This point is rather difficult to quantify because an off-the-shelf computer comes with everything you need to get started. They generally come with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and software (including OS) installed. They also come with varying warranties & technical support, depending on the supplier. This peace of mind is one of the reasons why you might go with a pre-made computer instead of a building your own computer. They also have guaranteed compatibility between the components and software. You can get all of this for only a few hundred dollars. You simply can not compete with the volume buying power of the big boys, and if you’re looking for both the easiest and cheapest computer, than this is probably the way to go.
DIY computers are a risky endeavor for those who are not inclined to do extensive research, or who don’t have the patience to tinker with parts until the proper configuration is reached. By the time you finally get your computer together, you may have spent or wasted money on computer components that you managed to short out, or that simply won’t play nice with the other bits of your computer. This hassle is enough to turn many people away. There are cost benefits though, in that you are able to buy better parts than the major companies put into their manufactured computers. Their components are often purchased from the lowest bidder with quality only being a secondary concern. You also avoid the expenses of building, packaging, and marketing the computer that the big companies have to deal with. In the end, you can build a better computer for an equivalent price to a pre-made computer, but you also have to consider the hours and effort put into the building process.
If you do stick with building your own computer, it can be a rewarding experience. With that experience, you gain knowledge and new abilities. Perhaps your first home-made computer won’t end up being cheaper, but if you find you enjoy the tasks involved with building a computer, you are likely to save money in the long run, since you will be able to do your own computer repairs, and build future computers with greater ease. You will know what you’re looking for, and you’ll learn where to find it cheapest. You will also be able to upgrade that computer with new parts without having to buy a whole new computer. So, in the long-run, learning how to build computers is cheaper; however, it is not the easiest route to take.
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