New Gaming Computer Thoughts

[Glocky]

http://darklygaming.com/forum/threads/pc-building-and-parts-resources.7855/

Also, with pretty much every part better than that iPower... and $50 more (just add your current mouse, KB and monitor), as an example of what a home build could do.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 750K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.49 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI A88X-G43 ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($82.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($77.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($124.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($95.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $651.39 + tax
Prices include shipping and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-22 13:51 EDT-0400

 

[Gatherix]

Building a computer is indeed beneficial, Sir X, and I'd very much recommend you do so. But simply put, if you're not comfortable doing it, you shouldn't. If you tell people you're getting a new computer and ask if you should build or not, there's going to be a fine line between "Yes" and "No", and not many in between. Ultimately, if buying a pre-built computer feels like the right choice, then that's what you should be doing.

But before you make that decision, you should also be considering the benefits of making your own: if you're spending $400+, it's cheaper in the short-run due to cheaper parts; it's cheaper in the long run, since you can selectively upgrade parts as they break or get old; it provides a large amount of experience; it's fun; it can be personalized and customized to fit your needs and desires; and it's tremendously satisfying when you finish. Things can indeed go wrong, and something almost certainly will on your fist try. But keep in mind that there's tons of guides online for doing this. If you buy at least semi-popular parts, a Google search will likely be able to solve any problem that arises. As long as you go through the process slowly, make sure to read all documentation, and do some research when needed (a second pair of hands can be helpful, too), anyone with rudimentary technical skills can do it.

 

[Freak]

Building a computer is indeed beneficial, Sir X, and I'd very much recommend you do so. But simply put, if you're not comfortable doing it, you shouldn't. If you tell people you're getting a new computer and ask if you should build or not, there's going to be a fine line between "Yes" and "No", and not many in between. Ultimately, if buying a pre-built computer feels like the right choice, then that's what you should be doing.

I just want to add to this: if you're going pre-built stay away from the glossy brands like Alienware/Dell or Asus Republic of Gamers. They have a serious markup on their systems for the brand name alone. Often you will find that you can build computers with the same components they have for much, much less.

There are far too many advantages of building your own computer to ignore. Building a computer these days is also fairly idiot-proof provided you watch some videos (I recommend Linus Tech Tips on YouTube) and follow the manuals. If something goes wrong, you will need to be tech-savvy to troubleshoot it though.

 

[Gatherix]

I just want to add to this: if you're going pre-built stay away from the glossy brands like Alienware/Dell or Asus Republic of Gamers. They have a serious markup on their systems for the brand name alone. Often you will find that you can build computers with the same components they have for much, much less.

..and to add to that, if you're looking for 'budget' builds (like the $600 one you linked to from Walmart), generally the better they look, the more crap they actually are. A flashy-looking case like the one you linked to would cost more than a less interesting case, which for cheaper pre-built computers means that either the case is poorer build quality (plastics with paint, fans that break or are noisy, poor airflow, etc), or the components inside are less good, and it's probably a combination of both.

 

[Sir X:]

I just want to add to this: if you're going pre-built stay away from the glossy brands like Alienware/Dell or Asus Republic of Gamers. They have a serious markup on their systems for the brand name alone. Often you will find that you can build computers with the same components they have for much, much less.

There are far too many advantages of building your own computer to ignore. Building a computer these days is also fairly idiot-proof provided you watch some videos (I recommend Linus Tech Tips on YouTube) and follow the manuals. If something goes wrong, you will need to be tech-savvy to troubleshoot it though.

The Brand in my walmart link I provided is iBUYPOWER gaming comp, and the reviews did say people are satisfied with what they have purchased, but then again as time goes on, something is bound to go kaput.

..and to add to that, if you're looking for 'budget' builds (like the $600 one you linked to from Walmart), generally the better they look, the more crap they actually are. A flashy-looking case like the one you linked to would cost more than a less interesting case, which for cheaper pre-built computers means that either the case is poorer build quality (plastics with paint, fans that break or are noisy, poor airflow, etc), or the components inside are less good, and it's probably a combination of both.

I have thought about building a custom one with what others have been saying also on this thread. Other than Newegg, I'm about brain-dead on other places I could build a custom one within a price range in my comfort zone. Now I THINK there are a few places around where I live that I can choose my custom gaming rig and see the parts in person, but I'm not 100% sure. I'll do some browsing around Gatherix, see what I can pull up.

 

[Thanatos]

ibuypower isn't bad for having a rig created for you but you're going to pay more, the bonus to this is their warranty and service pretty much covers the extra cost but if you're on a budget as previously stated by others building is your way to go. I'm sure there are also more than enough of us (self included) willing to walk you through the building process on Skype or something.