Buying a PC

[Abominae]

Since I'm going back to school (for an Associates in Applied Science), I am obviously going to need a new(?) PC.

Having the option to have one built for me free of charge (except for the cost of parts), would it be less expensive to have it built or go into a store to get one already assembled?

At the moment, I am sitting on about $1000.

[BenoitRen]

Getting one built is always better, as you don't have to spend any money on the brand you're buying from this way. As for what computer to assemble, that really depends on what you want to do with it. If you don't need the latest you can get a decent one for $300 or cheaper.

[Neo48]

My laptop cost $1000 and it can run Crysis so you shouldn't have a hard time finding a powerful machine.

[thriwren]

If you are going to build your own, there is some ting you can uses google fore. Try looking for a gaming pc under $1000. This is one of the ones I had seen. http://www.brighthub.com/computing/hard ... 26286.aspx
But if you have a case already, you can save right there. The case, in my opinion, can be cheaper than the one listed. Also, it has been a fw months since this was made, and for the same parts the price might have come down and better parts for the same price might also be out. I have built mine in October of 2007 and I was telling this one dude I use to work with his jaw dropped on the specs.

[paladinrpg]

Best advice is to get it built custom, definitely. You usually save the overhead of buying a big name brand, plus can tune the thing to your needs. Reusing cases and peripherals is also a plus to keep down costs. It's what I've done for many years... the only true skill is to hunt for bargains on NewEgg for parts in the end. Great service and actually useful user reviews! Try to target mid-high end parts on sale as a better thing replaces them or now you might be able to catch a summer or back to school special later on.

Also, if you are open to try out some open-box or factory refurbished items, there's a good bunch of sites out there to make your money go farther. Prices are coming down quickly lately in second-hand, especially for laptops. TechForLess is a site I have dealt with in the past for refurbished and reconditioned electronics and they have not let me down so far... get on their mailing list and you can get access to even bigger discounts.

Hmm.. that almost sounded like a plug.

[Wing-0]

...It did... Are they even paying you? =P

Oh, and yes, a frankenstein computer is good... Saves money and probably an ass or two as well...

[paladinrpg]

...It did... Are they even paying you? =P

Oh, and yes, a frankenstein computer is good... Saves money and probably an ass or two as well...

Nah, but I'm all about saving some backside. Dollars never hurt either -- nowadays those poorer nerds who called me a techno scrooge are coming back for tips. Lovely how things change!

I'm also hoping Windows 7 gives me a good excuse to rebuild my dual core into a nice i7 rig in the new year.

[Abominae]

Well, my cousins fiance (who's #2 of my game dev. team), has offered to GIVE me his PC (a custom built PC) after he gets his new one (which he's building himself). It seems to be an adequate device, tho I will certainly be upgrading it and possibly starting a LAN system for developement.

I asked because I've seen the prices of individual parts and that number appears to be quite good at gaining ground very quickly. But, with this new developement, I'll certainly be in the market for new parts just as soon as I get my financial aid.