Does anyone know how to get discounts on hardware and software that make it economically feasible to build your own systems? Is this a vendor only perk? I have been looking on sites like compgeeks, and ebay, but if I built the system I want at those prices, I might as well get a Dell. I have known people in the past that could get computer parts at a fraction of the cost, but have since lost contact with them. Any help would be appreciated.
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Hardware and software pricing
- Thread starter BryanZ
- Start date
biglebowski
Technical User
It used to be the case that it was cheaper to build your own. I built a p4 1.7GHZ pc a couple of years ago and it was nearly 1/2 the cost of the equiv in the shop. Now though as you pointed out dell are working out cheaper than self builds and you get a warranty with it as well. There are cheaper companies than dell but you will need to google a great deal and read the pc mags to find the best value. Personally I stick with dell now.
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Margins for computers are well into single figures - often just 5%. Big manufacturers like Dell, IBM and HP have the purchasing power to bulk buy and negotiate the lowest possible prices for components. They have the assembled where the labour market has the lowest overheads and cheapest labour. With their own skimpy margins, it is very difficult to beat their prices.
The reasons to build your own are:
You know that you are using the best components.
You can ensure that you use industry standard components that you will be able to replace or upgrade for a couple of years at least.
You are a sadist that enjoys the frustrations of building your own!
Regards: tf1
The reasons to build your own are:
You know that you are using the best components.
You can ensure that you use industry standard components that you will be able to replace or upgrade for a couple of years at least.
You are a sadist that enjoys the frustrations of building your own!
Regards: tf1
I just recently built a P4 3.0 GHz 512K memory and 160 gig hard drive for about $600.
Got most of the parts from Tigerdirect, and got $230 worth of rebates, so out of pocket was $830.
The biggest problem is getting Win XP Pro, as it usually costs $199 but I got it at CompUSA for $118.
I could have saved some money on a less expensive case, but it had all the extra fans, and looks better. The only issue here was the manufacture was in Ca and they used DSL? which took about 9 days, and had a poor tracking system. All the rest took like 3 day. UPS. Kind of made us mad in that nowhere on the did they mention that they would not use UPS or Fedex.
Got most of the parts from Tigerdirect, and got $230 worth of rebates, so out of pocket was $830.
The biggest problem is getting Win XP Pro, as it usually costs $199 but I got it at CompUSA for $118.
I could have saved some money on a less expensive case, but it had all the extra fans, and looks better. The only issue here was the manufacture was in Ca and they used DSL? which took about 9 days, and had a poor tracking system. All the rest took like 3 day. UPS. Kind of made us mad in that nowhere on the did they mention that they would not use UPS or Fedex.
Hola, it also depends on where you live in the World...
here in Germany, I build a system about a year ago for around $300 Running just a Celeron 2.8mhz, 512mb RAM, with a GeForce GFX card, at that time there was no system close to that price range with the same specs, they all sold for +200 bucks or more...
and it's still kicking...
Ben
If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...
here in Germany, I build a system about a year ago for around $300 Running just a Celeron 2.8mhz, 512mb RAM, with a GeForce GFX card, at that time there was no system close to that price range with the same specs, they all sold for +200 bucks or more...
and it's still kicking...
Ben
If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...
- Thread starter
- #7
Bad,
I'm guessing that you meant 2.8Ghz. Good point cdlvj, where did you get the parts Ben? I am going to Germany on vacation soon. Was it Web-based, or brick and mortar? Normally Celeron is a little cheaper, but I can't seem to get under $300 even using what parts I can from my old Gateway. The only things I want to upgrade right now are the MB, CPU, PSU, and RAM. OEM versions of XP Pro are available at ComputerGate and Newegg.com for 134.95 and 143.95 respectively. Even so, I am coming up above $400 just for a P4(2.4Ghz), Low end MB, Low end PSU, and the cheapest 256MB DDR 2100 DIMM in either store. There has to be a better way. Is there a secret hand shake for vendors, or is it all about bulk purchasing?
