Barebones: worth the expense & effort?

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cogent1

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I was fired up with enthusiasm for building a barebones system based on the new Shuttle XPC SB81P, which supports Socket 775 processors until I worked out the cost. A decent TFT monitor, Multiformat DVD/RW, 1Gb DRAM, SATA Hard drive, 9800 based graphics, speakers,keyboard, mouse and a 3.2Ghz processor ramp the component prices above the £1000 mark. Add to this the operating system price, delivery costs and the possibility of encountering supply and compatiblity/warranty problems, and I'm beginning to wonder : "is it worth the expense and effort?"

Several companies are offering high-spec. SFF computers for £999, with operating systems and 3-year warranties. What advantage would I gain by building my own?

Can anyone share their barebones building experiences with us and convince this waverer that massive savings can be made? What about the glow of pride that comes from building something yourself? Or will it all end in tears and recriminations?:confused:
 
the first and main reason for diy - you chose what parts you want !

also know what parts you have and already know how to change anything it does go wrong - some ppl have a computer for 2-3 year and never know whar graphic card or mother board they have !

it much be the best thing to do - as any1 that know how to build 1 - would almost always build him/her self a computer (just do tell anybody you can build then - or you dorr will be getting knocked at all the time - lol )

my last 2 computer were prebuilt - both do they job - but norrmally they let you done on - upgradeablity

almost finished buildin my first diy computer - still waitng for the PSU

 
I just buit my computer from the ground up, it cost about $570 give or take. I mean its not a bleeding edge computer but it works. i can play Doom 3 at high quality without a hitch!
 
Like Gonna-Get-You said, choose the parts you want, that way you have more control over how much you spend. And spend what you feel comfortable with. I didnt buy a new monitor because my old one still worked so that saved me $200 or more.
 
Actually, it could be quite a difficult choice, imo.

3 years warranty is good - providing you buy from a company that honours it's warranty obligations - just because you're promised a three year warranty, in reality it could be worth less than the paper it's written on.

Search around for companies where people have had positive experiences with warranties.

And you have to ask yourself - for £999.00 do the components in those pre-built systems you've been looking at come up to the same spec as the parts you've chosen (rather wisely, I might add) yourself? Well, do they? I've a feeling they don't.

If the pre-built system matches your own spec in every way, then go for one of those.

If not, work out the cost of building your own to the pre-built system supplier's spec, you'll probably save a few pennies.

It is satisfying building your own to just how you want it, but you have to weigh up the pros and cons you've already pointed out in your post.
 
or...you can all guess what i am about to say...

BUY A LAPTOP!

...now anyone who did not guess that is either very new to the forum, or just not very clever!!!!!

Dell do good warrenty's

KGB

Flopps, 3 more posts and you will be at "1234"!
 
I would always recomend building your own if your confident enough. I have always built my own (Saying that the first PC I had was prebuilt by Escom, which probably explains why I decided to build after that :)). As GONNA-GET-U said, it gives you the most flexabilty with parts and lets you shop around for the bargins. One thing to consider is some of the smaller barebone systems can have problems with larger AGP cards, and sound cards so keep that in mind when buying. If your in no big rush Asus have just launched the s-presso
which looks really nice, and if its not available already should be soon :D
 
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