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should I build or buy?

Discussion in 'Tech Talk & Computing' started by dezz, Dec 5, 2012.

  1. #1 dezz, Dec 5, 2012
    I'm wanting to buy a new computer but don't on know if i should buy prebuilt one or not.

    Im only going to use it for school, like spreadsheets, Word, powerpoint, iTunes, surfing and I Also want multiple screens thinking about 3 or so.

    I need help building it like basically what parts to go with. I know how to assemble it but I need help with the setup.
     
  2. #2 *c0rrupt, Dec 5, 2012
    I would recommend building. Suit it to your own needs, and gain something along the way learning about hardware :)

    As far as specific components go, it all depends on your budget.
     
  3. #3 dezz, Dec 5, 2012
    What would be a would 600 get me a good one excluding moniters
     
  4. #4 Marsdude, Dec 5, 2012
    I am going to disagree here. I build and buy a lot of computers.

    IMHO the only reason to build your own computer is if you want a high end gaming or graphics box OR if you just want the experience.

    Building your own for the purposes you stated would cost more money that just buying a prebuilt one.

    You will need to swap out the graphics card to one that will run three monitors. Ususaly these cards will run either two displays or four. Here is a link to one of the cheaper ones:

    Amazon.com: Galaxy GeForce MDT GT 520 1 GB DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 Quad DVI Multi-display Graphics Card (52GGF4AM5UXX): Electronics

    I would do some research about the card however, there is a vast price range for multiple display cards.
     
  5. #5 Zylark, Dec 5, 2012
    Have to agree with Marsdude here. For a simple "office" desktop PC, I'd go with a pre-built one. I'm sure most major PC vendors (Dell, HP and others) can supply you with just what you need within your budget. Just make sure you contact them and explain your needs regarding the triple displays and such, and they'll make you a good offer.

    Building ones own is of course an alternative, and you do get exactly what you want. But since it is not a high end gaming/media system where you're trying to squeeze out as much performance for the buck as possible, I don't think you'll save much if anything.
     
  6. #6 dezz, Dec 5, 2012
    [quote name='"Zylark"']Have to agree with Marsdude here. For a simple "office" desktop PC, I'd go with a pre-built one. I'm sure most major PC vendors (Dell, HP and others) can supply you with just what you need within your budget. Just make sure you contact them and explain your needs regarding the triple displays and such, and they'll make you a good offer.

    Building ones own is of course an alternative, and you do get exactly what you want. But since it is not a high end gaming/media system where you're trying to squeeze out as much performance for the buck as possible, I don't think you'll save much if anything.[/quote]

    Thanks guys thats what I was thinking.

    Also. I found this on craigslist. Is this a good buy. 150 for 4 moniters.
     
  7. #7 thorgaurd, Dec 5, 2012
    your going to need a 5000 series + AMD graphics card to run 3 monitors. Its called eyefinity, not too sure about nvidia but from what i remember you need to run two graphics cards by nvidia to use more then 2 monitors.
     
  8. #8 TheTokinPanda, Dec 5, 2012
    Good Luck, Dezz. I got mine built especially for me. In my opinion, it's the only way to get the performance you seek.
     
  9. #9 dezz, Dec 5, 2012
    [quote name='"thorgaurd"']your going to need a 5000 series + AMD graphics card to run 3 monitors. Its called eyefinity, not too sure about nvidia but from what i remember you need to run two graphics cards by nvidia to use more then 2 monitors.[/quote]

    Yeah the thing is I just mainly need it for school boy gaming of that makes a difference.
     
  10. #10 *c0rrupt, Dec 5, 2012

    If you're set on 3 monitors, you'll need a newer AMD card. Otherwise, you can run 2 with any graphics card.

    I'd still recommend building even though you don't game. I recently put together an i5 office PC for my dad around 500. It was definitely cheaper than the pre-built PCs, and it was fun explaining the hardware to him.

    Overclock.net - An Overclocking Community might be a better place for this thread.
     
  11. #11 Marsdude, Dec 5, 2012

    There are many cards that will run multiple monitors, not just the newer AMDs.
     
  12. #12 *c0rrupt, Dec 5, 2012

    Multiple as in 3+?

    I know AMD has supported it for longer, as well as providing better software for handling it. But yes, I'm sure there are other cards that are capable on their own.
     
  13. #13 Marsdude, Dec 6, 2012
    Click on the link in one of my above posts. It links to a cheap card on Amazon. The card has two ports but can drive four separate displays. You can read how it does it on the link. It is not as easy as a four port card.

    NVIDA's Quadro line has four port cards starting at $300+
     

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