Should you build your own computer?

Pros

What are the benefits of building your own computer?

Cost and customization. When you build your own computer it is often cheaper and you can customize the components to whatever fits your needs. If it is important to you to have a boosted up gaming system, you can build your computer with added RAM, deluxe sound card, and faster CPU. If you think floppy drives are part of the dark ages, leave it out. As you use your computer, if at any time you feel something is missing, it is easier to take you computer apart and upgrade your system. There are also many neat and interesting accessories you can add when building your own computer such as adding a Plexiglas side and installing some lights in it so you can see the guts to your computer light up. In any case you can just install some fun games to keep you occupied.

Knowledge and satisfaction. When you build your computer you get to see how everything works together. If you are the kind of person that enjoys taking stuff apart and learning how everything works, than this project is right up your alley. When you show off your new computer to all of your friends, you can say "I built that" with pride.

Cons

But before you go out and invest a lot of money into parts and software for your computer you should know about the disadvantages of building your own computer.

Lack of knowledge could be the down fall to your whole project. It's important that you pick parts that will connect and fit into the case you have selected. For first time computer builders, such as us, you can purchase a kit that includes parts or a parts list of items that will work well together. If you don't know what you are doing you may not get it all connected in the right way. One of the biggest factors is frying your motherboard. If you're not careful one shock can ruin your new computer and you would not even know it.

Viruses and incompatibility can cause issues in performance. It could be very pricey if you don't what you're doing and buy the wrong software since some software costs in excess of $200. Prebuilt computers often come with preinstalled software and virus protection. After building your own computer, you may need to download or purchase the correct drivers or virus protection to keep your computer running smoothly.

electricity will ruin your motherboard. And you will not know this until you are finished.