Build or Buy

BeerCheeze · Posted: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:49:51 Post Subject: Build or Buy

So it looks like we're probably going to get a computer for the kids (1 for all) for X-mas. I am trying to decided if I should buy a pre-built one or build it myself. Either way the price is going to be similar.

Remember... kids system, no OCing and light gaming is possible but nothing major as we have consoles for that.

Hellfire · Rated XXX Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 3473

Really depends on how much time you want to spend on it.

WHile I hate pre-builts, they do serve a good purpose for "family" systems.

Just make sure you lock it down so they can't install stuff LOL

BeerCheeze · Posted: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:02:35 Post Subject:

Yea, either way I am looking to install either the Magic Desktop or the Hoopah desktop system. Both look great to be able to control what the kids get to do.

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:14:02 Post Subject:

Buy it. Just too cheap and easy these days. And since they aren't so proprietary inside any more, you could always upgrade pieces that might need it one day.

Let me know how those control apps go... I am getting to the point where we need something like that on the Lil' Ladies computer.

Jynxx · Posted: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:41:13 Post Subject:

I built my daughter's PC out of spare parts.
P4 3.0ghz
768mb DDR2 533mhz ram
40 gig IDE
17" CRT

I agree that if you are planning on spending somewhere $500 or below you should probably get a pre-built one. You can get a good Core Duo system for $399 these days, WITH a monitor.

Hellfire · Rated XXX Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 3473

Dud3! · Posted: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:35:45 Post Subject:

If you don't have most of the parts to build a fast enough system already, just buy one of those $300-$400 e-machines (or other brand) that comes with a monitor. I would never say this for anything other than kids or web surfers, but like Doctor Feelgood said, they're just so cheap now!

BeerCheeze · Posted: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:49:41 Post Subject:

The problem with most of the really cheap ones is they lack memory (like they have 512MB with Vista installed) has been one of my major problems. Also... most are sold out by now or will not be delivered until after x-mas (ooo what a difference a week makes).

But I found this at: Best Buy that seems to be a pretty good deal. I can't bulid a system cheaper with comparable spec's. It would be right around the same price to be honest.

Something like that should last them 2 - 3 years easy enough.

hatpin7 · Rated PG-13 Joined: 02 Aug 2006 Posts: 26 Location: canada

That computer looks pretty decent for kids, i have friends with there own pc's with way lower specs and there fine with it.

Although if your kids get into pc games your guna have a little trouble with that 6 series card.

BeerCheeze · Posted: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:23:21 Post Subject: