New PC: off-the-shelf or self-build?

[Ric]

I'm thinking of getting a new desktop PC, and I'm debating whether to by a complete unit off-the-shelf, or go the self-build route. I've never done self-build before, so I was wondering:

 

• Does it save that much over getting one off-the-shelf?
  
• Where's the best place to head for sourcing the components? EBuyer? Amazon? Elsewhere?
  

[popyto]

I personally advise against off the shelf at places like PC world and Currys, most of the specs are 6 months out of date and £per punch is pretty naff. There is another option other than self build and that is to custom build one at a place such as PC-specialist or Cyberpower bot I have used in the past and have been happy with the results. It all really depends on you want out of your PC, bog standard basic you can just buy off the shelf something with a bit more OOMF a custom build site will help.

 

Shop around the custom places some are far better £ per punch than others alien ware are nice looking top spec PC's but you can get similar specs elsewhere for a fraction of the price. Hope this helps. be warned though when you start specing up at custom build sites it gets addictive and before you know it you've spec'd up a three grand monster:)

[Ric]

Thanks - I wasn't going to touch PC World or Currys with a bargepole. Not even someone else's bargepole.

 

I'm after something a little more than bog standard spec... I'm pretending that it has everything to do with starting an OU course, and nothing to do whatsoever with wanting to play rFactor 2

[mcjwills]

If you are going down the self build route, have always found Novatech very reasonable. Parts are easy to collect except you have to venture into a PO postcode.