Can you get a decent rig..WITHOUT building it yourself?

[thenumberthirteen]

Yeah. You can easily get a good PC without building it yourself.

Your best option is to find a good website that sells high end PC components (I use Overclockers.co.uk, but that's no good if you're in Australia) and many of them will also sell prebuilt PCs for a reasonable price.

The best thing is that what they do is they go to wherever they keep their stock, and use those parts for your PC (generally they're made to order, and customisable to your request). As such you can look at the prices for those parts and see for yourself exactly how much extra building it costs and EXACTLY what's going into it. Many big companies cut corners on things like Motherboards and power supplies since regular customers don't check those things (go to a big name computer store, and see how many PCs have MoBos and PSUs listed in their specs). From what I've seen this isn't usually that much more since they make the profit on the parts, and this way they can sell to people like you who want the best, but don't want to build themselves.

Many places will even Overclock the PC for a small fee as well if you're not sure about doing it yourself.

I will, however, also through my hat in with the "It's actually not all that hard to build yourself" crowd. The only annoying bit is getting all the power connectors and the wires to the front USB ports, etc in since a case can get a bit cramped, but it's not difficult.

 

[Vivi22]

everything is very modular nowadays, if a component fits, thats where it belongs... if a cable fits, thats where it belongs...

Pretty much. If more people knew how easy it is to actually assemble these things I think a lot more people would be shifting away from the major manufacturers because it's just so damn inexpensive and satisfying by comparison.

The only issue a beginner would really run into is knowing what's compatible with what, but a very modest amount of reading would fix that. And really, you just need to make sure you get a CPU and RAM that are compatible with your motherboard, and a PSU sufficient to run it all. Everything else (not that their is much else) is pretty standard right now.

 

[thenumberthirteen]

I will, however, also through my hat in with the "It's actually not all that hard to build yourself" crowd. The only annoying bit is getting all the power connectors and the wires to the front USB ports, etc in since a case can get a bit cramped, but it's not difficult.

Just buy the biggest case you can afford. Also helps keep things cool.

Yeah, but usually it's how close the cables are on the Motherboard they always like to jam them in as close as possible. Particularly the fiddly little front panel ones.

 

[Vault101]

....ok this is going to sound stupid

but you would need to buy the OS wouldnt you?...how much do OS's cost?

hmmmm...I see

 

[thenumberthirteen]

The only issue a beginner would really run into is knowing what's compatible with what, but a very modest amount of reading would fix that. And really, you just need to make sure you get a CPU and RAM that are compatible with your motherboard, and a PSU sufficient to run it all.

Yeah, but now we have the internet for that. Many people on this forum would gladly spec up a PC for someone, or answer whether or not a part is compatible with another part. Every month I spec up a PC or upgrades to match my paycheck and lament what I'd be able to buy if I didn't have to pay for food and shelter.

 

[loc978]

...I'll never understand the irrational fear of screwdrivers... but I put together my first PC when I was 12...

....ok this is going to sound stupid

but you would need to buy the OS wouldnt you?...how much do OS's cost?

hmmmm...I see

well, there's the "costs nothing" route if you wanna fiddle with Ubuntu and Wine... and there's this [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/windows-7.aspx?CMXID=ef_sem&semid=ef_GGL_newab1aad39e5c1a820d24ae290babc763&WT.srch=1&category=Windows_7_Info&ef_id=Ry9NIVzMAwAAh4E:20120130122314:s]. There are other options, as well (personally, I don't recognize any Microsoft OS after XP)... but none that Microsoft endorses or sells at this point.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Bulding a PC is actually quite easy compared to what it was like in the past. Example most of the slots for the drives no longer require a screw driver to keep it in place since they got those plastic auto screw it that lock it by turning it. However you still need a screwdriver for the motherboard and the graphic card.

 

[Vivi22]

Yeah, but now we have the internet for that. Many people on this forum would gladly spec up a PC for someone, or answer whether or not a part is compatible with another part. Every month I spec up a PC or upgrades to match my paycheck and lament what I'd be able to buy if I didn't have to pay for food and shelter.

Couldn't agree more honestly. I've even speced out PC's for people on other forums I frequent when asked, including going to the effort of providing newegg links for everything because I enjoy researching this stuff and figuring out builds and whatnot. But even if someone wanted to do it all themselves, it doesn't require much knowledge. Hell, all of the compatibility information will be listed with the parts on any decent e-retailer. With how easy information on building a PC is to come by, anyone with even a modest amount of knowledge can learn to build a PC by doing a small amount of leg work, which was all I was really trying to point out.

Some people look at building a PC as some complicated, and unfathomable mess of product specs and tangled wires, when it's really just a step or two above playing with lego honestly.

 

[GLo Jones]

Building computers is easy as long as you give the process enough respect. Research what parts are compatible, be ready to make mistakes, take all necessary precautions.

It's definitely worth it, as it saves you money, makes the computer that much more personalised, and most importantly...

building your first computer is a learning experience. By the time it's all put together, you'll know what parts do what, you'll know exactly how to update and upgrade in the future, you'll know the likely causes of any major computer death down the line, and you'll know exactly what you'd like to add change & how much that might cost.

I don't think many people's first builds go without a hitch, but that's a part of the process, you learn from it. My main problem with that I put loads of effort into everything that goes inside, but failed to think about the layout of everything when selecting the case. I got this really cheap little thing, with poor airflow where it needs it. But now I know.

 

[cieply]

well PC gamers...

can you?

as much as I like PC gaming it always comes down to two things

"PC gaming costs ALOT thousand of dollars"

"bullshit...you can get a rig for a very decent price..all you need to do it build it yourself...with a degree in theoretical physics and a flux capacitator"

but anyway, are you not a "real" PC gamer unless you build it yourself?

Oh man, you troll me hard, you know?
I know people nowadays are incapable of logical thinking but listen, building computers ain't that hard. It takes time, if you don't know much, but it's fully doable. You get a part, like graphical cards, and you look for comparative testing results. Then you take a processor in your price range and... you guessed it, you check for comparative testing.
Then you have to compare said parts for compatibility, and adjust, and voila, you're done.
It should take you 1-2 nights of solid effort to get this done. I hate when people demonize technology because they are too god damn lazy to think for even half a second.

But let's assume that you are not an aspie and you have a number of friends and acquaintances. Guess what, at least one of them should have the knowledge to help you.

Now let's assume you are a complete failure as a human being, being unable to both think for yourself and develop any relationships with other people. You STILL can get this done. You just go to internet cafe, and ask how much would they want for putting together a list of parts for you. Tell them you'll buy it yourself and, if you don't know how, you'll bring it to them. It should cost you very little, if they want too much go to a different cafe.

Voila.

Edit
Oh and I forgot, you are aware that there are TONS of topics on the internet forums detailing what to get for what price range? You just go to a good PC forum and ask/browse. Many of them have stickies with that kinda info as pretty much every day you get a dozen guys asking for this (them already being more capable then you as they at least know where to ask for help).

 

[brunothepig]

I love how almost every thread asking if they could get into PC gaming without having to build a rig becomes everyone saying it's easy enough to build a rig. Which is true enough, surely Vault, you would know someone who was more than capable, and you yourself could build a rig with a little help from the internet. But it's still a little odd.

Anyway, to answer your actual question, of course, it's just more expensive. Also, you'd do well to educate yourself on the fundamentals of specs, because often PC's will be sold that are great in one area, and shitty in another. There's also likely sites or even stores that will build your rig for you for an extra $100 or so. Then you can be assured you're getting a good rig, as long as you know what you want.

