Hmm... time to put that old chestnut to bed I think.
No it doesn't "work out a lot cheaper".
Its maybe, possibly a little cheaper if (a) you really,really,really know what you're doing (i.e. no time wasting at any stage) and (b) you're able to source parts at a reasonable cost (which tends to be difficult on low volume) and (c) you value your time at zero.
For your average Joe, it really isn't cheaper because :
(a) Most people who say "its cheaper" are doing so because they are valuing their time at zero throughout the process. Even if you value your time at minimum-wage, if you count the time expended truthfully and honestly (i.e. from the start of the pre-build research and order process right through to the working finished product) it all soon adds up !
(b) Most people have no clue about what they need, they'll spend hours and days researching parts, asking questions on forums, shopping around for the "best" prices etc. etc. ... this takes time, and, if you're being truthful and honest, time equals money.
(c) Most people have no clue about the build process. Most people will spend time figuring "where does this go", OCD people will spend hours making the cabling look all pretty etc. etc. etc. Most people won't end up with a working product first time round, which ends up with you having to do a troubleshooting process ... this takes time, and, if you're being truthful and honest, time equals money.
(d) Boxes from the factory come with an OS preloaded. You've now got to spend time getting your OS installed .... this takes time, and, if you're being truthful and honest, time equals money.
(e) What if it breaks down the line ? With a branded box you have a warranty (and can buy extended warranties). With your own box .. oh dear... lets waste some time troubleshooting and figuring out which component went wrong .... now lets waste some more time figuring out whether the manufacturer will swap it or if I need to buy a new widget .... now lets waste more time figuring out whether I should buy the same widget or a better one .... this takes time, and, if you're being truthful and honest, time equals money.
Need I go on ?
So sure, if you're a geek with all the answers and you're willing to value your time at zero (or you're a student !) ... then sure, you might save a little money.
But for everyone else its nonsense. Just like those people who shout about Apple iPhones only costing a hundred bucks to build ... well sure, the parts maybe, posssibly ..... but what about R&D costs, software development costs, manufacturing costs, shipping costs etc. etc. etc.