I'm guessing that you meant 2.8Ghz. Good point cdlvj, where did you get the parts Ben? I am going to Germany on vacation soon. Was it Web-based, or brick and mortar? Normally Celeron is a little cheaper, but I can't seem to get under $300 even using what parts I can from my old Gateway. The only things I want to upgrade right now are the MB, CPU, PSU, and RAM. OEM versions of XP Pro are available at ComputerGate and Newegg.com for 134.95 and 143.95 respectively. Even so, I am coming up above $400 just for a P4(2.4Ghz), Low end MB, Low end PSU, and the cheapest 256MB DDR 2100 DIMM in either store. There has to be a better way. Is there a secret hand shake for vendors, or is it all about bulk purchasing?
- Thread starter
- #8
You usually can build your own for less than an equivalent system would cost retail (including Dell, IBM, and HP), but it takes a lot of work and you may not be able to buy it all at once and save money.
I choose the hardware and software that I want (and alternates) then look at websites like:
http:/
and also look at the manufacturer's rebate deals. Maybe buy a case this week... a CPU and MOBO next week... and RAM the next week.
Windows XP Pro costs about $150 if you buy the OEM version at the same time you buy a MOBO or any hardware. If you are a student, teacher, or there are any students or teachers in the household you can get Office XP for $149.
The system I am posting from has these specs:
Antec Sonata Quietcase (isn't quiet, but that is a subject for another thread)
P4 @ 3.2GHz 800MHz FSB Prescott CPU w/ Hyper-threading
ECS PT-800CE MOBO supports 800MHz FSB and the usual I/O
Kingston 512MB PC3200 Dual channel DDR RAM @400MHz (2 sticks)
Plextor PX-712A DVD/CD-RW burner
Western Digital 160GB SATA hard drive
ATI All-in-Wonder 9800 Pro
Windows XP Pro with SP2 OEM
Office XP student and teacher edition
McAfee Viruscan 8.0
All this cost me $1300 ($1220 if I actually receive my rebates).
An equivalent system from Dell or HP would easily cost around $2100. There are deals out there if you can build your own system and aren't in a hurry.
I
I choose the hardware and software that I want (and alternates) then look at websites like:
http:/
and also look at the manufacturer's rebate deals. Maybe buy a case this week... a CPU and MOBO next week... and RAM the next week.
Windows XP Pro costs about $150 if you buy the OEM version at the same time you buy a MOBO or any hardware. If you are a student, teacher, or there are any students or teachers in the household you can get Office XP for $149.
The system I am posting from has these specs:
Antec Sonata Quietcase (isn't quiet, but that is a subject for another thread)
P4 @ 3.2GHz 800MHz FSB Prescott CPU w/ Hyper-threading
ECS PT-800CE MOBO supports 800MHz FSB and the usual I/O
Kingston 512MB PC3200 Dual channel DDR RAM @400MHz (2 sticks)
Plextor PX-712A DVD/CD-RW burner
Western Digital 160GB SATA hard drive
ATI All-in-Wonder 9800 Pro
Windows XP Pro with SP2 OEM
Office XP student and teacher edition
McAfee Viruscan 8.0
All this cost me $1300 ($1220 if I actually receive my rebates).
An equivalent system from Dell or HP would easily cost around $2100. There are deals out there if you can build your own system and aren't in a hurry.
I
Hi there,
well, this is the brake down:
AsusP4PE-X was on sale for 65 Euros
Celeron D 2.8ghz(ooops about it earlier was a typo) on sale for 92 Euro/with heatsink
two sticks of Samsung 256mb DDR400 Ram both for around 80 Euros
Case for ca. 40 Euros with 350w PSU
Mouse for 10 Euro
and a GeForce 5600 128mb GFX card for around 70 Euros (EBAY new Bulk)
comes total:357 Euros (conversion rate at the time was close to 1 Euro to 1 $) (Not quite what I said earlier cuz I forgot the GFX card...)
got it all at a local store... now I could have gone a little cheaper at a local Computer Fleamarket (Wholesellers and freaks)...
about the OS it's Running W2k, which I had an Original Version already with my old PIII 1000mhz so there was no other overhead...
Ben
If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...
well, this is the brake down:
AsusP4PE-X was on sale for 65 Euros
Celeron D 2.8ghz(ooops about it earlier was a typo) on sale for 92 Euro/with heatsink
two sticks of Samsung 256mb DDR400 Ram both for around 80 Euros
Case for ca. 40 Euros with 350w PSU
Mouse for 10 Euro
and a GeForce 5600 128mb GFX card for around 70 Euros (EBAY new Bulk)
comes total:357 Euros (conversion rate at the time was close to 1 Euro to 1 $) (Not quite what I said earlier cuz I forgot the GFX card...)
got it all at a local store... now I could have gone a little cheaper at a local Computer Fleamarket (Wholesellers and freaks)...
about the OS it's Running W2k, which I had an Original Version already with my old PIII 1000mhz so there was no other overhead...
Ben
If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...
I dont see the need for XP Pro.
XP Home is cheaper.
I think there are some people who sell the OEM Microsoft products overseas for a lot less. Some places in Europe get a lower price. Due to the EU policies they can resell them. I get my Office XP Prof Bus Suite from Work. We have a special License from Microsoft that lets me install it on one home machine.
If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.
XP Home is cheaper.
I think there are some people who sell the OEM Microsoft products overseas for a lot less. Some places in Europe get a lower price. Due to the EU policies they can resell them. I get my Office XP Prof Bus Suite from Work. We have a special License from Microsoft that lets me install it on one home machine.
If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.
Mae Newman" <kygdty@yahoo.com>
TOP quality software:
Special Offer #1:
Windows XP Professional+Microsoft Office XP Professional = only $80
Special Offer #2:
Adobe - Photoshop 7, Premiere 7, Illustrator 10 = only $120
Special Offer #3:
Macromedia Dreamwaver MX 2004 + Flash MX 2004 = only $100
Also:
Windows 2003 Server
Windows 2000 Workstation
Windows 2000 Server
Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Windows 2000 Datacenter
Windows NT 4.0
Windows Millenium
Windows 98 Second Edition
Windows 95
Office XP Professional
Office 2000
Office 97
MS Plus
MS SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
MS Visual Studio .NET Architect Edition
MS Encarta Encyclopedia Delux 2004
MS Project 2003 Professional
MS Money 2004
MS Streets and Trips 2004
MS Works 7
MS Picture It Premium 9
MS Exchange 2003 Enterprise Server
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe PageMaker
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Acrobat 6 Professional
Adobe Premiere
Macromedia Dreamwaver MX 2004
Macromedia Flash MX 2004
Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004
Macromedia Freehand MX 11
Corel Draw Graphics Suite 12
Corel Draw Graphics Suite 11
Corel Photo Painter 8
Corel Word Perfect Office 2002
Norton System Works 2003
Borland Delphi 7 Enterprise Edition
Quark Xpress 6 Passport Multilanguage
If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.
TOP quality software:
Special Offer #1:
Windows XP Professional+Microsoft Office XP Professional = only $80
Special Offer #2:
Adobe - Photoshop 7, Premiere 7, Illustrator 10 = only $120
Special Offer #3:
Macromedia Dreamwaver MX 2004 + Flash MX 2004 = only $100
Also:
Windows 2003 Server
Windows 2000 Workstation
Windows 2000 Server
Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Windows 2000 Datacenter
Windows NT 4.0
Windows Millenium
Windows 98 Second Edition
Windows 95
Office XP Professional
Office 2000
Office 97
MS Plus
MS SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
MS Visual Studio .NET Architect Edition
MS Encarta Encyclopedia Delux 2004
MS Project 2003 Professional
MS Money 2004
MS Streets and Trips 2004
MS Works 7
MS Picture It Premium 9
MS Exchange 2003 Enterprise Server
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe PageMaker
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Acrobat 6 Professional
Adobe Premiere
Macromedia Dreamwaver MX 2004
Macromedia Flash MX 2004
Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004
Macromedia Freehand MX 11
Corel Draw Graphics Suite 12
Corel Draw Graphics Suite 11
Corel Photo Painter 8
Corel Word Perfect Office 2002
Norton System Works 2003
Borland Delphi 7 Enterprise Edition
Quark Xpress 6 Passport Multilanguage
If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.
