Looks like it's almost time for me to build a new computer.

Iplop · 05-22-2008, 12:49 PM

Six years ago I decided to build myself a computer because it was the more economical thing to do. In fact, I managed to build with $700 what would take $1500+ to buy off the shelf. Over the years I've been keeping my computer somewhat up to date. I've replaced the video card twice, added more RAM, and added a few more hard drives. Unfortunately I'm unable to keep it up to date now. Everything in my computer is at least 2-4 generations behind the current technology.

My question to all of you is whether or not it is still more economical to build your own computer vs. buying one off the shelf.

The few things I have that can be salvaged are:

550watt power supply
SATA Hard drives (SATA was the newest thing back when I built my computer)
Computer case (I have 3 or 4 ranging from micro pc to old style huge towers)
DVD/CD writable drives
Floppy drive (I probably wouldn't even bother installing this one)
Extra USB(2.0)/Fire wire/random other port PCI expansion card
Windows XP (I may or may not stick with XP)

That list should cut down the cost by at least $100-$200 or so.

My goal is to build a computer for around $800-$900 that'll stay somewhat up to date for the next 5-6 years. :p

05-22-2008, 12:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
Iplop Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 47 OS: XP-home edition	Looks like it's almost time for me to build a new computer. Six years ago I decided to build myself a computer because it was the more economical thing to do. In fact, I managed to build with $700 what would take $1500+ to buy off the shelf. Over the years I've been keeping my computer somewhat up to date. I've replaced the video card twice, added more RAM, and added a few more hard drives. Unfortunately I'm unable to keep it up to date now. Everything in my computer is at least 2-4 generations behind the current technology. My question to all of you is whether or not it is still more economical to build your own computer vs. buying one off the shelf. The few things I have that can be salvaged are: 550watt power supply SATA Hard drives (SATA was the newest thing back when I built my computer) Computer case (I have 3 or 4 ranging from micro pc to old style huge towers) DVD/CD writable drives Floppy drive (I probably wouldn't even bother installing this one) Extra USB(2.0)/Fire wire/random other port PCI expansion card Windows XP (I may or may not stick with XP) That list should cut down the cost by at least $100-$200 or so. My goal is to build a computer for around $800-$900 that'll stay somewhat up to date for the next 5-6 years. :p