New Computer.....self built? Mac? Dell?

[Mondo]

Thanks guys, it gives me an idea of what i should be getting and what to get now

I did just see and play with a iMac 24" in PC World and I really like the build quality of it, if a little dumb founded as to where are all the ports..........The screen is just amazing, but its twice as much as my PC budget, although i can see where the money is going, it is hard to swallow, unless i can wing a HR discount lol

[Psymonkee]

DIY - it's fun :>

[Feek]

Originally Posted by Garp

Self Built:

+ Significantly cheaper

Oh I cannot disagree more. It works out far more expensive to spec and build a machine than just go and buy a ready made one off the shelf. You have the disadvantage that you're buying one of everything at full retail price whereas the manufacturers can buy the same kit at a much lower price because they're buying thousands of them.

I've never, ever been able to spec a PC and not find a prebuilt one of the same or slightly lower specifications much cheaper than the home-build price. Having said that, the only computer I've ever bought built was the Mac and that was a bargain price.

[Jhadur]

That's strange Feek as I built my last few pc's and Sam's too and I've always found it cheaper to buy parts than to buy a ready made system.

Maybe I'm just fussy about the specs and parts and won't settle for different than what I want

[Feek]

Maybe it's just because I've always chosen absolute top range parts?

[Jhadur]

Mine aren't that cheap

My last PC build cost me over a grand for the bits (box only already had monitor) and was still cheaper than any pre-builds.

Was a few years ago mind. (I really need to update my PC soon )

[divine]

Originally Posted by Feek

Maybe it's just because I've always chosen absolute top range parts?

Possibly because one thing you have to remember is that in machines like Dell and MESH etc. they'll use cheap 'just about enough' PSUs, they'll use cheaper motherboard with less features that are 'just about enough' to work, the screens will be cheap models that are 'just about enough'... etc. etc.

There is also a crossover point. Sub £500 often prebuilds are cheaper due to this buying power big companies have but above that it increasingly swings in favour of self build.

[Feek]

Yes, I think that's what I was trying to say - Didn't mean to say insinuate that you were buying crap, Mic

[Mondo]

So is it as simple as put it all together, put CD in drive and install windows?

The scariest part is putting the thermal paste on the Heat Sink, is it too much, is it enough?

[Burble]

Thermal paste is easy enough to apply. You want a very thin even layer. I put it on using a business card to spread it over the die.

Too much is as bad as not enough.

When installing CPU's I usually put some thermal paste on the contact patch of the headsink, rub it in well (whilst wearing a glove or with my hand in a plastic bag) and then scrape off as much as I can using a business card. Idea being that the small amount of compound left behind will fill any small holes in the contact patch and give better heat transfer.