BryanZ,
When trying to compete in the low-end market, you're not going to be able to stand up to Dell, HP, and others that offer complete systems (including Monitor and OS). The only way you have a chance is if you do not need to purchase an OS, and you borrow parts such as a monitor from an old PC.
In the mid to high range, things become different. That's the part of the market where top vendors make the most money. The higher you go, the more they're going to charge you per component. That also means that if you build your own, then it becomes "the more you save per component".
Since you are opting for a cheap PC and need the OS, it's going to be tough to make it much below $400 unless you buy some parts used (off eBay or at a local shop). On the low end, it is becoming a better buy and time saver to go with name brand PC's.
Have you checked ?
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
When trying to compete in the low-end market, you're not going to be able to stand up to Dell, HP, and others that offer complete systems (including Monitor and OS). The only way you have a chance is if you do not need to purchase an OS, and you borrow parts such as a monitor from an old PC.
In the mid to high range, things become different. That's the part of the market where top vendors make the most money. The higher you go, the more they're going to charge you per component. That also means that if you build your own, then it becomes "the more you save per component".
Since you are opting for a cheap PC and need the OS, it's going to be tough to make it much below $400 unless you buy some parts used (off eBay or at a local shop). On the low end, it is becoming a better buy and time saver to go with name brand PC's.
Have you checked ?
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
- Thread starter
- #14
ceh4702,
I would like to get XP Pro because I plan to do some home networking. I am also studying Computer Science, and a lot of my classes are beginning to reference Windows XP (Home and Pro). I would like to have the best of the two so that I have full access to all of the capabilities of XP. It would not be a good idea to buy a Windows OS overseas unless you are going to live there for a while. The U.S. Government has banned the export of software with DES encryption, so the version you buy overseas will have weaker security than the same software over here. At least that's what I have read in my studies. I wouldn't want to bring a computer back to the US with security that all of the hackers have already learned how to get past. Does that sound paranoid? lol I wish I had a duplicate-running license for the Office suite. You can't beat that deal.
PC Load Letter?!
I would like to get XP Pro because I plan to do some home networking. I am also studying Computer Science, and a lot of my classes are beginning to reference Windows XP (Home and Pro). I would like to have the best of the two so that I have full access to all of the capabilities of XP. It would not be a good idea to buy a Windows OS overseas unless you are going to live there for a while. The U.S. Government has banned the export of software with DES encryption, so the version you buy overseas will have weaker security than the same software over here. At least that's what I have read in my studies. I wouldn't want to bring a computer back to the US with security that all of the hackers have already learned how to get past. Does that sound paranoid? lol I wish I had a duplicate-running license for the Office suite. You can't beat that deal.
PC Load Letter?!
cdogg has the point, if you want to get the cheapest around, there's no way to beat the Dells and others. If you want a good machine with good peripherals, then it's another story. Like cars, the cheap PCs are meant to lure customers. Then a good salesperson will redirect the customer towards the "real stuff" costing several hundreds more, and not competitive at all. Sales and marketing techniques! Do-it-yourselfers don't waste energy on building cheap stuff. Spend energy on good stuff!
Nelviticus
Programmer
I get all my parts from computer fairs. Here in the UK they're held all over the place every weekend: the trick is finding them, so try checking the ads in your local paper.
The sellers are mostly people who also have their own shops but at the weekends they just set up stalls in sports halls, community centres and so on. You're normally charged a nominal fee for entry (about 2 quid at my local one) but the parts on offer are generally a lot cheaper than in the shops or on line.
They're not good places to buy things like printers, monitors and scanners - i.e. anything big - as you will usually only find the budget stuff, but for anything else - CPUs, memory, hard drives, optical drives, blank CDs and DVDs and so on - they are brilliant. Most vendors will happily cut you a deal if you buy several things at once.
They're gold mines!
Nelviticus
The sellers are mostly people who also have their own shops but at the weekends they just set up stalls in sports halls, community centres and so on. You're normally charged a nominal fee for entry (about 2 quid at my local one) but the parts on offer are generally a lot cheaper than in the shops or on line.
