaper.

A big benefit of pre-built is the warranty, and tech support from the manufacturer.

If you just buy the components, they likely will all be under warranty, but likely won't be as easy to deal with.

Keep in mind that the cost of a legit OS isn't that cheap if you buy the license.

I would suggest to get a pre-built and upgrade yourself the RAM, add a SSD, and the graphics card.

yuneeq · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2013, 12:49:48 AM »

Or you can get a barebones kit and customize it easily.

RJ898 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:52:05 AM »

If I but something from one of the big companies and change the video card, don't I loose my warranty anyway?

Name Changed · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2013, 10:02:39 AM »

Quote from: yuneeq on February 12, 2013, 12:49:48 AM

Or you can get a barebones kit and customize it easily.

Point isn't how easily it is, its all about what is a cheaper option

btab · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2013, 10:17:42 AM »

I have built before and really enjoyed my personalized PC; however, I find that nowadays a better deal is found when you buy direct from a retailer.

yuneeq · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2013, 10:20:36 AM »

Quote from: Name Changed on February 12, 2013, 10:02:39 AM

Point isn't how easily it is, its all about what is a cheaper option

That's why I suggested a barebones kit. I've seen those for cheap.

RJ898 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2013, 10:32:02 AM »

What's really important to me are the things that can't be easily changed. IE the motherboard, core i7 ivy bridge processor (aftermarket cooler?). Taking that into account, would you still recommend something from a manufacturer?

whYME · « **Reply #9 on:** February 12, 2013, 11:01:55 AM »

Quote from: Name Changed on February 12, 2013, 10:02:39 AM

Point isn't how easily it is, its all about what is a cheaper option

Agreed, if your basing your decision on cost alone don't build it yourself.

btab said it well:

Quote from: btab on February 12, 2013, 10:17:42 AM

I have built before and really enjoyed my personalized PC; however, I find that nowadays a better deal is found when you buy direct from a retailer.

DH Data Recovery · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2013, 11:13:39 AM »

I have built many many machines, theses days buying prebuilt is cheaper. I buy Dell or HP machines and then I upgrade according to customers needs. Still comes out cheaper and you can add any components you need.

RJ898 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2013, 01:06:02 PM »

Won't that void the warranty?

whYME · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2013, 01:08:48 PM »

Quote from: RJ898 on February 12, 2013, 01:06:02 PM

Won't that void the warranty?

Just plugging in additional cards etc? why should that void the warranty?

RJ898 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2013, 01:36:14 PM »

Quote from: whYME on February 12, 2013, 01:08:48 PM

Just plugging in additional cards etc? why should that void the warranty?

I would be changing the Ram. There's no way I would pay $430 for 16gb from lenovo when I could pay $120 from Newegg. Also, I'm considering an aftermarket cooler.

btab · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2013, 01:39:46 PM »

Quote from: RJ898 on February 12, 2013, 01:36:14 PM

I would be changing the Ram. There's no way I would pay $430 for 16gb from lenovo when I could pay $120 from Newegg. Also, I'm considering an aftermarket cooler.

I do not think the RAM will invalidate the warranty, but the cooler I am not sure. I am pretty sure that one of my friends had a water cooling system a long while back and it busted and invalidated the warranty on the rest of the parts on his computer. I can look into it further if you are strongly considering a retailer and want to make sure.

RJ898 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2013, 01:54:13 PM »

Makes sense it screwed with the warranty, water damage is a big deal. There doesn't seem to be a good answer to the question: is the stock cooler good enough...

Name Changed · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:14:49 PM »

Either way why is invalidating the warrant a question here. If the point of buying a pre-built and then modifying is so that its cheaper, theb where does the warranty come into play?

If you build from scratch you wont have a full warranty, just on the parts, which you likely will be saving more with upgrading the parts yourself that you likely could buy a warranty elsewhere

RJ898 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:21:46 PM »

Quote from: Name Changed on February 12, 2013, 02:14:49 PM

Either way why is invalidating the warrant a question here. If the point of buying a pre-built and then modifying is so that its cheaper, theb where does the warranty come into play?

If you build from scratch you wont have a full warranty, just on the parts, which you likely will be saving more with upgrading the parts yourself that you likely could buy a warranty elsewhere

The warranty comes into play when you consider only changing the ram/HD/adding a video card. It's the CPU cooler I'm worried about. If the stock cooler is enough then I can buy from dell/lenovo and get my warranty.
So I guess the question I'm now asking: is the stock CPU cooler good enough for an ivy bridge core i7 processor?

Name Changed · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:34:45 PM »

Quote from: RJ898 on February 12, 2013, 02:21:46 PM

So I guess the question I'm now asking: is the stock CPU cooler good enough for an ivy bridge core i7 processor?

Typically it should be good enough.

Really depends on how you use your processor; overclocking, or constantly running high processor consumption programs will make a big difference.

I find that the higher end machines - have much better ventilation, as the Dell OptiPlex by far is better than the Vostro (Business Computer line)

Btw - your Q' is a little too broad, as there are many different models of the ivy bridge i7 processor

DH Data Recovery · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:58:58 PM »

At the end of the day, it really depends what you want to use the computer for and what your budget is.

Custom built computers originally were cheaper, now its always more expensive and has warranty issues. They are fun to put together when they work, however very often especially with high-end motherboards their are many firmware issues and compatibility issues. You have to do proper research and make sure you have all the right components. Once that's done, the actual building and assembly of the PC is fun.
Be prepared to have a budget in mind and figure out what takes precedent and whats a higher priority for example if you want to spend $1000 you have to decide if you want a more expensive motherboard, better ram, better psu etc. You can spend $50 on a graphics card or $500.