just switched back to a built computer and couldn't be happier. i just went to some store and they helped me figure out what i want after i described my price range and my needs and they built it for me and i came the next day to pick it up. just like getting a boxed computer except you get to decide what goes into it, and they offer advice if you have no idea what you're doing (me). plus i've found boxed systems to be less reliable (more random problems), and you'd never want to call support about anything anyways. seems like the more you care about what's in your box the more you should lean towards getting something built.