They're not good places to buy things like printers, monitors and scanners - i.e. anything big - as you will usually only find the budget stuff, but for anything else - CPUs, memory, hard drives, optical drives, blank CDs and DVDs and so on - they are brilliant. Most vendors will happily cut you a deal if you buy several things at once.
They're gold mines!
Nelviticus
@cdogg - quite precise... good info...
@Nelviticus - true to Germany aswell...
@ceh4702 - thanks for the info... might come in handy...
@BryanZ - about the encryption... Not True... once had encryption software, that I wasn't allowed to enter the US with, cuz the FBI/CIA couldn't decrypt the stuff, and so was made illegal to be used with in the US and it's Territories... The only drawback I notice/find would be that of the Language difference, as it is hard to figure out at times what a college is talking about where what is in the OS... I am using a German version of W2k and XP PRO and have at times tried to steer others where to fix probs in their OS, and how to fix'em by trying to translate from the GE-DE version to EN-US version (can be hair raising at times)...
Ben
If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...
@Nelviticus - true to Germany aswell...
@ceh4702 - thanks for the info... might come in handy...
@BryanZ - about the encryption... Not True... once had encryption software, that I wasn't allowed to enter the US with, cuz the FBI/CIA couldn't decrypt the stuff, and so was made illegal to be used with in the US and it's Territories... The only drawback I notice/find would be that of the Language difference, as it is hard to figure out at times what a college is talking about where what is in the OS... I am using a German version of W2k and XP PRO and have at times tried to steer others where to fix probs in their OS, and how to fix'em by trying to translate from the GE-DE version to EN-US version (can be hair raising at times)...
Ben
If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...
I built my own probably spent more ...so why do it...the biggest reason is that you know what's in there, you have all the drivers, you did it yourself.
I used to sell for Gateway and many of the systems had a 1% -3% mark up on them. They are not makeing money on you from the systems. Where Dell and such make the money is on the printers, warrentys, and "packages".
So really now days it's a dream to make a beast for hundreds less that the big guys. Computer used to cost 2-3000 and so there was room for hundreds less. Now with most 1-1500 there is much less room for savings.
Trust me if you know about what your doing just built your own if what you do isn't imperative that you have it going 100% of the time. Cause you will get something messed up from time to time and your the fix it guy.
If your a warrenty person go with Dell.
Steph
Do random nice things for no good reason.![[sunshine]](/data/assets/smilies/sunshine.gif "[sunshine] [sunshine]")
I used to sell for Gateway and many of the systems had a 1% -3% mark up on them. They are not makeing money on you from the systems. Where Dell and such make the money is on the printers, warrentys, and "packages".
So really now days it's a dream to make a beast for hundreds less that the big guys. Computer used to cost 2-3000 and so there was room for hundreds less. Now with most 1-1500 there is much less room for savings.
Trust me if you know about what your doing just built your own if what you do isn't imperative that you have it going 100% of the time. Cause you will get something messed up from time to time and your the fix it guy.
If your a warrenty person go with Dell.
Steph
Do random nice things for no good reason.
JebusRocks
Programmer
Reading these posts I am wondering if the big names 'Dell', 'HP' etc only markup by < 5% where are they making their money?
Bulk sales?
Bulk sales?
- Thread starter
- #20
All good points. Thanks everyone! This is becoming my new passion, and from reading your comments, I think I will just wait and buy the good stuff and stop trying to be such a cheap a##. I would like to build it myself though, like most of you said, to be sure that only quality parts are used and so that I have all of the drivers and documentation. It will also be good practice for the A+ exam. Thanks for all of your help. I will continue to watch this thread because it seems to be generating more great points every day.
Ben, could you point me toward some of those computer fairs in Germany around the middle of this month? I will be around the Wetzlar/Giessen/Frankfurt area.
PC Load Letter?!
Ben, could you point me toward some of those computer fairs in Germany around the middle of this month? I will be around the Wetzlar/Giessen/Frankfurt area.
PC Load Letter?!
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