Is it worth a self build ?

andyred

andyred

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Hi FIL could do with a new pc and I'm wondering if it's worth a self build.

He doesn't want (or afford) an all singing / all dancing pc, 500gb hdd, 4gb memory, good graphics card and a reasonably fast processor, and a quiet system (if that's possible).

In view of having to buy Win 7 64x so memory can be increased possibly in future, I'm wondering if it's worthwhile a self build or just to purchase a pre built unit ?

It's a general pc and for his photo use.

Any help would be greatly appreciated ...

Andy
 
No.

I self-built for the first time this year and, apart from getting a supercomputer for just under £1,000 (obsolete in six months, of course!), I got future-proofing as I can swap out most components as-and-when I choose. But the average user is going to find a lot more value-for-money from getting an off-the-shelf machine - they are easier, well-suited to the normal PC user and by no means overpriced for a decent machine. My mother just bought a new Acer machine and it works wonders for little over £300.
 
It's ok building a pc for yourself even if it costs a bit more, people build things because it gives a sense of achievement.

If you build one for somebody else it'll be like a lead weight round your neck , I did it once, never again, I made nothing out of it but it was like I'd given a lifetime warranty with free phone support

Get a dell
 
wack61 said:
It's ok building a pc for yourself even if it costs a bit more, people build things because it gives a sense of achievement.

If you build one for somebody else it'll be like a lead weight round your neck , I did it once, never again, I made nothing out of it but it was like I'd given a lifetime warranty with free phone support

Get a dell
Click to expand...

Plus 1.... Don't do it!
 
Astraeus said:
No.

I self-built for the first time this year and, apart from getting a supercomputer for just under £1,000 (obsolete in six months, of course!), I got future-proofing as I can swap out most components as-and-when I choose. But the average user is going to find a lot more value-for-money from getting an off-the-shelf machine - they are easier, well-suited to the normal PC user and by no means overpriced for a decent machine. My mother just bought a new Acer machine and it works wonders for little over £300.
Click to expand...

Cheers, yes he's probably looking at the £3-400 mark. Which model did your mother get and from where, if you don't mind ?
 
wack61 said:
It's ok building a pc for yourself even if it costs a bit more, people build things because it gives a sense of achievement.

If you build one for somebody else it'll be like a lead weight round your neck , I did it once, never again, I made nothing out of it but it was like I'd given a lifetime warranty with free phone support

Get a dell
Click to expand...

Thanks Darren

It's for my Father in law, so don't mind to much. Yes I agree with the support, but can't help feel I'm going to give support anyhow, so might be better knowing whats in there ...
 
Worth it as in saving lots of money - no, probably not. Worth it because you know there's room for expansion/quality components - yes, definitely.

Can you resue the old PC? If so, I'd be looking at an i5-2500k/P67 based board (you can overclock this VERY easily for a 20% speed increase for free) with 4GB memory and Win7 Home Premium. Probably going to cost a bit more than £400, but a belter of a machine if you can reuse everything. Add £50ish for a decent ~500W power supply (quieter - quietpc.com & silentpcreview.com are always good as a nose around for quiet PC power supplies). Another £30ish if you want a decent after market cooler. Add graphics card of choice (old one will probably do for the moment if a PCI-e) and there you go.
 
Think it depends on the spec you are going for. For a mainstream PC like this I'd just look out for special offers on a brand you trust and buy one.

I had an i7 'check my list of parts' thread on here a few weeks back and that was built this weekend. I had trouble finding a pre built system of similar spec to compare the price to. As best I could judge the build from parts was around £200 cheaper. For a standard PC that will not be the case and a pre built may be cheaper.
 
Thanks everyone for your advice, don't think I can really use much from old PC (except one of his HDD)

Have had a look at a few of those suggested - looks like the general feeling is to try to get the i3/i5 - presumably new 2nd generation.

Had a quick look on Scan (tooooo much choice, not a clue what to choose), but it appears to be approx £100 for a bare bones system (Asus), £105 for an i3, £45 for 4GB, £80 HDD, £20 DVD drive - so looks like around £350 - 400 + Windows 7 + Graphics card

Will have a more detailed look at some pre built ones and see if I can do a like for like.

Not heard of Zoostorm - are they any good - the premium is £399 and 8GB RAM ?

Thanks again for all your help...
 
andyred said:
Thanks everyone for your advice, don't think I can really use much from old PC (except one of his HDD)

Have had a look at a few of those suggested - looks like the general feeling is to try to get the i3/i5 - presumably new 2nd generation.

Had a quick look on Scan (tooooo much choice, not a clue what to choose), but it appears to be approx £100 for a bare bones system (Asus), £105 for an i3, £45 for 4GB, £80 HDD, £20 DVD drive - so looks like around £350 - 400 + Windows 7 + Graphics card

Will have a more detailed look at some pre built ones and see if I can do a like for like.

Not heard of Zoostorm - are they any good - the premium is £399 and 8GB RAM ?

Thanks again for all your help...
Click to expand...
My mother got this one but it seems to no longer be the status quo. I would say any of the trusted brands (Dell, Acer etc.) would be good - just find a decent deal.
 
Astraeus said:
My mother got this one but it seems to no longer be the status quo. I would say any of the trusted brands (Dell, Acer etc.) would be good - just find a decent deal.
Click to expand...

Cheers

Just been having a look about and John Lewis have an Acer unit i3 2120 with 3gb RAM, 640 HDD & W7 x64 for £350, which seems a good price.

I think I need to get a definite budget from him and go from there ...
 
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