Should I buy or build a PC? - Hardware & Software

If I should buy, give me some good PCs I could put my eye on. If I should build, tell me so. NOTE: I'm looking for a gaming computer, that can at least run Source engine games on a good FPS.

Build.

Build. If you feel comfortable building I would do that before looking at buying a pre-built. I don't know what your budget is, but if you decide not to build, here's something you could have a look at for around $600. [url]http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=desktops&a1=Category&v1=High+performance&series_name=HPE400z_series&jumpid=in_R329_prodexp/hhoslp/psg/desktops/High_performance/HPE400z_series[/url] I'd change the video card that it has to the 1GB Radeon HD 5450 for the extra $40 (actually, I'd find a card I actually like and buy it separate), but this system will run Source games wonderfully. I suggest HP, because after the numerous pre-built computers I've had (thanks to my dad buying them for half my life), the only one still working is our HP.

Build it. The experience itself is actually quite fun, and yet, it does also require a lot of patience.

Build, you get much better stuff if you build.

[QUOTE=knutmora;26166384]Build, you get much better stuff if you build.[/QUOTE] There's another factor, which I neglected to mention. Plus, if you want, you can have all the good (compatible) gaming hardware to your liking.

build. Save more money

build it for the sexiness!!!! it really easy to do it. the hard it part is the application of the thermal paste and its not that hard to do.

Bob the Builder

build

build means: cheaper better you can boast about the fact that you built a computer its fun satisfying time consuming

[QUOTE=Alcapwne;26168469]build means: cheaper better you can boast about the fact that you built a computer its fun satisfying time consuming[/QUOTE] In short: It's better in almost every way, but more time consuming.

since time is money, and you save a lot of money, even that downside is'nt bad at all. say you work for $10 an hour, if you save $100 that's 10 hours work. and if you fear messing it up, in my first build i installed the MB [B]without spacers [/B]and it worked fine.

[QUOTE=short sentences;26165977]Here's something you could have a look at for around $600. [url]http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=desktops&a1=Category&v1=High+performance&series_name=HPE400z_series&jumpid=in_R329_prodexp/hhoslp/psg/desktops/High_performance/HPE400z_series[/url] [/QUOTE] Yeah, I've had a hard time choosing parts, and since this is customizable, I'm gonna go for that computer. Thanks!

[QUOTE=Dogchow33;26169007]Yeah, I've had a hard time choosing parts, and since this is customizable, I'm gonna go for that computer. Thanks![/QUOTE] All the video cards are icky. also idk about the cpu because I don't know about amd processors but my guess is that they are not so great.

Build. [highlight] DO NOT GET THAT PAVILION, SHIT PSU, SHIT GRAPHICS [30 FPS on dust2 with medium/low settings], AND SHIT ALTOGETHER. /c[/highlight] My brother has it :downs:

Just as an FYI I'm running the following OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-BIT CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.0GHz Quad Core RAM: 4GB DDR2 400MHz (slow I know) GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5750 1GB Vapor-X HDD: 1TB Samsung Spinpoint HD103SJ I can play all source games at max 8xAA/16xAF 1600x900, and I've never seen my FPS counter go below 50. I usually play TF2, CSS, GMOD, and a few mods for HL2/EP2. Crysis runs maxxed (0xAA/8xAF) 1600x900 with an average of 30-40fps. A system of similar specs to mine (with faster ram, and a better video card) can be bought for about $600.

[QUOTE=raceingdemon;26167096]build it for the sexiness!!!! it really easy to do it. the hard it part is the application of the thermal paste and its not that hard to do.[/QUOTE] You don't even need additional thermal paste if you're using the stock CPU cooler, which are perfectly fine.

[QUOTE=benjgvps;26170084]You don't even need additional thermal paste if you're using the stock CPU cooler, which are perfectly fine.[/QUOTE] My q9400 seems to need it.