Computer Geeks/Nerds

[Boise40]

Anyone out there have any experience building their own computer from scratch? I plan to build my own because I'm getting tired of the one that I have now acting up on me. I will be back later with specs and things I like to put into my future desktop computer

[sweatytree]

I have considered doing it but I don't have the time or money.  I had a roomate in college 10 years ago that built one from scratch.  Best of luck on your success...

[wahmomonline]

I have re-built one. I didn't particularity enjoy the process or frustrations. Not only is it time consuming but, costly as well. However, if you really want something high-tech - I say go for it! You would be surprised with a bit of searching around - you can come across towers and parts that people are selling dirt cheap or even giving away. We have a local gentleman that takes donations of any type of tower or computer parts and builds basic computers for the elderly at the Towers. Pretty cool. Good luck with your project!

[mc1962]

I think it would be a great idea to build your own as in this day and age they charge you for every little thing anyways.

[jaymz462]

Yep, I build my own and have built them for other people.  Where do you get your parts from?

[bonskibon]

I had one that I did not build myself, but had built by my specifications. 

[oldbuddy]

I have built HUNDREDS of computers from parts, but now when I can have Enu assemble one for $20 and cover it with a warranty on the complete assembly that I don't get if I do it myself, no way will I pass that up.

[lynnc35]

Alot more people are beginning to do this. There are several sites you can visit that will tell you more information on parts, ect.

[Boise40]

I have built HUNDREDS of computers from parts, but now when I can have Enu assemble one for $20 and cover it with a warranty on the complete assembly that I don't get if I do it myself, no way will I pass that up.

you can have ENU build you a computer for just $20 and cover it with warranty? So, can I put a list of parts that I like to see in my desktop and have them give me a estimate cost to build it?

[oldbuddy]

I have built HUNDREDS of computers from parts, but now when I can have Enu assemble one for $20 and cover it with a warranty on the complete assembly that I don't get if I do it myself, no way will I pass that up.

you can have ENU build you a computer for just $20 and cover it with warranty? So, can I put a list of parts that I like to see in my desktop and have them give me a estimate cost to build it?

Yes you sure can, their phone number is on their website.

[lvstephanie]

I could build my own, but with the hassle, non-warranties, and cost, I think it'd be better to either buy a pre-assembled one at a store, or order one from a computer-design shop (I don't know what Enu is, but I'm guessing that's the type of design shop I'm talking about). If you do build your own, you will have to be extremely cautious about electro-static discharges since most major components are extremely sensitive to this, meaning you should purchase special ESD straps, dry air cans, table mats, etc. (another hassle I'd rather let the professional shops handle). Just working off of your kitchen table alone could fry your processor by itself. 

Also, you need to remember that many computer manufacturers gain cost-savings by making bulk purchases that a solitary person may not get. For example, IBM may have some agreement with Intel to purchase their processors exclusively in return for a reduced cost. You may be able to find a cheaper product by going with some unknown parts vendor, but with computer's, I'd rather get, for example, my video card from NVidia or ATI rather than some unknown South Korean vendor that is selling their cards cheaply on the internet.