Custom or Pre-Built?

[Slottr]

Hey there! So, my dad has been looking into a new computer. He does photo editing/rendering. He wants to buy a dell XPS 8700 - But I am arguing with him that a Custom built would be more beneficial. I've stated my pros and cons on each side and hes stated his. Im posting to ask what you guys think. I beleive custom is the way to go, if you're a pre-built person, Why and why not?

[Frost Byte]

Well 99% of this forums is going to argue custom. So, um custom.

 

Reason: Because PC MASTER RACE!?!?!

[Colt_0pz]

Custom since you don't have to pay for having it built but you have to make it yourself (obviously). and it's cheaper even with the same or similar components

[cheeze_tartz]

Build one, you get better upgradability.

[TheKDub]

Custom or GTFO. /s

 

But seriously, build one, don't buy a prebuilt.

[Slottr]

Exactly what I think! But he wants the "live support" Companies give out for their prebuilt systems. I keep telling him that each component will have warranty: but he still disagrees.

[LancerBG]

a good warranty on a prebuilt can save a lot of headaches. they really do both have a place in the market. 

[sms1202]

Freedom of customization is not the same as pre-built.

[DarkBlade2117]

Exactly what I think! But he wants the "live support" Companies give out for their prebuilt systems. I keep telling him that each component will have warranty: but he still disagrees.

Almost all PC parts come with warranties. Free, I've seen some go up 6-10years free. One thing I don't like about prebuilt a is they try and use cheap, off brand parts that aren't as reliable. My moms friend got this prebuilt PC and i swear the power supply was in a metal box with no fan, no cable sleeves, wasn't modular at all, used some ram by a company called PNY that was at 1333mhz, the mobo was some generic mobo that didn't have a brand name or part number on it. The HDD was atleast Seagate. You with a prebuilt pick the parts you want, that you know are reliable, and come with warranties.

[GrimNeo]

Custom so you know what parts you are getting. Plus you will save a lot and learn while you're at it.

[thekeemo]

You can but from a company like apricitytech.com that will let you choose the parts. And they list complete specs with brand names for their precongfiged options

[stconquest]

Exactly what I think! But he wants the "live support" Companies give out for their prebuilt systems. I keep telling him that each component will have warranty: but he still disagrees.

 

You would get better live support here than anything that Dell could offer you.

 

You have to understand that every time you need help, it costs Dell money.  That will reflect the quality of their service.

 

Custom allows you better parts (with full manufacturer's warranties), and means you will understand how your PC works better.

[STRMfrmXMN]

Hey there! So, my dad has been looking into a new computer. He does photo editing/rendering. He wants to buy a dell XPS 8700 - But I am arguing with him that a Custom built would be more beneficial. I've stated my pros and cons on each side and hes stated his. Im posting to ask what you guys think. I beleive custom is the way to go, if you're a pre-built person, Why and why not?

Well you can use a prebuilt seller that uses custom PC components like apricitytech.com or you can build it for him yourself. Prebuilts use terrible PSUs that can catch your house on fire and fans that last about a day. The things are not made well. They also come with bloatware for days.

[stconquest]

This is your Dell 8700 $699 PC:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($189.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M Anniversary Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($64.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Thermaltake Versa H22 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($33.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 400W ATX Power Supply  ($20.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit)  ($86.98 @ OutletPC)  <<Windows 10 is a free upgrade for anyone anyways
Total: $491.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-25 00:51 EDT-0400

 

$200 more for nothing.

[blackadder]

Almost all PC parts come with warranties. Free, I've seen some go up 6-10years free. One thing I don't like about prebuilt a is they try and use cheap, off brand parts that aren't as reliable. My moms friend got this prebuilt PC and i swear the power supply was in a metal box with no fan, no cable sleeves, wasn't modular at all, used some ram by a company called PNY that was at 1333mhz, the mobo was some generic mobo that didn't have a brand name or part number on it. The HDD was atleast Seagate. You with a prebuilt pick the parts you want, that you know are reliable, and come with warranties.

PNY isnt all bad, not greatest either, i have a ssd from them going strong. But yeah they cheap out way to much, peoples psu's scare me.

[TassieTim]

pre-built pc in my opinion tend to be over priced for what your getting in the box  , this my be in my area not necessarily in yours ( Australia)

on of my friends was going to buy a new pc last year but he was looking at systems priced around $2k Aus , some of which didn't even have dedicated graphics cards for heavens sake ,

in the end i said if you want to spend $2k on it give me the money and I'll build you something way better then the pre-built pc for the same money, in the end i only spent around $800 for something better then what he was going to spend $2k on lol

[handymanshandle]

You can but from a company like apricitytech.com that will let you choose the parts. And they list complete specs with brand names for their precongfiged options

Shameless self advertising? Noice... 

 

Though seriously OP, build it yourself. If you need motivation here's a JayzTwoCents video where his daughter mostly builds her own PC...

 

[spoiler=]

[thekeemo]

Shameless self advertising? Noice... 

 

Though seriously OP, build it yourself. If you need moral support here's a JayzTwoCents video where his daughter mostly builds her own PC...

 

[spoiler=]

actually I don't work there no more

[handymanshandle]

actually I don't work there no more

Ah

[ozziestig]

Though seriously OP, build it yourself. If you need motivation here's a JayzTwoCents video where his daughter mostly builds her own PC...

 

[spoiler=]

I want to see linus and his son do a build, when his son is old enough.

[Slottr]

I want to see linus and his son do a build, when his son is old enough.

That'd be such a good video.

[blueballs]

If you haven't build one yet I'll probably start listening hardwares videos and how to.

It is very simple,I've learned from my oncles but I have learn way difficult stuff with the Internet and it's infity of answers.

[evilarceus]

Here's how I would put it:

 

Custom: If you want to customize and build your PC with a cheaper price but have the risk of errors. If you're new to building PCs, you'll learn a lot.

Pre-built: If you want a company to build it for you for a higher price and have to worry about customer support. They can sometimes be upgraded.

 

If you're going for pre-built, you'll probably regret it.

 

Sorry if it sounds weird, I'm half asleep but I want to listen on the Monstercat showcase

[DarkBlade2117]

PNY isnt all bad, not greatest either, i have a ssd from them going strong. But yeah they cheap out way to much, peoples psu's scare me.

It was just an example. With ram all it takes is an extra $10 if that to get a notable company that is reliable.

[blackadder]

It was just an example. With ram all it takes is an extra $10 if that to get a notable company that is reliable.

indeed, ram should have a lifetime warranty too. I was just saying pny isn't as bad as you think, they are only somewhat big in america,mostly sold at best buys afaik. I don't think they made it either. Still were in agreement should spend the few dollars for quality.