Why should you build your own PC today when you can buy one at a discount store for only $400? Well, it depends on what your goals are. With my 20 years of computer experience, I'll give you a quick rundown on why you should or should not build your own PC!
It is easier than ever to build your own PC today.
The PC today is so standardized that if you can follow simple instructions, you can build your own PC. All components in a PC today are standardized and color coded and keyed. Even if you connected the computer wrong, it will not explode in you your face. You will not start a fire or electrocute yourself.
You can build your PC with the exact features you want.
If you know exactly what you are looking for, chances are that you can't find a prepackaged computer with your exact specification. Take myself for example, when I build a low-end PC, I'm willing to pay a little more for a nice keyboard and mouse because I'm know I'm going to use them everyday.
If something doesn't work, you can fix it yourself.
It was very annoying, at least to me, to describe a problem over the phone, to a technical support person, especially when you know exactly what is wrong. I can tell you that It does not require a rocket scientist to fix a computer. Often the time it takes to explain the situation to a tech support person over the phone, I could have fixed the problem my self! (I will have more troubleshooting tips on this web site soon.) Now it comes to the part that why some of you should not build your own PC.
It is not always cheaper to build your own PC.
If you are looking to save hundreds of dollars by building your own PC, you are going to be very disappointed. Large computer manufacturers can buy the same parts much cheaper than you, and they can assemble the computer system faster than any one of us. If you don't have the time to figure it out... Don't bother.
Some people just prefer to not deal with the technical details and would rather pay someone to set up and configure a computer for them. Take my uncle Simon for example, he runs a successful restaurant, but he just don't have time to tinker with the technology, even though he really wants to know how to do everything himself.