i think that i might want to buy a new computer, but im not sure which way to go. Should i custom build my computer, or should i buy a made P4-3.0Ghz HT, 512MB, 200GB, 128MB VIdeo...supercomputer from HP? because i know that even though i will overpay for it, and that some parts will be very costly to replace (FROM HP)unlike in a custom built computer. i also know that these parts in such a computer like HP are designed to work well together and that i will not have any problems. so any suggestiions which way to go?? why do i need this?

I wouldn't buy a name brand computer like HP. If you feel up to it you can build your own or buy a barebones unit from someone and add your own components. Have a look at the machines on Magic Micro computers at magicmicro.com or ecollegepc.com has some good deals. Tiger Direct also has some nice machines at a reasonable price. Major brand machines are loaded with pre configures software that contains a lot of legal spywrae and is a pain to get rid of. They also use cheap components. Look at a custom built machine that has a 3 year warranty. All the good builders have this deal. Some sell the machine without an OS, or you can purchese it from them and they'll give you an origanal disk to use in the future should you have a problem. Good Luck with your purchase. When all is said and done More is said than done..

"These parts in such a computer like HP are designed to work well together and that I will not have any problems". ROTFLMAO!! They are put together to last until the warrenty runs out with tech support in some country that speaks limited english. Build your own with the help from a local shop that will warranty and give you support. Then the next time you can tell the shop owner what you want and build it yourself.

What is your experience level and what is your need? How big is your budget? You probably won't save any money building an entry level computer over what you would spend buying from Dell, HP, or Gateway. You also would avoid the hassle of trying to put together your computer and getting it to fly. For an exotic, custom build, you might save some money but your hassle factor would be that much more. Building your own can be a rewarding hobby. It's one of my favorites. But, I don't think I've saved a whole of money building them. And, if it weren't for the hobby aspect, the time investment might seem pricey.

Learn to build your own computer, or else you'll be reading Tech Nightmares over and over again. i_XpUser

Notice. Xcon is the poster who posted ona thread under three different names yesterday and had the thread purged because of his suspicious behaviour. perhaps his name should tell you something. Bit of a wit....half to be precise.

Well I for one don't want a prefabed computer. The last one I owned was an Atari. Since then I have built my own. Sure it may cost a few extra bucks to buy parts for, but at least the tech dept speaks the same lingo as the owner does. Salty deep southern... Seriously there can be no other richly rewarding time as when you get it all put together, flip the switch and it whirrs to life. You stand back and say " I built that". The only thing I would advise is to make sure all the parts will work together. The motherboard supports the cpu chip and the correct type of graphics cards plays nice with the motherboard. You have to do your homework. But that's a part of the experiance... You get stuck just come back here and ask for help. I'm sure one of us has run in to the same problem before and can help. I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid...