The Benefits of a Custom PC

What is a Custom PC?

A custom built PC is any computer that is not sold in mass numbers with the same parts and components. They are often hand built systems that allow the builder to choose his or her system's component specifications. Though popular manufacturers, for example, Dell will allow customization of the computer on the company website, the parts that can be chosen are limited and are often sold at about double the price of a custom PC with the same parts. If assembled correctly, there is no difference in performance between custom and commercially manufactured computers.

Reap the Benefits

The choice of quality, durable components

The typical user of a retail PC would be less likely to trust a custom build computer than their system. However, this logic is backwards. While there is chance that something may go wrong in the building of a system, the chances are very very very very- oh, and very slim as long as you take research beforehand and use a guide while building. The cheap cooling systems and weak power supplies found in retail units reflect exactly why custom PC building is becoming more popular with each passing month. For comparison, my Dell PC runs with a 300watt power supply and one case fan in the back. The Quad core processor in my system runs idle at 58°C. Put a load on this CPU for more than a minute and the temps increase to over 70°C. If you aren't familiar with these numbers, then I will tell you that this is simply awful. It's probably the reason I can heat my entire bedroom in the winter just by turning on this system. Now, lets compare this to my second system. A custom built PC that I built with 3 case fans, not including the heatsink and fan for the Quad core AMD processor that it includes. This Phenom II x4 CPU runs idle at about 35°C. Much improved. In fact, over 20°C improved. So much for the "quality" components that are sold at retail.

Customization and Value

Obviously, this is where custom systems really shine. Options truly are unlimited. You have your choice of motherboard, case, power supply, cooling options, processor, graphics processor, hard drive, optical drive, and RAM. It seems like it'd be complicated with all the options available, but after a few days of real research you should be able to make your picks. Best of all, the cost is nearly cut in half than purchasing a computer with the same parts as retail. Of course you have to factor in the price of the OS, but if you know where to look, Windows 7 Ultimate Genuine Keys are sold for less than $20 at some places online.

Once again, let's compare my custom configuration with a retail PC that comes close to the same specs. An HP e9300z desktop PC with a Phenom II x4 processor, Radeon HD 4850 Graphics, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium adds up to about $910 before shipping costs. A similar custom build from Newegg.com would be about $600-650, shipping prices included. Not to mention the custom build includes better cooling and a more reliable power supply (very important!) Which would you prefer? The $300 savings, of course.

Upgrades and Over Clocking Possibilities

Another important feature of custom computers is the ability to upgrade. Providing you purchase the correct motherboard, upgrading possibilities are endless. When you begin to notice your PC is dated, instead of spending another $1,000, you can simply upgrade whichever parts are lagging behind current technology. Again, this will save you tons of cash.

Over clocking is increasing your computers performance by tweaking settings for free. This is done by changing the settings in the motherboard BIOS or through third party programs. Of course over clocking can harm your computer, but this is very unlikely unless you attempt extreme over clocking, which is meant to dramatically increase CPU performance. Also, not only the CPU can be over clocked. The RAM and graphics card are also commonly over clocked by custom builders. Slight over clocking not only increases computer performance, but is almost always safe for your computer when done correctly. Over clocking is not possible on most retail computers because of the motherboard limits and the worry that your PC doesn't have sufficient cooling.

Learning Experience

Building your own PC will help you develop skills and knowledge that you may use later in your life. Society's dependence on computers will only increase in the future, and you may find yourself a hidden interest in technology. The entire experience is only of benefit to yourself.

Recap

Altogether, the positives of custom PC building far outweigh the negatives, if any. You will be able to configure a powerful computer, and save yourself tons of money in the process. You can put this money towards future upgrades and stay ahead of the game. The quality customization and over clocking possibilities ensure that your PC will always perform at the highest level. Also, the valuable knowledge gained by building a custom PC will benefit you for years to come. Once you've done enough research and feel confident that you can do this, get started at newegg.com