I just recently determined that I needed a new computer for our home/business.  I’ve always hated all the marketing software and junk they put on new computers (like Dell, HP and Gateway).  I don’t want all that that on my computer.  And often times, when you buy from them, they use proprietary components so that when you have a problem, you almost have to go back to them to fix it.  For example, my parents have a Dell that is a couple years old, and it runs very slow.  I inquired with Dell about upgrading the processor, and it will not handle the new fast ones of today, but they were willing to sell me an older processor that was just a little faster than the one they had for $800.  Are you kidding?  $800 for an old processor.  I can buy a whole new computer with a new processor for less than that.  They obviously prey on people’s ignorance and trust.

So I decided to build my own computer.  There are several advantages.

  1. I get to pick the parts.  I can read reviews of each component, and pick the best and most reliable ones.  I don’t get stuck with all the parts they happen to be overstocked with and are trying to get rid of because nobody else wants them.  I get the latest and greatest components.
  2. I get to load ONLY software that I want.  I will never install any version of Norton AntiVirus or RealPlayer again.  Those programs are worse than viruses.  They are like cancer to a computer that get into it and starts spreading and taking over all your resources, and you cannot get rid of them.  Even trying to uninstall them leaves their traces all of the place.
  3. And of course building one is cheaper than buying a prebuilt one.  You get a lot more value for your money when you build it yourself.  I was able to build this brand new computer for $600.

Here’s my parts I bought, right before I started assembling it.  I bought everything off of Newegg.com, which is my preferred place to buy.  Most computer parts there are much cheaper than you will find elsewhere.  Shipping is fast and reasonable.  I just finished putting the computer together a couple nights ago, and it’s running like a dream so far.  I using Windows Vista for the first time, so I have a learning curve to figure out all the differences from Windows XP, which is what I’m used to.  But I’m sure I’ll figure it out.