Building a computer vs. Buying...

[Freitag]

The wife's computer is currently dying. I'm not sure if it's a monitor issue or something else, but the whole thing is going ker-blooey.

(The monitor blinks randomly and also crashes when java-heavy applets seem to run. I'm not sure if this a monitor thing or how I set it up. I re-installed .NET framework, Java, etc. but it still blinks intermittently. I've tried re-setting the driver for the monitor but that didn't work either)

Since the computer is old, I've been contemplating just buying a new system - Dell is offering latops for 500, and I don't think I can re-build a new system cheaper than that. With an operating system at 100 and the monitor at 150, that's already half the cost before a new hard drive, (100), memory (100), etc.

Unless I'm wrong...

So is it cheaper to buy than to rebuild?

[TjM]

The wife's computer is currently dying. I'm not sure if it's a monitor issue or something else, but the whole thing is going ker-blooey.

(The monitor blinks randomly and also crashes when java-heavy applets seem to run. I'm not sure if this a monitor thing or how I set it up. I re-installed .NET framework, Java, etc. but it still blinks intermittently. I've tried re-setting the driver for the monitor but that didn't work either)

Since the computer is old, I've been contemplating just buying a new system - Dell is offering latops for 500, and I don't think I can re-build a new system cheaper than that. With an operating system at 100 and the monitor at 150, that's already half the cost before a new hard drive, (100), memory (100), etc.

Unless I'm wrong...

So is it cheaper to buy than to rebuild?

Only if you want a powerfull gaming rig. Normal everyday computing you're probably better off buying

[DolaMight]

If you're looking for a sub 500 computer it's probably easier/cheaper to buy a prebuilt system. Just make sure you don't get a brand name one where the case impenetrable that you can't upgrade components. Also don't get anything with the CPU built-in to the motherboard. One thing fails on those and you have to replace the entire computer. You'd get more for your money with a generic build from a local store but they don't offer as good warranty/customer support as a dell would.

You might save 50$ putting it together yourself but if you haven't mounted a motherboard before it can be time consuming and confusing attaching all the LED's, power switch, cpu fans etc... You have to follow the MB manual to a t. Also you have to be very careful mounting the CPU in the socket. Simple mistakes can be costly.

[mendyweiss]

Only if you want a powerfull gaming rig. Normal everyday computing you're probably better off buying

Just Curious, With XBOX360 , PS3, Wii etc... What PC Games Compete With THose Systems ?

[Freitag]

Well, I have to test the monitor to see if it works first. I think it's a driver issue because the monitor is relatively new.

I just have a hosp-sounding clown haunting my waking thoughts right now.

[PhishHead]

Just Curious, With XBOX360 , PS3, Wii etc... What PC Games Compete With THose Systems ?

Really?? PC Gaming is far beyond console gaming the graphics are alot better as well as the cards and chips can handle alot more and are always upgradeable whereas a console is only upgradeable for chips and video cards when a new system comes out.

[Mike Teacher]

I tried building a Babbage difference engine, buying is getter.

[MobCounty]

I've done both. If you have spare parts like power supply, monitor, drives etc.. It is almost the same price to buy. The other thing, is that since it's your wife's box, it will not be your fault when it eventually has a problem.

[Tall_James]

Build it.

http://shockingbird.com/images/redneck_computer.jpg

[Thebazile78]

Just Curious, With XBOX360 , PS3, Wii etc... What PC Games Compete With THose Systems ?

Civ 4. Sid Meier is a god.

It's my computer, so I'll do what I want to.

[HBox]

Civ 4. Sid Meier is a god.

It's my computer, so I'll do what I want to.

Then you'll be interested in this. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilization_Revolution)

[ADF]

The other thing, is that since it's your wife's box, it will not be your fault when it eventually has a problem.

I'd just like to take this out of context.

[Freitag]

I re-did the drivers twice and it didn't work either time. The monitor is older than I though - September 2001 - but it had relatively light use so I'm not sure what exactly the problem is.

Looks like you're getting a new system, dear.

[Thebazile78]

I re-did the drivers twice and it didn't work either time. The monitor is older than I though - September 2001 - but it had relatively light use so I'm not sure what exactly the problem is.

Looks like you're getting a new system, dear.

:clap::clap::clap:

Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4.

[Freitag]

:clap::clap::clap:

Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4. Civ 4.

Clappy hands? CLAPPY HANDS!? You'll get NOTHING and like it!

[CountryBob]

Man, I love it when I purchase new electronics. I am like a child when I go in a Circuit City or Best Buy. Work is updating my computer later this month and that even has me jacked up. I hope you share the same level of excitement.

[Thebazile78]

Clappy hands? CLAPPY HANDS!? You'll get NOTHING and like it!

No.

You promised me a good computer.

I get a good computer.

One that doesn't give me seizures.

Clappy hands don't void that.



































Besides, it's cute when I do it.