Hi, I am thinking of assembling my own computer. I have an option to go with cyberpowerpc or a dell desktop. The advantage of building my own PC is obviously better parts at cheaper rate than the above two. I already have an old P3 computer. If I go by the assembled way, this wil be my first assembled computer. I was a bit worried thinking if anything goes wrong with my new assembled PC (it would be costing around $1300), how would i be able to diagnose whether its a RAM or Processor or motherboard problem. The advantage of going with cyberpowerpc or dell is the customer supprt to help you diagnose the problem. So can somone recommend any sites or information about how to diagnose the problem. Also, is it easy to diagnose the problem?? Thanking in advance, Prateek
Cyberpower/iBuyPower is pretty poor if you're looking at the tech support. Dell can be good, but they've still got some bumps. Just because a company has tech support doesn't mean it's good. You're paying for the support, so make sure that part is good if you're uncomfortable with fiddling around inside the box. [H]ard|OCP does a lot of pre-built system reviews that encompass tech support. If you're thinking about a prebuilt box, you might want to skim some reviews to get at least one opinion and get some other ideas. Diagnosing a problem depends, but before you throw the system in the case, you start off with a minimal configuration outside the case: motherboard, CPU, CPU fan, 1 stick of RAM, video card (unless your motherboard has on-board video), and the power supply. You can use a flat-head screwdriver to short the power switch header to start up the motherboard. Right off the bat, you'll be able see if something is amiss. If something is wrong, you'll want to check the connectors and seating of components. There's very few parts that can be causing the problem...plus you eliminate the possibility of any imporoper shorting inside the case.
