I built my own computer!

[Robyn]

I needed a computer for college that could handle the software I would be using in my major. I ordered my parts online and as soon as Amazon delivered the boxes, I spent about 8 hours in total building and turning on my computer. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot as well! It's not a cheap hobby if you're into tinkering with electronics, but it's certainly gratifying to see hours of hard work come together in the end.

Whose built a computer before? Who prefers store-bought/pre-built ones? I know many of us have likely migrated toward laptops, tablets and smartphones but I'm sure some of us still have desktops as well. Curious in the year 2021 what platforms users of GT are on.

Here's a fun photo of me before I built my computer.

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[User 180565 is taking donation]

I just updated mine a couple months ago with a 8core 3700x 16gbs of ram and a m.2 drive and can definitely feel the difference.

support.proboards.com/thread/667644/new-old-rig-update

[Artemis]

The one I had before my current computer was one I built. The only reason this isn't is because I had to replace my old one quickly and the shop had a really good tower already built so I figured it was worth it and I could swap out parts later if I wanted to. Doing it myself is nice, but I also just liked taking home one that was built in shop so I just had to plug it in and go.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

Aug 26, 2021 20:21:44 GMT -8 Artemis said:

The one I had before my current computer was one I built. The only reason this isn't is because I had to replace my old one quickly and the shop had a really good tower already built so I figured it was worth it and I could swap out parts later if I wanted to. Doing it myself is nice, but I also just liked taking home one that was built in shop so I just had to plug it in and go.

I'm sure you tested it and everything before buying? A downer to prebuilts are the choice of parts selected, some can have a crappy cooler inside it other shops can overload it with thermal paste or not add enough/cheap gunk. Another thing to consider is making sure it's a clean os install. Lots of people make videos showing how 3rd parties like to add software that boggles the system. But if you got a good deal that's all that matters parts and prices are in high demand over covid and scalpers.

[Nscalerr]

I am on my 4th home built pc which is over 12 years old and still running strong. I have replaced a few parts over the years and I have a laptop with win 10 home, if I need something with a more up to date system.

My current pc is a 2.8Ghz dual core with 4GB ram and Win Xp Pro, with 1.51TB of storage.

[Artemis]

Aug 26, 2021 21:58:51 GMT -8 User 180565 is taking donation said:

Aug 26, 2021 20:21:44 GMT -8 Artemis said:

The one I had before my current computer was one I built. The only reason this isn't is because I had to replace my old one quickly and the shop had a really good tower already built so I figured it was worth it and I could swap out parts later if I wanted to. Doing it myself is nice, but I also just liked taking home one that was built in shop so I just had to plug it in and go.

I'm sure you tested it and everything before buying? A downer to prebuilts are the choice of parts selected, some can have a crappy cooler inside it other shops can overload it with thermal paste or not add enough/cheap gunk. Another thing to consider is making sure it's a clean os install. Lots of people make videos showing how 3rd parties like to add software that boggles the system. But if you got a good deal that's all that matters parts and prices are in high demand over covid and scalpers.

Oh yeah. This was a little independent computer shop, not a big retail chain, so it was built right there and didn't come with any of the bloatware and other stuff. It's a pretty good build with the parts I need and it runs well, and I got to use it before buying it (partly to transfer all my stuff from my old computer). I do want to upgrade the GPU eventually, the one I have is fine but I have my eyes on the RTX 3060 Ti, and I haven't seen it for less than $1k since... late last year? When MSRP is $400 or so. So frustrating.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

Aug 27, 2021 14:37:16 GMT -8 Artemis said:

Aug 26, 2021 21:58:51 GMT -8 User 180565 is taking donation said:

I'm sure you tested it and everything before buying? A downer to prebuilts are the choice of parts selected, some can have a crappy cooler inside it other shops can overload it with thermal paste or not add enough/cheap gunk. Another thing to consider is making sure it's a clean os install. Lots of people make videos showing how 3rd parties like to add software that boggles the system. But if you got a good deal that's all that matters parts and prices are in high demand over covid and scalpers.

Oh yeah. This was a little independent computer shop, not a big retail chain, so it was built right there and didn't come with any of the bloatware and other stuff. It's a pretty good build with the parts I need and it runs well, and I got to use it before buying it (partly to transfer all my stuff from my old computer). I do want to upgrade the GPU eventually, the one I have is fine but I have my eyes on the RTX 3060 Ti, and I haven't seen it for less than $1k since... late last year? When MSRP is $400 or so. So frustrating.

You can thank bots for that as well as chains being irresponsible when it comes it adding items on their market. I plan on buying Valves Steamdeck and turn it into a windows machine just hoping the rumors for a replaceable m.2 drive is true. I wish more retailers would do the put $5 down now and have one ready to buy thing more often.