I'm curious. This is for those of you who frequently help other people get a new computer, or frequently upgrade your own. This means either a whole new machine, or at least mostly new major components.

When building a new computer for someone or for yourself, what route do you take?
Buy a Dell (or other manufacturer)
Buy most or all components from Newegg
Buy most or all components from another store (MWave, Googlegear, etc.)
Use price finding search tools to find the best prices on each component
Other

I only ask because I have gone with methods 1,2, and 4, and would like some impressions on what other people think is the best way to go. This is in the case (when advising someone else) that you do actually get involved in the purchasing process, and don't just tell them to screw themselves