Ron Schenone

Custom Built Computers

Posted by on Apr 4, 2008 | 4 Comments

Since 1988 when I first entered into the pc repair and upgrade business, I have built custom systems for home based users and business clients alike. The main reason for building custom systems was the ability to build a system that would meet the clients needs. From low end, gaming and business applications alike, no one computer can meet everyones specific needs. This is where the VAR [Value Added Retailer] comes into the technology field.

I always like to compare computers to cars. Each of the automobile companies have specific makes and models to meet the needs of a specific consumer. A pickup truck for hailing may not met the needs of a family of four. Just like a SUV may not meet the needs of a landscaping company. Same with computers. There are those who demand either higher quality parts, i.e. a fast video display adapter for gaming, or a more powerful system for multitasking high end applications.

Most of us will recall the movie Titanic which made us feel that the ship was actually sailing across the Atlantic. The scenes of the ship sinking made us feel that we were actually watching the event before our eyes. Yet the graphics we viewed were computer generated using computer systems that used multiple processors and hoards of RAM. The graphic technicians did not go down to Staples and purchase a HP system off the shelf to make the movie. The systems they used were custom built to meet their specific needs.

Unfortunately we are entering into an era where companies such as Dell are steering away from custom system building. Most of the major OEM’s are building over the counter systems using hardware that can not be readily upgraded nor configured for the user. In a recent comment by reader BlackWolf, he/she expressed the frustration that many feel about the lack of available custom built systems from the major OEM’s.

So here is a question for all of you? If you buy custom systems where do you go to make your purchase? OR are you just a happy camper with the standard systems sold at retail outlets?

Let us know. Comments welcome.

[tags]custm, built, computers, buy, where, who from, [/tags]

  • Jes

    From getting my Atari 600 and 800 as hand-me-downs, to my first two self-bought used computers; an atari 1020ST and a IBM with windows 3 (monochrome screen), I didn’t customize mys sytems. But in 1994 I bought my first new computer from an up and comer named Systemax. I chose every and priced part to get the best system at the best price. I have continued this tradition, excepting my one laptop which are much more difficult to build from scratch. I have been through several systems since 1994 and my latest is an upgrade of the original large mid size tower with new motherboard, cpus andgraphics adapter and power supply. None of the hard drives are the originals, nor the dvd burner.

    For what its worth I upgraded three years equivalence for just over $600.00. If i had bought an equivalent system (not including monitor, I would have paid $900+.

    The reasons I still do and will continue to go custom then are configurability, total price and cost/time distribution.

    Further, for how much it costs, I can’t imagine getting a computer that can’t be upgraded freely or that requires proprietary drivers that you cannot download (UGH).

  • http://www.goretsky.com/ Aryeh Goretsky

    Hello,

    My personal preference is to build my own computers for home use, or for work if I need a system with a very specific configuration that I cannot purchase. After researching the components I need, I typically use a price comparison engine such as Froogle to identify the merchent which sells them least expensively–I do not always buy from the least expensive, though. I will pay a premium for a vendor who has a good customer service record.

    Regards,

    Aryeh Goretsky

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Aryeh,

    “I typically use a price comparison engine such as Froogle to identify the merchant which sells them least expensively–I do not always buy from the least expensive, though. I will pay a premium for a vendor who has a good customer service record.”

    If more people followed this one simple rule in their computer purchases, they may have a more enjoyable experience. :-)

    Thanks for stopping by.

  • http://www.mhwd.org Lori Nickerson

    I built my own computer because I love to things with movies and the store bought ones just didn’t cut it…yes you can add extra but the motherboards were limited