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In today's world, having a computer is now a common fact. However, with
that common fact always comes the issue of money. Many computer brands
today simply advertise how excellent their company-made computers are,
but those advertisements blind us, the consumers, from what that
company-made computer is worth. Is it worth the price tag?
Well, let me tell you the answer to that question: NO. Many popular
computer brands do not tell us everything that is in the computer, from
the power supply to the desktop memory. Without this information, we
have no idea if the money is worth the computer. That's exactly what
computer companies want us to ignore.
There are also companies out there where they let you pick the
components on your own, and they build the computer for you. This seems
to be a good idea for a few seconds, but notice this: they don't tell
you how much money it costs for the computer company to buy those
components. For all you know, they may be ripping you off big time.
Then, you ask, what should I do to get a computer if you say that
buying computers isn't worth the money? Well, I have an answer for all
of you: build one.
So, let's say you are out on the market for a new gaming computer
because Your old Pentium III computer just doesn't cut it anymore. So
you come across a company that sells custom computers for you if you
pick out the components on your own, or you come across a company that
picks components for you AND builds it for you. And then you go to a
forum and someone else tells you to get away from that company and
build one on your own. Which path is better?
Simply put, building a computer on your own beats out every aspect of buying a computer. Here's why:
1. Money: Did you think they're going to buy your components, build
it, and put a "small" extra fee? That sounds nice, but that's not being
realistic. Let me just save you from the misery now: NO. For one, you
don't know the exact price they bought the parts for. If you don't
know, let me tell you now: some companies put extra money on each
product so they get the most out of your wallet.
Then comes the fee for building the computer. Well, let me just
tell you, it takes me maybe 2 hours max to build my computer, and they
still charge a fee. That's the way it goes. They're trying to get the
most money they can take out of your wallet without being noticed.
That's the fault that many people are currently in.
Then comes the customer service. They may say "free 24/7 customer
service" in a persuasive and friendly voice, but do not be tricked;
it's not FREE. They won't charge you when you call them, but it's
included in the final price you pay for the computer. There goes
another $xx from your wallet.
However, if you build your own computer, you know the price of each
and every one of your components, and you will be your own customer
service. No extra fee, no calling customer service, nothing extra. Just
you and your computer. And if you ever have a question, you can always
go onto numerous computer forums with friendly memebers who are always
there to help you.
2. Knowledge: now, this is where I think the most weight is. Let's
say that you still, upon reading my first list, bought a computer from
a popular computer company, and this was your first ever custom built
computer. Hooray, your computer came in a nice case, with everything
you wanted in it, and you start playing games at the settings you
wanted to play them. 2 weeks later, the computer dies on you. What now?
You call customer service of course! Let me tell you, they probably
won't know how to fix it for you right there. If you're lucky, they'll
have you send it back to them and MAKE YOU PAY THE SHIPPING, and then
if you're even luckier, ship you another computer in a time frame of a
month.
That's some nice ideal events there, but I'm going to tell you now, it probably won't happen.
Now, imagine if you bought all of the components on your own, and
you built it on your own. You know every single component of your
computer inside and out, and if your computer dies on you, you won't
have to call customer service, or ship the computer back. You're your
own customer service; by buying the components, you researched your
parts and gained much knowledge about all the parts. You'll know how to
pick out the bad part, and send only that one back. You don't need to
wait months; if you researched your products, you bought the products
that perform well Aand have good service when your part breaks. So, you
just send back your part, and wallah, a brand new one comes right back,
you install it on your computer, and it works like a charm again.
You're ready to continue on your gaming adventures.
3. Fun: don't think this needs much explanation.
If you just want to buy a custom built computer, you just go on the
Internet, find your brand, and they ship one to you. I don't think
there's much fun in that.
If you research your parts, buy them, and build it all, it's a lot
of fun. That was the case for me. And with knowledge, comes great power.
About the Author
A
student who learned to build his own computers at the age of 15, Aki H.
now has started a blogging site to help people learn more about
computers. You can read his numerous computer hardware articles at his
blogging site http://www.ImIcarus.com .
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