Is building a computer more expensive than buying one?

For many years, purchasing parts for a computer could offer a significant cost saving. In 2010, that appears to be no longer true. Pre-assembled hardware has fallen in price steadily and as most computers are supplied with an operating system installed, there is no additional cost for OS licenses.

The reason to build your own computer should be based on specific functionality that you require rather than just financial. If there is any cost saving it will be minimal and should there be problems with any of the hardware, warranties are not as effective for individual parts. No parts supplier will be willing to offer on site repairs whereas many system suppliers offer on site service as part of the deal.