1. Build Your Own Computer: Why?
It seems everyday we are bombarded with advertisements for the cheapest and fastest computers yet. They come with 24/7
support, free programs, and comprehensive instructions on how to get everything running. Why would you even think about
building your own?
By building your own computer, you have many advantages over buying a Dell (C) or Gateway (C) retail computer. First of all you
get to choose your components. Often when a major manufacturer
chooses what components to put in the PC they go for the lowest bidder.
Often this means that the end user will end up with much fewer features,
less reliability, and less performance. When you build your own
you can pick and choose quality components. This allows you to get
what you want. Don't need a 56k Modem? You don't buy one and you
save a bit of money. Want a faster processor? Just order it.
The other advantage, surprisingly, is product support.
When you buy components you get warranties and support from the company
that makes the piece. They are often much more knowledgeable and
helpful than the big PC companies "help centers" and such. (Notorious
for using people who can barely speak English, no offense though.) A
recent example being I mistakenly bought the wrong type of RAM for my
computer. I simply sent an email to the companies RMA center, and
was told I could drop it off at FedEx (C) and have it shipped for free
to get the correct module.
Also by building your own computer it rids you of having to deal with removing all of the "bloatware", programs added by manufacturers that slow down the system and add minimal functionality. Dell is particularly notorious for this,
and it is known that companies receive kickbacks for putting certain software on their systems.
It turns out that building your own computer can
be as simple or as complex as you make it. To most people it is
intimidating, however, this is almost always not the case. The
basic principles are the same in every build. Often a complete build
will only take 3 hours, less if you've done it before. The only hurtle
is making sure you get the correct type of component. I will give
examples along the way, and make sure you don't end up with the wrong
parts. Thanks for your time.
Kevin C. July 30th 2005
kcas88@gmail.com
- Updated Apr. 9th 2006
『A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.』 - Sir Winston Churchill
