digital storm vs homebuild?

Looking to get a PC this summer, starting with ZIP (meaning I'll need even the basics, kb, mouse, OS)....and having never built a PC before I'm leaning towards something built by someone else but quality and not a rip. Digital Storm was suggested by more than a few people. My range is hopefull 1000 but more like 1200 since this is including stuff like the monitor and I was wondering what y'all thought about DS machines, or better if you had a build to suggest. Thanks!

okay well heres what i got for around your budget:

from digital storm:

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=406206

phenom II x4 945 hd 5770 4gb ddr2 setup with 18.5" monitor + keys + mouse+os+ speakers + free t-shirt =$1261

from ibuypowerpc:

http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/Gamer_Mage_855

phenom II x4 945 4gb ram hd 5770 setup with 17" monitor + keys + mouse+speakers+os + free copy of cod: modern warfare 2 = $1133

from cyberpower:

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/AMD_Hex_Core_Configurator/

amd phenom II x4 945 , 4gb ram, ati hd 5770 setup with 19" monitor, os, speakers (good ones)+keyboard + saitek gaming mouse + free copies of dirt 2, stormrise, and stalker call of pirpiryat = $1017

id say pick the last one on that list simply because of what your getting. like jesus id be proud of that setup..

now for the self built system:

os windows 7 64-bit oem for system builders $100 (free shipping)

HDD + psu seagate barricuda 750gb HDD + ocz modstream 600watt psu 125 (45 dollar MIR+ free shipping)

case + optical drive antec 900 case + lite-on generic 22x optical drvie (black) $116

ram ocz gold edition 4gb ddr3 1066 memory kit $112 (free shipping)

gpu sapphire hd 5830 1gb gddr5 w/ free 8gb usb flash drive (free shipping + 20 dollar MIR)

cpu amd phenom II x4 940 3.0ghz $136 (free shipping)

mobo asus m4n68t-M micro atx am3, ddr3 mobo $55

monitor 19" hans-g lcd monitor $120 (free shipping)

keys + mouse logitech generic kays + mouse combo $28

speakers pixxo 2.1 speakers $20

total = 1031 before S&H and and MIR's

self built has a slightly betetr gpu and its cpu is essentially the same in fact its got the same speed so you lsoe nothing. but the mobo could be better tbh

with you but for hairs over 1000 atm thats not a bad compromise. and you get a sweet case out of it... heck i ahve one their awesome.

Ahhhh it's all so confusing. The one thing that had me leaning toward DS was the three year warranty and unlimited tech support. This is stll all up in the air as it won't be until at least a month or so until I can make this purchase, maybe longer. I'm just seeing what my options are and lordy there are many. It's overwhelming.

If you have never built a PC before, then a custom built "boutique" PC may be the best bet for you. While I can build my own PCs and have in the past, this past go 'round (last year), I bought a Falcon-Northwest for the quality of their builds and the support that give one afterwards and that includes the warranty. That alone could be much better than the warranty given by the individual parts makers and can be a blessing should something happen during the warranty period. Digital Storm is a good company and is earning KickAss awards from MaximumPC (at least their Hailstorm PC is).

now for the self built system:

cpu amd phenom II x4 940 3.0ghz $136 (free shipping)

mobo asus m4n68t-M micro atx am3, ddr3 mobo $55

aura_enchanted