Phoenix Global Community

I have decided it is time for a new rig since I have been having issues with getting a BSOD the past several months. I usually update my rig every 2-3 years if my finances permit and my current one is approaching the 5 year mark with the exception of a moderate gpu upgrade about a year ago.
I usually hand select my stuff from Newegg and/or Tigerdirect and build my machine because it has always provided more bang for the buck. After picking out the components and getting a ballpark figure of around $1,700 I went and configured two comparable PC's from Cyberpower and Ibuypower. There is very little difference and it really appears that I'm getting a little more thru the pre-built machines.

Here is what I'm looking at thru Cyberpower since they have the best deal of the two:
https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Gamer_Scorpius_9500
My main change to the standard specs on this one is changing to a 256 SSD / 2 TB Hard Drive Combo rather than no SSD. With the "no rush" 5% discount it takes it down to $1630...about $130 lower than my comparable build on Newegg and that is also without the addition of a liquid CPU cooler.

I'm just wondering if it has reached the point where it really doesn't save you much at all to build your own? The other factor is that if I buy thru Cyber I also have a 3 year warranty on the system. Just wanted to get some input before I pull the trigger.

Comments? Suggestions?

White

looking at your choice

id be going with this instead

https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Gamer_Infinity_XLC

Intel CPU's destroy AMD's current CPUs and the 4790K uses much less power and will Overclock to 4.4-4.6Ghz no problems. and a 980 GTX is A) More energy efficient B) Lower Heat generating C) faster than the 290X D) Supports Direct X 12... the 290X is 11.2

Wh1telight wrote:I'm just wondering if it has reached the point where it really doesn't save you much at all to build your own? The other factor is that if I buy thru Cyber I also have a 3 year warranty on the system. Just wanted to get some input before I pull the trigger.

Comments? Suggestions?

White

You still have value of building your own over someone else building it for you...well, that's me. This PC will be use for gaming only or general applications?

Wh1telight, I’ve been reading customers reviews and some give it a thumbs up and others a thumbs down on the Cyber Power PC. I’m assuming you read all the reviews from magazines, online reviews, YouTube and complaints?

There’s a website call http://pcpartpicker.com/ which you can build your PC and it gives the lowest price for the parts you pick and if any bundles are being offer. I usually start by picking the video card first and start picking the parts I want and if I have a budget then I try to work around that to. I usually used the pc part picker as a reference to how much the build will be and add more for taxes and shipping of parts.

Maybe one of the technical guru's could help you with the BSOD your having and save on the mula.

Thanks for the replies Kolnel and A4.

@Kolnel -I can't say that I am anti-intel, but I have always supported AMD since I started doing builds. Partially because of influence from friends and also because they have usually provided more bang for the buck. I think with your suggestion I will give them a shot this time. After looking at some performance vids on the 4790k I have to admit it certainly is a beast. Thanks for the suggestion.

@A4 - Pcpartpicker is a very useful site. I was made aware of it through Tom's Hardware a while back, but had never used it until you suggested it. I'm still finding that there is next to no cost saved by doing this build myself though. As far as the CyberPC reviews...they seem pretty postiive for the most part. If there were a lot of "same issue" problems popping up in reviews I would be leary, but most seem pleased. At the moment the only benefit I see from doing the build is that I would have it a few weeks earlier. If I didn't have a working computer that would certainly play into it, but I don't mind waiting in this case. I used to take pride in building my own and also in the fact that I was saving some cash in the process. I guess with age i'm more willing to let someone else do it for me. The fact that I will have it under warranty helps a little too.

So far I'm going to take Kolnel's suggestion on the processor and gpu. As far as the other specs. I know I want liquid cooling, 256g SSD paired with a 1TB HD, and 16gb DDR 2133. I'm going to wait it out for a little while and do some more configuring and searching online before I purchase.

Thanks again guys for the input. I appreciate it.

White

you'll be over the moon switching the Intel and Nvidia again buddy

mines liquid cooled and running 32GB Ram 2133Mhz (not that you need 32GB - but i do video editing too so helps)

you'll be set for the future thats for sure, same rig as me apart from SLI 980 and Ram

The reason I prefer to build systems over buy them pre-made is personality. even if the prebuilt PC has the same components you would otherwise use you can always make yours your own through color choices, cases, lighting, cables, etc. Plus, if the prebuilt has stuff you don't want/need or doesn't have stuff you want, you'll have to add it later (if an option) or otherwise do some major swappage. You are right about prices though, there isn't much of an advantage to building price wise anymore. But hey, its your build, get what YOU want! :)