Re: Build or 'out of the box'/'off the shelf'?

My thought is, if you know enough to choose every component, then you might as well build it yourself. Save a few more bucks. Although, in most cases, it will only be a few bucks for similar components, since Dell, HP, and the like get components at a discount.

I feel it all comes down to 1. how comfortable you are with a complete build and 2. if you require good technical support.

I am wary about those who claim to give lifetime support for free. Hell, I could do builds out of my garage and claim free lifetime tech support, but chances are I would recommend something needed replacement - at a charge - rather than try to spend my time troubleshooting an IRQ conflict, or some other erroneous problem over the phone.