Dell vs. Home build?

[consumertalks]

This question has been floating in my head lately, and it's flowing from my fingertips right now. So lots of people build their own systems here. Lots of people buy Dells. What's the real difference?

I mean.. I know you know the mobo and all that is quality, but if you upgrade/get a new system in 2-3 years anyway, what's the real difference between a self-built system vs. a Dell? If you're not a hard core gamer, is it worth the difference in price?

[tgxiii]

I'm not a hardcore gamer, but I prefer to build my own computer. I do not know nearly as much as probably everyone else here on TechIMO, but I just like the satisfaction of building a computer. I started building my own computer to save money at first, but after building my first few I really got into it.

[JPMiller]

technically if I'm honest its a pretty even comparison when factoring in all aspects.
Pros and cons to both arguments.
Price vs quality/ ease of use vs satisfaction / tech support vs upgradeability....
It really boils down to the person buying and the computers real usage.

[Optimus Prime]

I'd go with Home Build.

I chose this because of several reasons:

1. A Dell would cost about £300 more than building it yourself

2. No, you don't get tech support, but if you've got TechIMO, who needs tech support now?

3. You can upgrade your system without just buying a new computer, you can take components out of your case and fit new ones in, like a new mother board for example.

4. You can overclock your system, with a Dell, you couldn't.

5. When i build computers, it gives me satisfaction in knowing i have achieved something not a lot of people know how to do, or haven't done.

[SiliconJon]

If you want to learn a lot more (and with that comes much frustration), and get more machine for your buck (so long as you don't break anything), go home built. If you just want the thing to play on right away, and want quicker support, go Dell. Not that help here is always slow, but getting a solution is often more lengthy here vs. calling Dell.

And call Dell over the phone to order if that's the way you go. They may just haggle with you...

[sunxiaol]

Dell support isn't the greatest anywat, sometimes it might be faster to order from here. I would recommend building one just for the sheer joy and accomplishment. After I finished putting together my current computer about 6 monthes ago, its a feeling like no other when you turn it on and you see the post and know that everything is running. And usually its pretty risk free, I'd say the only part that can get risky is seating the CPU on the motherboard and putting the heat sink fan on top.

[Uncle Bob]

If You build your own, you can shop carefully and spend as much
or little as you want. You can end up with a system that would
have the same spec's as a commercial system costing twice,or more. As said earlier when you have TechIMO you have tech support.

[blackwatch]

i agree...build your own...i have for the last few years (after buying a very decent dell) and have never thought differently.

[draboo]

i built this one i am using two years ago. i bought my son a dell p4 2.0 for xmas last year.

my home built (xp1500/512ddr ram)is massivly quicker in all aspects than the one i purchased from dell.

tho i have a feeling its because of all the AOL bloat that was preinstalled on it.

one of the good things about the dell is the software that comes with it. i think i paid around $660. shipped and all i had to do was plug it in. all the software was already installed. cdrw burner/software,ms word i think,antivirus. photo editing/shareing .

of course,i enjoyed building the one i have.

to each his own..

brad

[edwelly]

I like Dell - I know there are no conflicts, no real driver issues and for what you pay (SALE) you can't really beat it. People like me have no desire to game or over clock. I just want the PC to work. That's it...
---edwelly