| Just look inside a computer case. At first glance, all | | | | pinpoint the problem and fix it yourself, saving money |
| those wires and components can look terrifyingly | | | | on expensive repair bills. |
| complex. And thinking about putting them all together | | | | You are virtually guaranteed to get the best computer |
| by yourself may seem impossible. | | | | when you build your own system. Big retailers often |
| Not to worry! Even though they are the products of | | | | use cheaper OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) |
| advanced technology, the various pieces of a personal | | | | components to cut down on costs. Components like |
| computer (PC) fit together with simple connections. If | | | | these can compromise the performance of a |
| you can use a screwdriver and follow simple | | | | computer system. Although you can buy OEM |
| instructions, you can build your own PC. | | | | components yourself, the trade-off in reliability and |
| Don't be intimidated by the task of connecting the | | | | stability is usually not worth it. Brand name components |
| computer components together. Many of the internal | | | | are just a bit more expensive, but are well worth the |
| connections are molded so that it is impossible to fit | | | | cost. |
| them together the wrong way. If you have ever | | | | Disadvantages |
| assembled a child's toy, you are more than capable of | | | | The major disadvantage in building your own PC is |
| assembling a computer. | | | | that you don't get a system-wide warranty. For |
| Advantages Of Building Your Own | | | | example, if a malfunctioning motherboard fries your |
| You are probably asking yourself why anyone would | | | | memory chips, you may not be able to get |
| bother to build a PC. After all, you can buy a cheap | | | | compensation for the damaged memory. If something |
| computer in almost any retail store. | | | | like this happens with a store-bought system you could |
| If cost is your only consideration, you probably are | | | | probably get the whole computer repaired under the |
| better off buying one of those cheap machines. But if | | | | warranty. |
| you have any special requirements for software or | | | | However, if you buy all your components at the same |
| hardware, you'll benefit from the total control over the | | | | time from the same retailer, you are more likely to be |
| type and quality of components you get from building | | | | compensated for this kind of situation. |
| your own PC. | | | | Time is, of course, a factor. But it is educational time. |
| You can save some money, too. Although you | | | | And if you enjoy tinkering at all, it counts as fun time as |
| probably can't match the price of the cheapest | | | | well. |
| preassembled PC, once you begin adding on the | | | | The Bottom Line |
| inevitable customized hardware, the costs go up | | | | Building your own PC has a lot to offer. You'll be |
| anyway. Suddenly building your own computer starts | | | | assured of getting the best components available, |
| looking cheaper. And don't forget--those super-cheap | | | | which translates to the best and most reliable |
| PCs are bare-boned systems. Unless you need a | | | | computer for your money. You will learn about |
| computer only for basic word processing and e-mail, | | | | computer components and how to choose parts with |
| you will probably have to upgrade anyway. | | | | the best performance. When it comes to servicing |
| Building your own PC can be a great learning | | | | your computer, you may be able to solve and fix the |
| experience. You will gain a better understanding of | | | | problem yourself. |
| how the various components work together, | | | | Oh, and one final advantage. The bragging rights of |
| knowledge that can be useful for troubleshooting. If | | | | telling your friends that you built your own computer. |
| your computer ever breaks down, you may be able to | | | | Priceless! |