new gaming rig?

[Aquaman]

How many people here build their systems themselves and how many people buy from places like www.jinglehorse.net or www.ibuypower.com ? I know gamers always say to avoid Dell or Gateway etc but aren't they kind of like the standard in the industry?

Civ 4 runs OK on my system but I also like playing FPS an MMO games like warcraft but the guys on those forums aren't very helpful so I wanted to ask you guys since I play a lot of Civ as well. What do you guys do as far as it goes to build the PC when you want a new one?

 

[Dr. Yoshi]

I'd actually recommend building your own, it's a great learning experience that will set you free from the big manufacturers.

Oh, and there is a Computer Talk forum where you should post stuff like this in the future.

 

[FriendlyFire]

Build your own, select quality parts and avoid pre-made systems as they tend to come with at least one two short commings.

If not order a "custom" built PC where you select everything down to the PSU and fan configurations

 

[Padma]

I've been building my own for several years, now. (Actually, I just built one, and have continually upgraded it. I think I *might* still have the same floppy drive I started with. That would be about it, though. ) These days, self-built is a little more expensive than buying "off the rack", but when you build your own, you *know* what you have inside. You can select parts that fit your price range, without going for the "el-cheapo" bits that the Big Names tend to use.

Oh, and I'm not really much of a gamer. I build my systems to run Linux.

 

[Speedo]

I've been building my own for over 5 years, and it's the only think I'm interested in doing, for the most part.

The problem with computers from most of the OEMs (though Dell is one of the worst offenders) is that they come loaded down with junk [programs] which is absolutely worthless and only serves to slow down the comp. I read a review of a Dell XPS system, which is their "performance" line, a few months ago in which the reviewers had to spend hours talking to Dell support to get some of their games working.... pretending to have only an average knowledge of computers, of course.

Honestly, the only prebuilt computer I would buy for myself would be a Falcon Northwest. Best in the business, hands down. But that'll only happen if I win the lottery.

I've never heard of the two sites you linked. I buy essentially all of my computer stuff from Newegg and Zipzoomfly.

 

[Gelion]

\/ of course you should be confused. I totally misread the topic

 

[Gainy]

Well I understood the topic fine until your post Gelion... now I am confused.

With regards to the original post, definately build your own (or at least buy all the parts then get someone else to do build it). I got an absolute dream machine a few months ago, cost £1000. A few months later, looking at pre-built computers price listings, anything near the specification of mine costs at least 50% more than I paid, and is lacking in many areas where mine is good (performance wise).

Do a bit of research and it's well worth it.

 

[I am the Future]

NEVER BUY A DELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Especially if you are a gamer who goes to LAN parties or even just has people over. Owning a Dell makes you a permanent n00b.I would say taht you should build your own. As said it is a great learning experience. Also you know exactly what is in your system and have all of the power to costomize. Sometimes it is even a little cheaper. Also incase at some later date you decide to change motherboards you wont have to get a new copy of windows.

And of course it is FUN!!! you can get a cool case with lights and a window, then put in a neat powersupy that is clear and maybe even a few LEDs. The sky(or price tag) is your limit.

 

[Jafendel]

I bought my current PC 2 years ago from a local computer shop that sells systems nowadays considered as clone PC's. My previous PC was a lot, lot older and I knew quite a little about building a modern system. I was afraid that I would fry and explode a few motherboards while experimenting... So I selected the parts and the shop assembled them together. I have replaced an added a few components during those 2 years so I would now be more confident in building a PC myself. Only messing with motherboard and CPU (with thermal paste...) would be new to me.

In other words, I'd never buy a 'brand model' PC like Dell. I consider them to be office systems with relevant software, support, warranty and such.