| Many people are intimidated by the inside of a | | | | that you don't get a system wide warranty. For |
| computer case. At first glance all those wires and | | | | example, if a malfunctioning motherboard fries your |
| components look confusing and impossibly high-tech. | | | | memory chips, you may be unable to get |
| The thought of actually putting all the parts together | | | | compensated for the damaged memory. If something |
| may seem impossible. | | | | like this happens with a store-bought system you could |
| Not to worry! Even though they are the product of | | | | probably get the computer repaired under the |
| advanced technology, the various components of PCs | | | | warranty. |
| fit together with relatively simple connections. Putting | | | | However, if you buy all the components at the same |
| together a PC is about as complicated as repairing a | | | | time and from the same retailer, they may be more |
| toaster. If you can use a screwdriver and follow simple | | | | likely to compensate you for this kind of situation. |
| instructions, you can build your own PC. | | | | Getting the Best |
| Advantages | | | | You are pretty well guaranteed to get the best |
| You are probably asking yourself why anyone would | | | | computer when you build your own system. Big |
| bother to build their own PC. After all, you can buy a | | | | retailers often use cheaper OEM (Original Equipment |
| cheap computer in almost any retail store. If cost is | | | | Manufacturer) components to cut down on costs. |
| your only consideration, you are probably better off | | | | Components like these can compromise the |
| buying one of those cheap machines. But if you have | | | | performance of a computer system. Although you can |
| special requirements for software or hardware, building | | | | buy OEM components retail, the trade-off in reliability |
| your own PC gives you total control over the quality | | | | and stability is usually not worth it. Brand name |
| of the components. | | | | components are usually just a bit more expensive and |
| You can save some money too. Although you | | | | well worth the cost for the extra performance they |
| probably can't match the price of the cheapest | | | | offer. |
| preassembled PCs, once you start asking for | | | | The Bottom Line |
| customized hardware installation the cost of building | | | | Building your own PC has a lot to offer. You'll be |
| your own computer becomes cheaper. And don't | | | | assured of getting the best components available |
| forget -- those super cheap PCs are bare-boned | | | | which translates as the best and most reliable |
| systems. Unless you only need a computer for basic | | | | computer for the money. You will learn a lot about |
| word processing and e-mail, you will probably have to | | | | computer components and how to choose parts that |
| upgrade. | | | | offer the best performance. When it comes to |
| Building your own PC is a great learning experience. | | | | servicing your computer you may be able to pinpoint |
| You will gain better understanding of how the various | | | | the problem yourself and replace the problem parts. |
| components work together - knowledge that can be | | | | Don't be worried about the task of connecting the |
| useful when troubleshooting. If your computer ever | | | | computer components together. Many of the internal |
| breaks down you may be able to pinpoint and fix the | | | | connections are molded so that it is impossible to fit |
| problem yourself, saving on those expensive service | | | | them together the wrong way. If you have ever |
| bills. | | | | assembled a child's toy you are more than capable of |
| Disadvantages | | | | assembling a computer! |
| The major disadvantage in building your own PC is | | | | |