Upgrading/Building Your Own Computer
Reasons to Upgrade/Build Your Own Computer
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Control of the Components
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You can research and decide on the best components based on your personal
performance/cost needs.
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You can use standardized parts which are cheaper to replace and easier
to upgrade in the future.
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Option to use some old parts
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You can use some of your old parts such as monitor, floppy drive, CD-ROM
drive, keyboard.
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A Fun/Valuable Learning Experience
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There is enormous satisfaction when you finally finish that personally
designed and built PC.
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You will better understand the workings of a PC, and you might be able
to help a friend.
Reasons not to Upgrade/Build Your Own Computer
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Can be more expensive
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You won't get volume discounts like the OEM manufacturers can.
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Shipping and handling can be expensive especially if your order your parts
from more than one vendor.
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Compatibility Problems
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Since your combination of parts may not have been tested together,
there may be problems with motherboard BIOS and/or Windows drivers.
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Lack of Technical Support
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You may have to contact individual vendors for tech support, and they may
disagree about which component(s) is/are at fault.
Recommendations
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Buy components from a reputable vendor with good tech support, warranty,
and liberal return policies.
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Research your components carefully with an eye for future upgradability.
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Replace one or two components at a time to make diagnosis of possible problems
more simple.
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Make use of the newsgroups and deja search to learn more and get help with
problems.