Setting out to Build Custom PC setup CAN be a lot of fun
Not only is this a nice feeling case - it looks darned cool as well. Sure you could add some more neon to it, but it does like nice in the dark right out of the box!
And sometimes, it isn’t a lot of fun. I normally set aside 4 or so hours when building a computer from scratch. Sometimes, you get a pleasant surprise in that everything works as expected right off the bat with no fidgeting. In others, it can go like this. I think this little job ended up taking about 20 hours overall – much more than even I would have expected. In the end, this computer absolutely smoked! It ran all speed tests without even breaking a sweat. I just couldn’t justify charging by the hour for this one – just not right. I think it ended up costing Gary around $200 plus parts.
Do you really want or even NEED a custom built computer?
Decide what it is you want to use the computer for. As it turns out, Gary likely didn’t need this powerful a machine. In later conversations, I got the feeling that he was planning on just watching movies from it – hence the HDMI video outputs on the card he selected. His wife was likely to use it for internet and MS Office type documents. I think he could have gotten by with a whole lot less computer and thus a much better value for his money. If he had asked me initially, I think I would have suggested a Dell or HP and added on the appropriately strong vid card and more memory.
Build Custom PC Raleigh
919.404.9327
Can you actually buy a specialty gaming or similar machine “off the rack” that will fit your needs? If you’ve decided that you want a power gamer style machine, find out if you can actually buy one off the rack! These machines combine some of the best hardware available – and bonus – they already have any kinks worked out of them as far as compatibility issues and performance enhancements! And you will get a better value usually due to standard economics.
There are a number of great gaming machine builders and lines out there: Alienware.com (now owned by Dell), Dell XPS Series Desktops, Gateway FX Series Desktops, and Polywell. All of these companies have excellent machines prebuilt with the gamer in mind. Most things can be customized as well, so if you need something truly specific, you should be able to special order the modification(s) when placing your order!
Many case mods add additional lighting designed to show through clear plexiglass sides. These of course are ONLY useful if you don't hide your gaming monster under your desk. Don't waste a lot of money if you aren't going to show it off - besides all those mods are just one more thing to go wrong - especially if no one is ever going to see it anyway!
Decide if you REALLY want to build it yourself or have a tech do it. If you really want to build it yourself, I suggest you plan on quite a learning experience if you’ve never done it before. Most people do get store bought computers and just plug them in – just like buying a new refrigerator – no knowledge really required! The experience of actually building a computer up from components and getting the OS installed, with all the possible failure points, will certainly stretch you to learn what really makes a computer tick!
If you’re going to have a tech do it, talk to the tech ahead of time. First, to let them know what’s in store, and then, to get them to check out specs on everything as much as possible to make sure the components will work together. Some things will not be evident until the computer is actually constructed, but a good tech should be able to at least give you an idea of issues. I would also say, unless you’re willing to go all the way through the process, just give all the components TO the tech and let them do it all. That way you can be assured that everything will be put together skillfully! Well, depending on the tech of course, but at least one would hope! At least if a tech makes a mistake, it will be on them and not as a result of you flexing a mobo too much or jamming something in the wrong socket, etc. Let them take the heat for the build and not have the lingering question, “Did the customer screw something up before the tech came into the picture?” Additionally check on pricing if the tech buys all the parts – you may end up getting a better price if the tech gets all the parts than you can get on your own!
Finally, ENJOY YOUR COMPUTER!
Whether you buy it or build it, computers need to be used to be enjoyed! High end machines can be quite an investment in comparison to the more average machines these days. 10-15 years ago, it was not uncommon to pay $1500-$2000 for just a simple average computer. Prices have now come to commodity level. As little as $250 can get you a machine that will capably handle email, MS Office and internet browsing. Something in the $600-$700 range will get a pretty nice machine that can handle even more with some nice bells and whistles!
So use the machine for what it was intended! These things shine when it comes to heavy graphics oriented applications and games. Now they WILL whip through MS Word like nobody’s business, but in order to let these beasts stretch their legs and really impress you – go out and spend $50 or $60 on a new game and BE AMAZED!
