93% of people here use self-built computers?

[lain]

That'd be my guess.

Surely this is a significat number. A sizable market.

But as some of you have pointed out, we're still "small potatos" compare to
the majority of people out there.

It's hard to ignore so many self-builders.

 

[rickn]

it's a niche market when you look at the big picture.

Building your own IMHO is the only way to do. I've been doing it since my 386sx

 

[Guygye]

I'd bring that number down a bit, maybe into the 60s, maybe 93% have additions to there prebuilt, systems, but 93% from scratch I think not, although I did build my last 3 from scratch, my first 2 were bought.

 

[Keego]

I have an ast p133

 

[Guilty]

I think a lot of people find Anandtech and start viewing the forums from a standard prebuilt PC. They then gather information and the next time they get to upgrade, try their hand at building their own.

 

[TheGrandHooHa]

Guilty: Yes, that's exactly what I did. And if I could only get an operating system that would run all my games without stupid rebooting and other issues, it would be a success

 

[ProjectPat]

It's cheaper

 

[Rand]

If you look at the grand scheme of things, Anandtech could have 10,000 members all with self built systems and we would still be a niche market.
Besides that, I would estimate the number to be closer to around 65-75% have their own systems.

A large number of newbie members come here just for help with their Compaq's or whatever else.
The DIY market is extremely small, compared to the number that buy pre-built systems.

 

[Wingznut]

<< The DIY market is extremely small, compared to the number that buy pre-built systems. >>

ESPECIALLY if you take the business sector into consideration when you define "market".

 

[vash]

The DIY market for PC users is pretty small, compared to the amount of people who buy their boxes online, or at local computer places.

The DIY is also the major market pushing stuff constantly, but because we're so small, they don't care about us much.

vash

 

[Flatline]

Building your own is the only way to go if you actually know what you're doing. Most people out there, though, have never seen a mobo and have no idea what compatibility issues they will face with their equipment; it's smarter for most people to buy OEM. For us technophiles, though, building your own is the only way to be truly satisfied with the end result

 

[Athlon4all]

I used to buy Pre-built not too long ago (Only 7 months ago I allmost bought a OEM PC), but after deciding to go ahead and built one myself, I will never do anything else again I agree though, the D-I-Y market isn't as big as you may think it is.

 

[Shmorq]

If you take the poll here, maybe we can get a general idea.

 

[dullard]

<< It's cheaper >>



Lets show people the cost savings. Can anyone here price this working computer for me (minimum options to keep this simple):

Athlon 1.4 GHz 266 fsb,
256 MB PC2100 DDR,
60 GB IBM 60GXP,
any GeForce3,
Win2k Professional,
any 1.4" floppy drive,
any case,
any keyboard,
any mouse.

I can buy this pre-built and shipped for $1148. How much would I save if I built it myself (include shipping charges)?

 

[gygheyzeus]

I've been building my own computers for about two years now, and I've been able to actually "mess around" with the hardware for well over 3-4 years. Before that I had no idea how these things even worked really.\

I'm now to the point where I refuse to buy a pre-built computer. Especially a Compaq.

 

[gygheyzeus]

All prices below are from newegg.com - and I bet if I weren't so lazy I could find them cheaper.

Athlon 1.4 GHz 266 fsb - $107
256 MB PC2100 DDR - $37
60 GB IBM 60GXP - $140
any GeForce3 - $290
Win2k Professional - $free if you already have it (most do, or can get it)
any 1.4" floppy drive - $10
any case - $38
any keyboard - $4
any mouse - $2

total: $628.

you forgot a motherboard: $173 Abit KG7-RAID. $140 for non-raid.

so yeah, its a lot cheaper to build one yourself.

 

[TomBilliodeaux]

Guilty has it right.
Thats what I did. A friend refered me here after my favorite forum went pay-to-use.

But I would think that, like myself, these also represent many of the builders for those who buy systems. For each one that i build for myself, I build 3 or more for others (or teach them what i've learned from you guys).

 

[bmd]

<< I think a lot of people find Anandtech and start viewing the forums from a standard prebuilt PC. They then gather information and the next time they get to upgrade, try their hand at building their own. >>


My situation exactly... Still running on a pre-built, should be upgrading and building relatively soon.

 

[Flatline]

For my business, we use Dell machines, but at home, I build my own. I don't want to build a machine every time we get a new employee, and Dell's warranties are outstanding.

 

[majewski9]

There is alot of people here that dont build there own pc's!

Some say that dont want to go through the trouble! waiting for parts, dont have the time, or have plenty of money. It is really pitiful if u are a devote Sys builder to hear that crap. they cant do it is what I think. Do u see what dell charges?wow! No way could I afford that. I got like 400in my sys and I think it is decent. Athlon @ 1.33ghz, 128 PC133, Iwill KK266, Lite On 16x CDRW, Radeon LE, Inwin 300 watt case, sb live. I need more ram and big hd.

I dont know how many people build there own systems. I dont think a poll would be accurate either. I do think a lot of people hear do know what they are talking about. I think the Athlon vs P4 crap has to stop. I do agree this forum sparks a lot of new sys builders.

 

[Quickfingerz]

<< It's cheaper >>



I actually find it more expensive. Fishing out a few hundered for Office and Win2k Pro will eat away your pockets.

 

[Flatline]

Dell prices aren't too bad when you consider that you actually get licenses when you buy from them (something most home builders don't do) and that those prices include the monitor, which is something that most build-your-own guys already have. Besides, out of the OEM vendors, Dell is one of the few who actually use quality parts like Intel mobos, 3Com NIC cards, nVidia and Radeon graphics cards, etc.

 

[blakeatwork]

I'd put the percentage at 15-20% MAX.

 

[Ryan]

I do both. I have built an older machine, but bought a newer one

 

[CQuinn]

<< It's cheaper >>


It can start off cheaper, but keep in mind that the DIY crowd also knows enough to shop around for better components,
and can end up paying more for thier rigs than a simple pre-built box may have cost them in the first place.

But they do get the satisfaction or having a kixass machine for the effort.