Getting a new desktop should be a cool thing, especially a cheap desktop. After all that time struggling with you old machine, probably fighting with it to get the latest to run, your new desktop should be a ray of light for your computing future.

Oh, if it were that simple. If things were really that easy or simple when buying a cheap desktop, life would be much easier, but just like every other thing, its not that simple.

Barebones computers

have become extremely popular, and for good reason. Getting a barebones desktop which does not include a monitor and comes with the bear minimum of parts makes them an upgradable, practical and cheap desktop.

But not all things are rosy in barebones desktop land...

1. Missing parts

Although barebones computers do come with the essential pieces, most people need at least one or two extras for their day to day barebones system. This is simply due to different applications people use them for. Don’t get caught missing that extra part from your barebones system that you then need to get behind. You still need to do some homework and research to find out what you really need from your barebones system.

2. Super cheap desktop deals

Beware, many corners can be cut to get those sub $200 dollar barebones systems. They can be great, but not always, carefully analyse the components of the package. Also remember that a barebones system couldn’t possibly include a monitor for that price, which adds a lot to the price.

3. Mismatched parts

This could become a problem if building your own desktop, but it even happens in pre-assembled barebones desktop deals. There is a chance that you get something that doesn’t fit with the barebones system. There are lots of different connections and speed ratings between parts. Make sure the ones you get match up to the other parts and your needs. Although not common, incompatibilities between parts are not unheard of.

4. Outdated components

To get super-cheap deals older parts are sometimes used in cheap computers. Although this can be a great cost-saver and some old parts are fantastic, there is nearly no chance of an upgrade without putting a major amount of money into your barebones desktop again, perhaps as much if not probably more than you paid for your great deal.

5. Defective parts

Although this is another one that has gotten better as the competition has gotten stronger, there is a chance of defects in cheaper products. Your motherboard could be faulty, your power supply might give up after a month or two. These may not be intentional problems, but come hand in hand with "cheap desktop stuff".

6.Refurbished desktop parts

Refurbished desktop parts are a great way to save some money. Not always the biggest saver, but there can be problems with the updates to these computers in much the way as mismatches happen in barebones systems. Often the desktop is slightly updated to meet needs, but is really quite an old model, just with upgrades. Can be fine, but the parts they replace might be replaced with something newer but inferior.

7. Claims of great warranty

To try and entice you into feeling safe, offers of long warranties are made. Most of the parts in the desktop could have past their warranty dates, so the warranties are purely from the company that put the desktop together. They can be hard to contact and take their time to get replacements to you as well as expect you to mail the desktop to them so that they can do the repairs.

Barebones computers can be a great way to put together a second desktop, build a desktop

for simple purposes, like writing documents and casual web surfing. Barebones fit perfectly as a second desktop. Just keep these things in mind and you won’t get bitten by the bargain bin monster.