The answer is NO! Most people find computer manufacturers, such as, Dell, HP, Compaq, eMachine, etc. to be a good deal because they offer a monitor, keyboard and mouse with the “bundle” deal. In my day to day profession I talk to customers that are interested in purchasing new computers from these retailers and explain to them that MOST of the time these desktop computers are not worth the time or money. The truth is most desktop computers you purchase from a retailer have obsolete technology involved. Long story short you buy them and most of the time will have to upgrade within a couple years. Having one custom built is usually a little more expensive but much more satisfying. Computer components have become cheap due to the economy being in a slump, so the cost to build a custom build computer seems to make more sense.