Choose cheaper desktop computer: DIY versus branded

In this article, I will try to compare the cost required for building a DIY desktop pc versus buying the branded pc. The branded pc used for comparison is HP Compaq DX2300MT which does not bundled with monitor. DX2300MT is priced at $559 (price is taken from www.bhinneka.com) and has the following specification :

1. Processor : Pentium Dual Core E2160
2. Motherboard : OEM with P946GZ intel chipset
3. Storage : SATA HDD 80 GB
4. Front panel : card reader, esata
5. Memory : 1 GB DDR2
6. Optical Drive : DVD/CDRW Combo
7. Operating System : Windows XP Pro oem
8. Chassis Form Factor : MicroATX
9. Keyboard and mouse : HP standard

Now lets count the all the components' price. Would it worth it to buy branded desktop pc instead of build your own and save $$$? Let's find out then and let the cheaper win!

After googling and seacrhing a while for all components used in HP Compaq DX2300MT, the result is listed below :

1. Processor : Pentium Dual Core E2160 -> $63
2. Motherboard : OEM with P946GZ intel chipset (use Asus P5B-MX)-> $81
3. Storage : SATA HDD 80 GB -> $42
4. Front panel : card reader, esata -> $15
5. Memory : 1 GB DDR2 -> $25
6. Optical Drive : DVD/CDRW Combo -> $32
7. Operating System : Windows XP Pro oem -> $135
8. Chassis Form Factor : MicroATX (used SimCool ATX 450W) -> $48
9. Keyboard and mouse : HP standard (used logitech multimedia) -> $18

All are totalled $459! The difference is $559 - $459 = $100. With that amount of money, you can buy a decent printer or speaker or both! How about additional Canon ip1880 ($48) and Divoom Titan 767 ($35)? And even after buying those two, you will still have money left ($17) for covering transportation cost :P.

The conclusion is straighforward. Let's spend a few extra hours for making our own desktop pcs instead of buying from branded if price is always be a concern for you :).