Reply #11: "No, I do not know how to build a computer"

[mike_c]

I didn't either until November or so of last year when I built the computer I'm using now. Since then I've built a couple of other systems for the office from spare parts floating around at work. Seriously, if you want value for your money, spend a few hours reading online --google "build computer"-- and pick up a copy of something like Maximum PC's building tips in the bookstore magazine section.

It's really easy to do if you pay attention to a few details, like buying a decent motherboard with clear instructions, etc. That's where the published reviews come in.

I know-- it always seems better to buy one off the shelf, but I guarantee that you'll get a better system for far less money-- and learn how to beat the manufacturers' price markup and quality markdown-- if you spend the relatively small amount of time necessary to roll your own.

Note too that there are numerous web sites and magazine publishers who routinely set themselves cost goals, e.g. "how can we build a quality system for under $500?" Tom's Hardware Guide (google!) comes to mind, but there are lots of others. Maximu PC's web site might be another good source of information