Build or Buy?

In my everyday work life, this is usually a much more complicated question. We're usually talking about systems work millions of dollars. In this case, I'm really just thinking about upgrading my home PC to one of those new Core i7 processors. Typically, I build my own computers as I like to select each and every component. After all, I know what I'm going to do with it, so why settle for someone else's choice?

Well, as it turns out there's some value in that. A group of folks have selected presumably reliable components that all work decently together. Plus, you can still customize most PC's from major manufacturers like HP and Dell so it's not like you have to take it out of the box. And if you put it together yourself, each component has a warranty that you'll need to keep track of rather than just calling one, single vendor.

Then again, the last time I ordered a machine from a major vendor I was disappointed in the performance of that machine. It seemed like several of the components were bargain basement compromises rather than $20 more quality pieces. 

So, I'm still on the fence at this point as to which direction to go. But the old girl (which I put together) is starting to show her age, so I'm going to have to make the call one way or another in another month or two. Wish me luck!