Not All Custom Computers Are Created Equal

by Dave
(Canada)

Custom built computers are a great idea, they'll give you more performance and generally speaking, they'll have less junk installed on them. This will not only make them faster, they're more reliable. Most of the little programs that claim to do extra functions work for a while, then end up corrupting a Windows install and making a computer buggy.

I've seen anything from fans in backwards, RAM with wrong voltage settings, to incorrect heatsink installation. So what can you do to make sure your builder is good? The answer is actually much easier than you might think. Ask around a bit, and search online for someone that can tell you more. A well built computer should work flawlessly hardware wise. If Windows needed to be reinstalled and a user is complaining about that, it's typically the user that wrecks Windows. Listen for things like it crashes, I get blue screens, it reboots randomly.

If you hear comments about errors when Windows loads, or messages popping up, that too isn't a concern. Parts needing to be replaced can be a concern, but if it's only the odd comment, it's not cause for concern because let's face it, duds are made every day.

Ideally a user of a persons computer that has had it for 4 years or more will be able to give you a very good idea of how the computer has performed.

Some of you will say, okay, so it lasts, what about the speed? That's why I give the 4 year guideline. A computer that has run for 4 years and still the user likes the computer tells you that the parts were picked out critically. The computer performed when it was new, and therefore continues to perform well today, even being outdated, it still does the job it was designed to do.

Above all, remember when buying any computer, you get what you pay for. If you buy a $400 dollar computer, it will perform like one. To get a prebuilt computer that performs like one you built yourself, you'll spend about 1.5 times the price. Feel free to research this and find out for yourself.

Bottom line, yes, I still think anyone can build a computer. This post only has one intention. I want to spare you from the grief on getting a custom computer built from someone on a tight deadline that isn't consistent.