Looking to Buy a New PC? Why not Build Your Own?

You've made your mind up.

That old computer that takes forever to load each web page, start up, and when it finally does work decides to freeze on you needs replaced. So what do you do? Most people will either head to a store like Best Buy to pick out a shiny new computer or buy one online pre-built and ready to go.

Stop right there though. Did you know that you could save a noticeable amount of money(possibly hundreds of dollars) by building your own PC that consists of the same hardware specs than the pre-built one in the store? Most will say, "But I am not good with computers and have never built one before."

Welcome to my world in August of last year, here is my experience entering the custom PC market and how simple it really is.

-------

I was looking to buy a new computer and was heading down the road many take by buying one ready to go. I asked around on forums as to what choice would be the best for me and eventually was persuaded to give building my own a shot. At first I was afraid and then it slowly grew on me that I could do this.

Searching through online websites(mainly newegg.com) I picked out the parts, found the deals, and placed the orders. This is actually the toughest and most time consuming part of the entire project. You will want to make sure each part is compatible with one another(for example the motherboard you choose has the right CPU socket for your CPU). Also, finding the right deals can easily save from 10%-25$ off of your total build cost if you nab up some great deals at the right time. After waiting a week for shipping(I was cheap and wanted to save money by shipping) I was ready to do it.

After reading through many guides and watching how-to videos I was prepared for the worse.

Case ready- check
CPU on motherboard properly- check
CPU cooler- check
Motherboard in case- check
RAM- check
GPU- check
Hard drive- check
SSD- check
DVD drive- check
Cooling fans connected to motherboard-check
Everything hooked up to the Power Supply- check

(simplified the entire "check list" a bit since this isn't a guide so it is easier to read)

Wait....What... This only took me about 45 minutes to accomplish.. Was it really this easy? So with the case plugged in everything working besides a tiny LED light on my case which I fixed after discovering a faulty wire I watched my computer come to life.

20 boring minutes of installing the WIndows 7 disk and other essential drivers and disks that come with the hardware and everything was ready to go.

Now instead of knowing little about how a computer actually works I know how to completely disassemble it, diagnose hardware problems, upgrade individual parts instead of buying a completely new PC, and enjoy doing it!

In my case I was able to get much more out of my PC by building my own and in the end was able to get better hardware into my PC for my budget and also save money in the long run since when I want a new computer I am capable of swapping out for new parts to add onto what I already have.

Now...If you are actually somehow still here reading this blog do yourself a favor and at least consider the possibility of building your own PC. There are many forums and websites out there if you have an issues or questions(a quick Google search will bring up many). Not only will you no doubtably save yourself money you might actually find yourself a new hobby of some sorts and appreciate technology a bit more.