From your avatar I assume you're Australian, I built my rig for around $1000, and it is capable of playing any game out there on highest settings (or at least, it hasn't failed yet). I'm not sure how much it would cost to get a rig like mine built for you, but I would say you shouldn't have too much trouble. Hell, for all I know you might be able to find a prebuilt one that's quite capable, I'm not really the person to ask about that. But first ask around, if you have any friends who know computers ask their advice, if not I'm sure some of us wouldn't mind helping you out, even show you a good rig.

....ok this is going to sound stupid

but you would need to buy the OS wouldnt you?...how much do OS's cost?

hmmmm...I see

Unfortunately yes, as Linux isn't really great for PC gaming. Windows 7 is rather expensive, the basic version will probably cost around $150-$200.

 

[Akimoto]

Yes you can. I won't repeat what the rest have said, but most PC enthusiasts would be more than happy to teach you how to build your own PC. The learning curve will be a little steep but as long as you are willing to learn and pace yourself you'll be set for life. There's a heck lot of info on the Internet on how to choose parts, assemble, maintain and the mistakes to avoid. Be sure to take note of error messages that pop up (touch wood!) and Google/Yahoo them. Research, learn and keep it cool.

You'll be amazed at how much PC users are willing to help. I was.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

I got this really cheap little thing, with poor airflow where it needs it.

Case Modding 101:

Drill a bunch of holes in a 120 or 140mm diameter circle in the side panel of the case, drill a shitpot more holes inside the circle of holes you just made, drill some anchoring holes and attach a 120mm or 140mm fan to the inside of the panel, manufacturer label facing out making it an intake fan (label in is exhaust). Hell, if you really want to go crazy, do all that but at 200-230mm to attach a monster fan.

The same can be done with the top panel of the case but you need to be a bit more careful with the positioning if your PSU is top mounted.... oh, and mount the fan label in. Top and rear fans should be exhaust while front, side and bottom (should you have room for one) are intake. If you live in a dusty enviroment or with someone who smokes put filters on all your intake fans... and always put filters on a bottom mounted fan regardless.

Also, if you want a front mounted intake fan and don't really want to get all drilling through the case, if you have 3 5.25" bay bezels (them plastic covers over empty drive bays) in a row (horizontally, natch) you can glue them together and do the 'drill and mount' job on them... definitely fits a 120mm fan... can't remember if a 140mm works or not.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Windows 7 is rather expensive, the basic version will probably cost around $150-$200.

You can pick up the OEM version of Win7 Home Premium (either flavour) for about AU$100...and OEM Win7 Pro for about AU$130-140. Win7 Ultimate runs you around AU$200.

Of course you're supposed to be a 'MS registered System Builder' to use OEM gear but the number of people who give a shit about that is extremely low.

 

[Calcium]

Personally I have a ET1862 for £300 as a decent base machine.
Then I bought a ~£100 graphics card for it.
Next I'm upgrading the RAM to 4GB for ~£25.

So that's 3GHz dual core, Windows 7 64 bit, 4GB Ram, 1GB DX11 graphics card for £425 ($666).

I know you can likely get the same specs for less, but OP said decent not amazing. The next time I need a new PC I'll probably try to get it custom made though for now I'm hoping this current one will give me another 2 years problem-free use.

 

[gorfias]

1) You are really a real PC Gamer if you use a PC to play games.
2) Both Intel and AMD now have reasonably priced chips with built in GPUs.

If you intend to legally buy a copy of Windows 7, then, buying a prebuilt with one of these chips can be relatively inexpensive compared to self built. They should play most current gen PC games at 30 FPS on medium settings.

Example: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0379165

I might buy a solid state drive to run the OS. Other than that, PS3 at launch cost about as much.

That written, you can save a little money on self built, and have exactly the parts you want. I learned to build PCs with current hardware by watching videos on youtube.

 

[Westaway]

What am I doing in the OP
No seriously, I'd love to ditch my xbox for a PC, but I have no clue about computers, it's pathetic. And I don't have thousands of dollars (that I can waste). I have no tech smart friends either, which sucks cock