CTRifle wrote:Just wondering everyone's opinions on either custom built or just pre-made PC's. I want to get a better one, but just curious as are the pre built ones bad?
Obviously my budget isnt very high. Max 550$ but that's pushing it.
A lot of things will factor in on prices, including where you live and what options you need. Generally, a custom-built rig will cost more because you're throwing in components that you personally request, not a mass-produced component or stuff that is being phased out.
If your budget is low but you absolutely MUST HAVE a new computer, I'd suggest a pre-made model that has "room to grow". But if you can spare the funds, or have plenty of quality spares sitting around, you could either do a rebuild with a bare-bones kit or start from scratch and aim for low-end items with upgrade capabilities.
Most pre-mades will use a low-end power supply (often a 300-400W), as much onboard audio/video/etc as they can get away with, a micro- or mid-atx case with little surplus space, and components that are new but at the end of their technology life cycle or are in-house OEM stuff that usually slumps on overall quality or performance. In most cases, if you buy a pre-made you'll end up doing a lot of upgrading along the way, but it's cheaper to start off with.
If you do go the custom-build route, make sure you know what you're doing. And I don't just mean knowing how to install a video card or flash BIOS, but have enough knowledge and understanding of general computer systems and technology progression that you are building a system capable of future upgrades, instead of locking yourself in with an outdated processor size or aging RAM type.
now for the Video card, the combo you gave doesnt have one correct? Yea thats a great deal thanks
