Customizing and renovating your PC

[Sektor]

The cheapest way to get a kick-ass PC is to either renovate your current one or make a new computer from scratch. Buy your CPU, motherboard, memory, Case, Hard Drive, OS, Video Card, Sound Card, and CD/DVD drives separatly. I myself am doing just that and with only $500, I made my computer better than some of those made by top of the line companies.

Old PC

Standard HP Case
Windows ME
60 GB harddrive
394 SD RAM
Motherboard allowing max 512 RAM
Intel Pentium 3 Processor 1 Ghz
Geforce 4 64-bit graphics card

New PC

Standard HP Case (didnt upgrade)
60 Gig harddrive (didn't upgrade)
Windows XP Home
512 DDR400 RAM
Motherboard allowing max 4 gigabytes RAM w/ dual channeling
Intel Pentium 4 Processor 3.0 Ghz
Geforce FX5500 128-bit graphics card.

Now, I'll give you an example between 2 nearly identical PCs but one custom made and one company-built.

COMPANY BUILT (Alienware Area - 51 affordable power model)
Processor - Intel Pentium 4 2.8 Ghz
Operation System - Windows XP Home
Memory - 512MB Dual Channel DDR2 PC-4200 SDRAM 533mhz
Hard Drive - 80GB SATA with 8MB Cache
Graphics Card - Geforce FX5750 128 bit
Sound Card - Intel High definition 7.1 audio
Motherboard - FBS 800/533 mhz w/ dual channel support for DDR2 RAM
CD Drive - DVD ROM Drive
Total: $1,606.00

CUSTOM BUILT
Processor - Intel Pentium 4 2.8 Ghz

Operating System - Windows XP Home

Memory - 512 Dual Channel DDR2 PC-4200 SDRAM 533 mhz

Hard Drive - 80GB SATA with 8MB Cache

Graphics Card - Geforce FX5900 256-bit

Sound Card - Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 7.1 audio

Motherboard: FBS 800/533 Mhz w/ dual channel support for DDR2 RAM

CD Drive - 16x DVD Rom

DVD Burner - NU Technology White 8x DVD + RW / - RW Drive

Case - ASIAPRO Black ATX Mid Tower Case with Creeping Light Tube & 450W Power Supply
Total: $1,125

Not only is this customized PC almost $500 cheaper than the Alienware, it doesn't just match the specs of the Alienware, it beats them overall. The Customized PC has a better Graphics Card, Sound Card, and Case. Not to mention I also managed to add a DVD Burner which the Alienware doesn't even have. I highly recommend that if you are looking for a new PC that you build your own. The results will give you a cheaper and more powerful PC than buying a premade PC from a computer store. If you're interested but not too sure how to install/get together parts for a great PC, you can always ask me for help

[Sokar468]

As I've already said, your motherboard is freakin' sweet.

Two things, Sektor.

1] Alienware is overpriced, screw them.

2] Although I agree custom built computers are the cheapest, the warranty and on-site service provided by Dell is invaluable. When I'm at college, it's nice to have a bad-ass custom computer; but if my computer dies and I need it to type a paper, give me a Dell-supported computer any day of the week.

But otherwise, best of luck on your machine. If you need help setting it up, I might be able to give advice, but I'm still no expert.

[Knight of Lodis]

I agree for college you should have a company built computer for everyday use and a second custom computer for other uses if you wish. My pal has a PC and laptop for engineering. Only problem is space. The warranty is important because his laptop powercord died one night with 3 hours of battery life left and dell overnight shipped him a new cord. You would be hurting for cash doing the same thing. However sometimes companies use cheaper parts than normal (compaq cough) but they will always replace those through warrantees.

[Sektor]

True, Dell's customer service is unmatched. I can see where you're coming from. I myself am getting a dell labtop when I go to college but for home, a custom-built PC is what I'm getting. Also, each part is individually warrantied by the manufacturer so, although it may take a few more calls than with dell, you still will be able to benefit from them.

[Knight of Lodis]

Sektor said:

True, Dell's customer service is unmatched. I can see where you're coming from. I myself am getting a dell labtop when I go to college but for home, a custom-built PC is what I'm getting. Also, each part is individually warrantied by the manufacturer so, although it may take a few more calls than with dell, you still will be able to benefit from them.

Yeah basically you are doing what I plan to do. When I get an apartment for VA Tech, I am going to build a desktop with some help from pals. Right now I am just saving money and having fun with my laptop. The warrantees are pretty good on parts too, but will take you longer to get replaced.

[DRottenI]

Well, i've upgraded my computer so many times I just ended up getting two computers ;D I kept upgrading it and I practically had another computer so im like what the hell, why not get another ;D

[Sokar468]

DRottenI said:

Well, i've upgraded my computer so many times I just ended up getting two computers ;D I kept upgrading it and I practically had another computer so im like what the hell, why not get another ;D

DRottenI, how exactly does your brain work? ;D

I intended to only get one new computer, but my custom built had too many problems--I needed a reliable Dell for college. So I also ended up with two computers.

[Sektor]

Alright, never ask CompUSA for customer support. On Tuesday before I bought my parts I called and asked CompUSA if a new motherboard would fit in an HP case (some companies make their own hard ware which are the only ones that would fit in their case) and the person said very directly, yes. I then asked her if she was sure and if they were ATX and she replied "yes". Well guess what? The parts came in and the motherboard doesn't fit in the case . Cases aren't that expensive but I would of much rather of ordered one from the site I bought my other stuff on. CompUSA Sucks!

[DRottenI]

Yeah, Sektor i've had the same problem of the motherboard not fitting as well and its not like its that big of a problem but its a hassle to have to go back because they told you the wrong information. But then I got a cooler case out of it ;D it glows oon the side and stuff ;D

[Sokar468]

A cool case is, you know, cool. But at the end of the day, if the case holds my parts together, then why spend more than $40 on a case?

[DRottenI]

Well, it came with matching speakers, glowing optical mouse and keyboard ;D and I needed speakers since I blew my old ones ;D so it was worth it to me ;D

[Magicman]

Sokar468 said:

A cool case is, you know, cool. But at the end of the day, if the case holds my parts together, then why spend more than $40 on a case?

Bah. Cases are for wimps, CD towers and other junk holding it together is where it's at!

[Sektor]

Sokar468 said:

A cool case is, you know, cool. But at the end of the day, if the case holds my parts together, then why spend more than $40 on a case?

Exactly why I'm pissed. I dont want to spend 40 on a case or any amount on a case whatsoever. My comp is also under my desk on a wide-space shelf so it's not look anybody would be able to see it very well in the first place.

[Kamon]

Magicman said:

Bah. Cases are for wimps, CD towers and other junk holding it together is where it's at!

um.... who the hell is talking about cd cases here? cases = a case that holds all the parts to ur cpu. Sektor is being a hypocrit in this case situation but i wont say why cause hes probably excited to tell u guys.

[Magicman]

Kamon said:

um.... who the hell is talking about cd cases here? cases = a case that holds all the parts to ur cpu. Sektor is being a hypocrit in this case situation but i wont say why cause hes probably excited to tell u guys.

I know what you're talking about. Remove the case and just have random junk around it holding it together.