Is it even possible to build a desktop cheaper than buying one?

richlevy · 11-30-2008, 10:16 AM

I was considering building an inexpensive desktop. I want to do it mostly for hobby purposes. Still, I was hoping to have it be at least the same price as one I could buy.

Last year I picked up a mid-tower case on sale for something like $20. I also picked up a power supply on sale cheap.

However, looking at how cheap desktops are, and the thin margins that manufacturers make on them, is it possible to build a desktop for the same price or less than a new one? Especially considering sales and rebates?

I still need an ATX motherboard & CPU, memory, and a hard drive. As well as a video driver and sound card.

My low-end Compaq cost $199, not counting the AGP video card, extra memory, extra drives, and sound card I installed.

If I wanted a low-end gaming desktop, could I get the rest done for, say, an additional $400 without cannibalizing my existing desktop? Not counting the monitor?

I already have an extra mouse and keyboard.

FYI, here is the case I bought. The form factor is ATX mid-tower.

11-30-2008, 10:16 AM	#1
richlevy King Of Wishful Thinking Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Philadelphia Suburbs Posts: 6,669	Is it even possible to build a desktop cheaper than buying one? I was considering building an inexpensive desktop. I want to do it mostly for hobby purposes. Still, I was hoping to have it be at least the same price as one I could buy. Last year I picked up a mid-tower case on sale for something like $20. I also picked up a power supply on sale cheap. However, looking at how cheap desktops are, and the thin margins that manufacturers make on them, is it possible to build a desktop for the same price or less than a new one? Especially considering sales and rebates? I still need an ATX motherboard & CPU, memory, and a hard drive. As well as a video driver and sound card. My low-end Compaq cost $199, not counting the AGP video card, extra memory, extra drives, and sound card I installed. If I wanted a low-end gaming desktop, could I get the rest done for, say, an additional $400 without cannibalizing my existing desktop? Not counting the monitor? I already have an extra mouse and keyboard. FYI, here is the case I bought. The form factor is ATX mid-tower. __________________ Exercise your rights and remember your obligations - VOTE! I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting. -- Barack Hussein Obama Last edited by richlevy; 11-30-2008 at 10:41 AM.

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