Foo - In need of a PC?

I was just wondering, how many people would be willing to pay a person to build a pc for them, as I am interested in starting this up.

Elvish

Well let's see, those that can't build a pc will buy a prepackaged system. Those that do, well they do. So.

I agree with Operator...or the ones who don't know how to, but wanna know how to normally have a friend who can show them.

Well let's see, those that can't build a pc will buy a prepackaged system. Those that do, well they do. So.

I know how to build a computer, but I still buy packaged systems. They are so cheap, it's not worth the hassle. In fact, once you install the software, and parts, you may end up paying more. Check this site for some great deals, like complete Dell PCs for $200 including shipping.

http://www.dealcatcher.com/

I need a computer! Build me one for free and I'll test it out for you.

It's really not worth the trouble starting an online building business unless you're an established local shop, and can offer something other online places can't, or do it better. Discounts on parts, artistic mods for cases, custom cases, etc...

I run a computer business with my father, at one time it was a large business, now we specialize in repair work and new systems. Generally we charge 50 - 150 dollars to build a new computer labor price depending on the system, software, etc. I have built everything from the little tiny shuttles to monster water cooling computers.

It is a good business for side work, it is hard to go full time without owning a shop and having full time staff. You need a massive credit line to buy parts and pay overhead. There were times when we sold online that we would have 200k in parts at one time, all out of a home business... it was a PITA!

Honestly unless you are willing to go at it 100 percent it is very hard to start up. We have clients that have been using us for years but it takes some serious good word of mouth to get business. Most people nowdays are looking at the econo box comp that for example dell sells now at 299 with monitor. There in NO WAY we could build a computer that cheep and even think of turning a profit (or break even).

My specility is custom work and high powered (i.e. gaming systems). I have build multiple award winning custom computer cases and have built cases for customers. It is a hard time keep customers happy, right now I have 3 projects on line and my own case comming too, with riding and training all the time it is a hard mix to work with!

It is stuff like the comp pic attached that makes you know, once that happens then you are set

(this case won the nationwide pc club case modding competition, advanced division, 1st prize 1000 dollars, has made two magazines and was on several websites, features two VFD displays, a 5 inch LCD VGA modded screen, 100% custom modded case, etc etc!, oh ya, this is not the finished shot, but one of the rushed shots to get the case into the contest, I finished it something around 2 hours before the contest deadline, over 300 man hours in construction)

I have my brother to thanks for my computer. I agree that if people know someone that can build it, they'll go to that person (family member or friend, usually), but if they don't know anyone, they'll end up saying "Dood, I'm gettin' a dell!".

What you should offer to do is set up a home networking. With Tivo, laptops, computers, vonage internet phones, and digital cable and HDTV, I could see you coming in and networking everything together so people have everything on one network. Perhaps you could even go as far as to build a server so they would have their own server and home network (all wireless). If they have a home theater, even better for you.

Koffee

I know how to build a computer, but I still buy packaged systems.]

You may know how to build a computer, but you're missing out on the reason why you should be doing it. The reason why the prepackaged systems are cheap is because they're using cheap components. Yeah of course you can find some more expensive systems with better components but until you customize it (it ain't prepackaged anymore), it still won't be. So why not just build it to begin with.

Prepackaged systems are good for the everyday noob who just wants to surf the net and look at porn not realizing that they're getting ripped off. But honestly you aren't getting a deal by buying a prepackaged system. Just the opposite.

You can buy high-end systems from both Dell and Gateway. In the end, the way I look at it you can sepdn 1-2k building a semi-bad ass machine and spend hours donig research making sure the motherboard and cpu you are buying is good and works with the other hardware you want. Dell and Gateway already do pretty hardcore stressing and component compatability testing.

You buy a motherboard and then the motherboard dies. You spend several hours hassling with a company to get them to return it. Spend shipping charges, find out that the company suddenly won't give it back - so you buy a new one - or maybe youget lucky and theys end you a free new one. With Dell or Gatway for 100-300 bucks extra you can get 1-4 years extended service such that they will replace pretty much any piece of equipment that comes in.

Its the classic equation of money, convenience, hassle and some might argue performance however if you buy a high-end system from Dell or Gateway - you're getting a high performance machine. You decide which is more important.

You've been taken in hook line and sinker by their marketing crap. You think you won't have problems with a prepackaged system? Think again.

Not only are you spending more than what you could build yourself, the performance will be crappier and not exactly what you want.

Your entire argument is based upon warranty service and extended warranty service, oh yeah they give great warranty. There is no hassling with a company when something dies inside a warranty period, either the computer shop will send it in for you (if you opted to go the custom route) or you send it in yourself.

What makes you think Dell or Gateway will be any different? They aren't suddenly just going to send you a bunch of parts you said wasn't working fedexed overnight.

This isn't about the classic equation of money, convenience or hassle. Those that do know how to build a system can already deal with all this stuff already. Those that are noobs but want to have a high end system but know nothing, go buy a dell, yeah the tech support and warranty will save your ass.

Knowledge is a powerful thing.

Dell's low end stuff WILL beat any builder in price/performance...but there is a catch:

upgradability of the video card is nonexistant.

Want an all-in-wonder....too bad for you
Want an x800....too bad for you
autocad compliant card,...sorry.

Once you get to the Dells that have an AGP slot and a decent mainboard chipset, they are about as expensive as making it yourself.

Building a PC isn't too hard really, it's just the software part of it that sucks.

This reminds me I haveto get off my butt and finish this computer I'm typing this on, the case still needs a front grille, and I really should put an athlonXP 3200 and a gig of pc-3200 on it (most the board supports, and I really have no good reason to blow cash on an A64 system).