Build a computer

lberg · Member Joined: 28 Jul 2025 Posts: 315

First of all, is putting together your own computer cheaper than buying an already-assembled one? If it is, I'd like to look into building my own. I was visiting with one of the tech people at my school, and they said that the "geek kids" at our school build their own computer a few years ago. She thought that it was mainly Acer parts that went into it.......So, where's a good place to buy all the parts that would go into the computer? (If it's cheaper, that is) I would really enjoy building one....I've built several things, but this would be fun. Plus, I really need an upgrade from 400 MHz... Rolling Eyes

_________________
Mandriva Free 2025
Fedora Core 5 (On my compy, but don't use it much)
Live CD: Slax 5.1.5

Xeroid · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2025 12:32 am Post subject:

You can't compete with Dell, HP, etc. because they buy in bulk. It's not cheaper but much more rewarding to build your own. Plus you can pick and choose your hardware so you know it will work with your favorite distro. A homebuild is much easer to upgrade as well because you're familiar with all its components.

I haven't purchased a PC in 11 years. I prefer to roll my own. Very Happy

As far as purchasing your components, where do you live. If you are in the US then I'd suggest newegg.com, directron.com, & geeks.com. I've only bought a couple of items from geeks and directron but they are both highly rated. Newegg on the other hand . . . I've spent thousands of dollars with them. I purchase 95% of my parts there for myself and for clients.

You might also want to check out your local mom and pop computer stores. Sometimes you can find a bargain or two there. Unfortunately, there are no mom and pop stores in my local area right now.

_________________
openSUSE 10.1 . . . Kernel-2.6.16.13-4
Mepis 6.0 . . . Kernel-2.6.15-26

bdquick · New Member Joined: 26 Jun 2025 Posts: 35

I buy lots of things from tigerdirect.com too.

lberg · Member Joined: 28 Jul 2025 Posts: 315

Well, thanks guys.....yeah, I live here in the good ol US........Thanks for the recommendations! I think there was a post about something like this before......Someone running into problems buildin their own, or something. A cool thing that I would like to include if it's not too expensive is a lighted CPU fan, and a see-through cover. That is what they have at my school......I just like it haha..........Cuz the CPU fan glows, it's really cool.

_________________
Mandriva Free 2025
Fedora Core 5 (On my compy, but don't use it much)
Live CD: Slax 5.1.5

lynch · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2025 1:01 am Post subject:

I also buy my parts from NewEgg.
The only computer I have bought pre-assembled in the last 8 years is my IBM Thinkpad.
I build a new one every year or so. I used to build a lot of inexpensive internet runners for other people but, tell them now to look around for the best deal they can get. I may look at what deals they find and make suggestions but I only build for myself. Like Xeroid said, Dell and HP buy by the train-load and thus can do it cheaper.
If you only do it once, for the experience alone, it's worth the extra $$$ you spend to build your own system.
lynch

_________________
Mandriva 2025 kernel=2.6.12-12mdk
Suse 10.0 Pro kernel=2.6.13-15.8-default

VHockey86 · Member Joined: 12 Dec 2025 Posts: 423 Location: RIT

schleyfox · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2025 2:38 am Post subject:

Yeah, I built a dualcore rig last year and the comparable commercial setups were 150% - 200% the cost, though my specs were unavailable outside of custom building. It works really well, I definitely recommend it. Also, when you build your own its a lot easier to upgrade later (I will be going through major upgrades once I get a few more paychecks, w00w00).

_________________
Gentoo 2025.1 2.6.13
Gentoo 2025.1 2.6.11
Ubuntu Hoary Hedgehog PPC

lberg · Member Joined: 28 Jul 2025 Posts: 315

Ok.....Thanks! I think my dad will probably want me to stay with the cheap dells, though. Sad

.....Even if I get ANY computer that's newer than my current one, I'll be happy haha

_________________
Mandriva Free 2025
Fedora Core 5 (On my compy, but don't use it much)
Live CD: Slax 5.1.5

Ageros · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2025 3:32 am Post subject:

Selling computers all day I can tell you that unless you do need a computer for a special purpose such as video editing, 3d modelling, etc. then buy is definitely cheaper. There are some on the shelf that are so cheap its ridiculous. So, if you need a super powerful comp, then build, or for the sake of personal satisfaction, otherwise just buy and be happy.

_________________
Lappy: Ubuntu 6.06-1 and XP
Desktop: XP (til I get a new mobo)

VHockey86 · Member Joined: 12 Dec 2025 Posts: 423 Location: RIT

Also don't forget that if you buy a computer off the shelf.... like 95% of the time you're buying a license to windows as well.... and who really wants to do that? Very Happy

_________________
Desktops: Gentoo 2.6.16 x86_64; Kubuntu 6.06; Laptop: Gentoo 2.6.16 x86

	USA Linux Users Group Forum Index » Hardware	All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1