Pro Assembly - Do you need to Purchase OS or can License Key be provided

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Microcenter has finally built a store within driving range of me….2.5 Hours instead of 5+ hours :)

I'm looking at potentially building a couple of new computers…One for myself and one for my college Freshman.

While I'm technically capable of assembling the systems, I'm leary because I'm 2.5 hours away and if any parts have issues….it will be a long round trip. Also I've encountered issues in the past where a MB may need a firmware update before it recognizes a newer CPU or faster ram. Without an older CPU or slower RAM laying around you are stuck.

So this has me leaning to paying for "Pro Assembly", but I'm curious if I am required to by the OS from MicroCenter or if I can supply the License Key. (I have a mix of Free and nearly free Keys through my Job, MSDN and through my Kids College.) If I supply a legal Key, then assembly will cost me $250. If I need to buy an OS for which I already have a License…It will cost me $400.

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On a Related Question…There is a $350 option where they will do it with you. If you cannot supply the license normally but you can if they help you build…it would be an interesting twist. I'm thinking of using that option for my College Age Kid. They want to build it themselves since they have….But again it may be nice to have them do it with help there…due to long round trip issues if there are any problems.