Barbone Computer Systems - Is One Right For You?
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This question came up in one of the forums I belong to, in which it was asked if a barebone computer system from one of the online vendors, was a good option compared to building a system from scratch. Responses were varied, some pro’s and con’s were mentioned and some sound advice.
My response - check out the reviews from other users. Most online websites who sell barebones computers offer a review service which may help in determining which systems are good and which are not.
Barbone systems offer several advantages. Motherboards are already affixed to the case and a cpu is seated. Also the barebone system may also include some type of a optical driver. The user needs only to add Ram, hard disk and install a operating system. The motherboard CD normally will include most drivers for the built in features such as video, sound, network adapter and so forth.
Though for my personal use I build my own systems from scratch, I believe a barbone system is a great option. Especially for someone who hasn’t built a system before, this is a great learning experience.
Some companies to take a look at for barebone systems are:
And many others that can be located by doing a Google. I have ordered parts from both Newegg and Tiger Direct so I fully trust both companies and highly recommend both of them. And remember, READ THE REVIEWS ! 
[tags]barebone, computer, systems, newegg, tiger direct, [/tags]
2 Comments
David Lewis
January 27th, 2007
at 11:53am
I just built a barebones system from Newegg, and installed Ubuntu. It was the first time I’ve built my own system, though I have plenty of experience adding and subtracting drives, memory, etc to and from packaged systems.
Overall, it was a great experience. Including scavenging some parts from a dead Dell system, it cost me less that $250 for a minimal Linux box. I did have to research what would and wouldn’t work with Linux and Ubuntu in particular, but most of that I did at the Newegg site itself. There’s a large, incredibly valuable base of customer ratings and comments there that is a great reference for picking, installing and troubleshooting components.
One correction — all the “barebones” boxes at Newegg come ~without~ a CPU. I don’t know about other stores, but I suspect it’s the same. You look at the type of socket in the motherboard of your barebones box and get an appropriate CPU. (Actually, the decision process often goes the other way — pick the CPU first.)
I was kinda scared about installing a CPU, having had some bad experiences bending pins. But that was the (really) distant path. These days it’s easy — the CPU literally drops right into the socket and a little lever beside the socket locks it into place. You have to mount the heat sink and fan on top of the CPU, but that’s pretty easy too. All you need comes in the CPU box, except…
Do get an anti-static wristband and keep it tethered to the box as you are working. Also, dress in cotton — no wool or fleece — and generally be careful to discharge before handing a component.
I doubt if I’ll ever buy a pre-packaged system again. Next time I may even try going from total scratch — case, power supply, motherboard, ports — though I imagine the savings won’t be enormous over a barebones system.
–David
Ron Schenone
January 27th, 2007
at 12:26pm
Hello David,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Tiger Direct does have some barebone system where the cpu is installed along with the mobo.
And building a system from scratch won’t save much money , but it allows you to pick the parts you want. The last system I built was a gaming rig about 16 months ago. I opted for a P/S of 500 watts, a 256 MB video card as well.
And there is the sense of personal satisfaction you get when you tell people you built your own PC.
Again, thanks for your comments and insight.
Best Regards, Ron