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Custom-built computers are made for 1 specific purpose(usually to suit it's creator), and are generally cheaper than a commercial computer that will perform the same or better. "the ones you find in stores" are mass produced for many purposes to suit the average user and are generally more expensive than a custom-built computer that is the same because of shipping and handling costs. The main difference is that you can create a custom-built computer by yourself and for yourself at any time with the right amount of money, whereas you cannot create a commercial computer for yourself unless you work a certain position in a computer-designing company. |
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Custom-built computers will always suit your needs, as you choose what will be in them. On the otherhand, you do not have support to rely on when something goes wrong with it. OEM systems like these from Acer, HP, Dell and others are these days rather competitive with custom-built, if not even cheaper. This is because they buy lots of hardware that can be used to created alot of the same computers. These are not made to fit your needs, but will give you warranty, help when something goes wrong and something that works without having to tinker with it. |
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I bought a Medion gaming pc a few years ago, which had excellent hardware. I couldn't build it cheaper myself so I bought it. Have been upgrading a few times, but everything is still in the original tower. This way you combine the best of both! There are some websites that let you build your system and they cross reference newegg, amazon, etc for the prices of every part. I dont live in the states, but if you do use this to build one. If you never build a pc, don't worry to much. Its not extremely hard and if you read some tutorials and guides you will be a pro in no time. Thats how I learned it;) OT: Zman answered all your questions;) I would like to add that an OEM might be cheaper in the mid range, a home build system is definitely cheaper in the hi-end range in most cases. OEM also comes with a OS installed on it. If you have to buy a new windows 7 license it might costs you a few bucks more. |
