Frank-
I was actually thinking about saving money when "carefully" picking components instead of compatibility. Granted, there are some things out there that just don't work together, but most things are designed in such a way to "play well" with others.
I've built a few systems, and when something didn't work (for compatibility or just plain broken) I just took it back. Got a bum motherboard once and a bad CD writer, but really, for the most part, it has been plug it in, install the drivers, and watch it go.
Don't get me wrong, building a system can take a lot of time and generate frustration (my bad motherboard was a REAL pain), but overall, I haven't had bad luck with the cheap-o/generic versions of products. When it comes to computer parts, I guess I'm just really a cheap guy.
Again, I understand if you don't want to mess with it. Kindof like R/C airplanes - some folks like to build 'em, some like to fly 'em, and some like to do both. (I guess I fit in that 3rd category. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif)