you can build cheaper than you can buy full system
bases.

That would be fair if that was actually what I said. I never mentioned UK. I
said *here* where we have access to big box stores that it is cheaper to buy
from them. My graphics card and monitor cost more than the whole system that
you quote. Name branded parts are expensive. I don't want junk.

It is pointless to discuss things with you because you mistake my intention
and continually misrepresent what I write. Then you try to bait me into lame
debates. My point was made in the context of a "Microsoft tax" which is a
common expression and even has a Wikipedia page. By taking it out of context
then starting a new thread of your own and posting numbers that are
meaningless to me proves nothing, other than you will stoop to any level to
start an argument. I made my point in the other thread, based on my own
experience in trying to purchase a computer ready made (not self built)
without an OS. You seem to be doubting my word and I find that offensive.
Consider this my last on this subject. If you can't be fair then it is not
worth my effort.

I've found over the years that it goes in cycles, sometimes the self
build is a cheaper option and sometimes the off-the-shelf ones have
the edge. A lot depends on the specification of system being built and
the higher you go the more you can save with a home build but the
un-accounted costs are the time researching component and the actual
build itself.

It's worth checking out special offers from component suppliers too as
often they have slightly lower specification systems, whether full
builds ( minus OS ) or bare bones or motherboard bundles, that they
need to shift and offer at a good discount to do this quickly. Done
this a few times when building for customers and the savings can be
significant. Again it depends on the intended use, you aren't going to
get cutting edge in the bargain basement bin