There was a time, in the late 1980's and early 1990's when a new computer cost at least $1500 US. I could build a computer with the exact specifications (amount of RAM, size and brand of hard drive, processor, software, etc.) that I wanted for $1000 or less. Those days are gone. I bought my first brand name computer in 2001 for $399. It also came with a $75.00 rebate, so I got it for $324.
Currently, it is not a good value to build a system from scratch unless
either of the following conditions apply:
1. I get a discount for buying my components and software in
bulk (or use free or inexpensive software like Linux and StarOffice)
2. I need a special configuration, it is cheaper to buy a turnkey
system.
