[astyanax]

processor $200
mobo $100
memory $50
video card (good one) $150
power supply $50
case $20
22” monitor $150
Windows 7 Pro $50 (if you know where)
AVG - free
Under $800 for a good pc that will game, assembly time less than an hour.
Not interesting in gaming? Use onboard video and knock $150 off the price.
Of course, not everyone is comfortable with technology, or building their own computer.
I’m wondering what these “hidden costs” are that need to be factored in?

[dennisw]

components	gaming computer	good internet and office computer
processor  mobo  memory  video card (good one)  power supply  case  22” monitor  Windows 7 Pro $50 (if you know where)	$200 $100 $50 $150 $50 $20 $150  $50 (if you know where) AVG - free Under $800 for a good pc that will game, assembly time less than an hour. Not interesting in gaming? Use onboard video and knock $150 off the price. Of course, not everyone is comfortable with technology, or building their own computer. I’m wondering what these “hidden costs” are that need to be factored in?	$70 $70 $45 (4gb) $60 (8gb) $0 onboard video (Radeon HD4200) $25 $20 $135  (23" monitor)  $50 (if you know where) Microsoft security essentials (free) $280  Computer $135  monitor $405  total

[dayglored]

> (... list of components and prices...) Of course, not everyone is comfortable with technology, or building their own computer. I’m wondering what these “hidden costs” are that need to be factored in?

For you, or for me, the system you describe is a good deal. You forgot a hard drive, so I mentally added $75 for a good 1TB HD.

Now find the average Win/PC consumer, sit them down, and describe the process to them:

- determining the proper technical specs
- verifying compatibility (e.g. CPU to mobo to memory)
- checking half a dozen vendors to see who has the best prices on ten or so items
- placing orders
- waiting for delivery
- assembly
- checkout/debug

and explain that they can save a few hundred bucks compared to a pre-built system, by doing all those things.

The vast majority will tell youthat a) they can't do it, and b) even if they could, it's not worth the time and hassle.

For you and me, homebrew makes sense.

But my FRiend, we are in the vast minority. The fact that some people can build their own computers (or cars, or houses) does NOT mean it is a useful or viable option for the vast majority of people. For those folks, a pre-built Win/PC or Mac makes much more sense.

Side comment: I used AVG free anti-vir for a couple years, and decided I was tired of the slowing effect on my work. And the free versions of AVG (and Avast, etc.) are not as effective as the paid versions.

[Defiant]

Don’t know where you are getting your parts, but I pay a lot less for a motherboard/cpu combo than you do. Last one I made was over a year ago, I got a quad core amd mobo combo for about $115. Memory is about right. I got 4 gb last time, now would get 6 or 8.Not sure what video card you are using, i would get a 1 gb model for under $50. Gaming, real gaming, is different. Case with power supply is under $50. Monitor is about $30 high. I get stuff on sale at fry’s or geeks, and when i have everything, i put it together. Made about 8 or so computers over the years. The savings is not so much any more.

[Swordmaker]

Hard drive? optical drive? keyboard? mouse? WIFi, Bluetooth, Software suite? Cables? Warranty? Tech support?

I think you omitted a few things. Your time? Or do you work for free?

[LearnsFromMistakes]

Windows 7 Pro $50 (if you know where)

I guess I don't know where. Was considering getting this (just for gaming on my mac pro), then saw the price. Forget that.

[rmlew]

Your specs are all off. Try this:
Didn’t think I’d be saying this but I think it’s worth it.
27” 2560x1440 IPS Display: $1000
Intel Core i5 2400: $190
Radeon HD 6970M: comparable to Radeon HD 6850 (but with less power consumption): $170
4GB DDR3 RAM: $40
1TB 7200RPM HDD: $60
Power Supply (whatever it may be): $60-80
Casing: $100
Peripherals: $100
Total: ~$1750