a brand computer vs. a custom-built one?

I built my own, my mom's and my brothers too - it's not difficult plus you get what you want for the dollar amount. If any problem arises during installation you can always call for support and all products are under warranty.

I built my mom's computer for $2200 (that includes a 24" wide screen monitor) now I went to several sites and customized their computers for an HP with similar specs as hers it would have cost $2800, for a dell with similar specs it would have ran $3200

This really depends on your skill level and interest in computers first. If you like to try new things, and are willing to put a little effort into building your own it's not that hard. The other factor is whether it's worth your time and money to make the computer you need. If you just surf the web, and do things with photos you can buy virtually any cheap new computer and it will handle that fine. If you want to play the most graphics intensive games or intend to do video editing you will need something fast, in which case I recommend building it yourself because you can build a much faster computer for the price of an average factory made computer. I never buy the latest and greatest parts for my computers because they are way over priced. I personally have found great performance for the price in products that have been out for about a year. Think about it, if it was awesome a year ago, it's still pretty good today, just much cheaper. I have followed the prices on CPUs, and seen the price drop from over $800 done to about $200 in 1 year. The CPU is still just as fast today as it was last year. I just wait a year to get it. I still very excited when I get the upgrade because it's much faster than my old computer. The other reason I prefer to build my own is that it's easier to upgrade later. Some pre-made computers are very difficult to upgrade, which can prove to be frustrating later when you just want to upgrade your video card (which makes a huge difference).

As for the warranty issue, yes the warranty is a bit easier to deal with when you get a new computer pre built, but the parts are still covered. The part makers also offer phone support when you are having problems to help you find out the cause. I buy a lot of my computer parts on Fry's Web site (outpost.com) or go the their store if I'm close. They usually have the best prices. But beware, stay away from Refurbished computer parts. I've bought a few, and always had problems with them.

If you're not afraid to get your hands dirty, and do a bit of research for the best parts (at the best price), you can build a computer that is much more than another box to you. Its something you can really say you made, and when its time for upgrades, you will be much more comfortable doing it yourself without buying a whole new computer.

I'm a Mac/Linux user (I've recently gotten off of Windows and I'm telling ya', it's GREAT out here!).

I would not get a store-built computer, with the exception of a Mac (which you can't custom build) ever. I did it once and I don't like it.

The main reason is actually in one of your questions. "What if something goes wrong and there's no one to call for it?"

That's the thing. The people who build their own computers (at least, the people I know), will just fix it themselves.

And besides, putting together a computer itself is relatively simple. Just make sure you know what you're doing, and it's just peg A into slot B. A semi-geeky friend could teach you how to do it in an hour.

Most problems you'll have with a computer are software related, anyway.

If nothing else, I'd recommend building your own computer just because it's a fun project and definitely good for learning about the machines. A handy skill in this day and age.

If you want to learn more about building your own computer, e-mail me. I can give you some start-up information.

whitemonkeynumber1@yahoo.com

It is better because you get to pick and choose what components you use. Mass-produced computers are built down to a price point. That means that with the off-the-shelf PC you get at Best Buy or Walmart, you do not get to pick the size or speed of the hard drive, or how many expansion slots are on your motherboard or in the case, et cetera. If you buy online direct from the manufacturer, you can often build your system to order, but if you want very specific parts or capabilities from your system, like a hardcore gaming rig, even that may not be enough - so you have to build your own computer. The big difference you don't get with a computer you built yourself is a one-stop shop for help if something goes wrong. It's kind of like building a kit car versus buying a Honda Accord. The possibilities are endless, but 99% of people want something that they can get in, start up, and drive to work, and if something goes wrong with it, take it to the dealer. 99% of computer users want something they can just turn on and use, and if something goes wrong, call Dell and have someone come to fix it.

i've built my own and built for others for the reasons you have stated.

The drawback is you are the frontline of your own tech support. When things go wrong and occasionally they do, you have to troubleshoot the problem.

On the positive though, hardware manufacturers have better warranties for their individual piece of hardware than a branded computer would give you generally. For instance, the standard these days on a branded computer is a one year warranty on hardware. On a custom built computer, most hardware is warrantied for a longer duration. Hard drive manufacturers usually give 3-5 year warranties, graphic cards 3 years, memory modules (RAM) lifetime warranties.

The only drawback is it's on you to troubleshoot the system.

Another positive is you only install the software that you want, not the trial versions that the branded computers put on.

Custom builds tend to be faster since they are streamlined to the users needs and aren't loaded with unnecessary software that initializes upon startup.

If you know what you're doing, then you know tech support at a general brand company is going to be moronic about 80% of the time. In which case, saving a few dollars now is preferrable. If something goes wrong, you get that item replaced by the maker OR you just buy a new one. Most desktop components (couple of exceptions) are cheap and by the time they fail (usually) you can buy better, faster, more feature rich ones for the same price you paid for the failed component. For example, if by DVD burner fails, in a year, big deal... I'll be able to buy a Blu-Ray burner for the same price I paid for the DVD burner... I'll have a new, upgraded drive.

For a server if you're running a business, then yes, you ABSOLUTELY want to buy a name brand system... servers run businesses - you don't have time to let them be down while you replace component X or fight with support from Company A (telling you it's B's fault) and Company B (telling you it's A's fault).

And if you don't know how to build/repair systems, then you shouldn't be using a custom home built system.

In the past I have custom built desktop computers. Most individual parts have a warranty to go along with them. However, you can usually get a brand computer for a lot cheaper nowadays. If you choose a brand computer, you will only have to deal with one company if something goes wrong. Currently, I have dell laptop because laptops are often difficult to work with inside.

I never recommend a "brand" computer ever. Many times you're stuck with the way they want to build it rather than the way you need it and the support usually leaves a bit to be desired.

If you don't have the knowledge/skill to do it yourself there are plenty of small shops that will build one for you. Make sure you find one that's been around for around 10 years or so. That shows they know how to take care of the customer and build a good product.

If a person can create a computer from spare parts for himself, he surely can solve most problems that arise. In case of a complex problem, just choose whether to replace the part or find a tech.

Making a computer yourself is better, as you choose the high-end parts and it is much cheaper than buying a new one.

If you are computer savy build your own else buy a name brand. Name Brand PC's have warranties on the entire system and not just on the parts. that itself is worth its weight in gold. Not to metion the software comes with the system. If you build your own and do not have the software it can add 400 plus dollars to the cost of building your own.

I always recomend Dell to my non computer savy customers, just because you really cant beat the price, unless you really do some shopping.

Good Luck