Long before we received our first order to build a computer, many questions went through our heads. With all questions and factors considered, we decided that the determining factor for building or buying a computer would come from one of the following questions:

1. What do you want to do with the computer(s)?
2. How long would you like to keep the computer(s)?
3. How much money would you like to spend on the computer(s)?

Everyone has a different thought when it comes to this question given that a computer can be shared by everyone in the house or everyone can have their own computer. The answer here really depends on individual needs, frequency of use and willingness to share. Regardless of the intended use, whenever there is mention of building a computer, the first word that comes to mind is balance.

A computer, built new or purchased new, should be able to balance the needs of every individual and/or every application while balancing all hardware requirements. The hardware balance is important so that all components are working together and that none of them outpace the other to cause a system bottleneck. The picture above is one that we built for a client with a focus on balance and performance.

Because of the time when this desktop was built (2005), 64 bit technology was not yet stable enough in computer parts so we decided to use 32 bit technology with a twist. We elected to align the major components (CPU, Disk, Memory) with the most durable motherboard (Asus) and fit it into an extremely reliable clear case (Lian-Li). Having said that, we purchased an Asus motherboard, 2 Intel Xeon processors, 2 Maxtor internal hard disk drives, 2 GB of Crucial memory and middle of the line for floppy drive, optical drive, sound card and video card. After purchasing the Satic products (joystick, keyboard and mouse) there was only 1 thing left - the Operating System. We chose Windows XP Pro to match the client applications.

Since we doubled up on the major components (CPU, Disk, Memory) we were able to address the client concern for multiple concurrent application processing, including heavy graphics and web development. Although this particular computer cannot handle 64 bit technology without a major redesign, it has been running with regular maintenance for 4+ years.

Everyone seems to want their computer(s) to last long enough to out live the cost. Any of the following variables here can impact the length of time a computer operates and cause longevity issues:

• hardware repairs
• new software downloaded or installed with requirements that do not match the hardware
• a network shift from wired to wireless or wireless to wired
• a mix of components made from different manufacturers which cause compatibility issues
• adware/malware/spyware/virus
  

While we do not guarantee that regular maintenance will prolong the life of your computer it certainly can help while you drive it.

The cost of building a computer can vary depending on the parts that are utilized. Typically the costs are broken down between labor and parts - where labor is the time to build the computer and parts are all hardware/software/cables that are needed by the computer.

Labor

• Will labor be charged at an hourly rate or fixed cost?
• Will labor include traveling to and from a client site?
• Will labor include regular maintenance or service contracts?
• Will labor include the time to investigate and trouble shoot problems?
  

Parts

• Will the parts be high end prices, mid prices or low end prices?
• Will shipping and tax be included?

The answers to these questions vary from person to person or company to company. Nonetheless these questions should be asked whenever you decide to purchase a computer or ask us to build one for you :)

The important note to remember when building a computer or having someone build a computer for you is the balance of the components.