oldlaw
Registered User
Complete computer noob wants to build own pc. OK guys what are the best sites for buying stuff and any relevant info?
Computer help req!
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Haven't used them in a while....
Regular store:
www.scan.co.uk
For the more serious stuff, if you are after a more "custom" build, have a look here:
www.overclockers.co.uk
www.kustompcs.co.uk
www.jab-tech.com
Have a look at the forums here:
www.deviantforums.com
Bear in mind that it will seem more expensive to build your own, but you get the components you want and not what someone else thinks you need.
Most of the big PC companies will show a great list of high class stuff, and use lower quality components elsewhere.
Enjoy.
Regular store:
www.scan.co.uk
For the more serious stuff, if you are after a more "custom" build, have a look here:
www.overclockers.co.uk
www.kustompcs.co.uk
www.jab-tech.com
Have a look at the forums here:
www.deviantforums.com
Bear in mind that it will seem more expensive to build your own, but you get the components you want and not what someone else thinks you need.
Most of the big PC companies will show a great list of high class stuff, and use lower quality components elsewhere.
Enjoy.
arthurfuxake
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A good idea is to have a look at the "barebones" systems as a starting point, and then customise from thee depending on what applications you'll be running. I'm guessing you're after some serious performance. But, I've built over 500 pc's and kept my own pc for 8 years. I recently needed a new one, and went for a Dell off the shelf model. These days, unless you're into serious performance, it's often not economical enough to build your own. If you have a wishlist already and have decided that you're not deviating from it, the go for it, but most times an off the shelf system will suit your needs. Go to http://3xs.scan.co.uk/, and choose a system that suits your needs ie video editing or gaming. You can always ring them up and explain that you want their gaming machine, but would like to swap the graphics gard for one of your own choice and they'd be happy to help. The price difference will end up being worth the simplicity of it, and it gets tested and everything for you. If you build it yourself, and you get one component conflict, you could spend days diagnosing the problem even with the specialist tools.
Just my 2p worth.
www.scan.co.uk
Just my 2p worth.
www.scan.co.uk
oldlaw
Registered User
Thanks for the info. Did want to build one myself but as you guys say might be better trying some of the suggested options.
arthurfuxake really knows what he's talking about there, and can tell he's been there! It's only worth it if your're wanting specialist components, otherwise it never works out cheaper than buying a reputable off the shelf machine.
Having 1 component that wont play nice is also the biggest possible nightmare that you could ever get - as at the end of the day a stable machine is worth more than the fastest.
If you want a real bargain, keep checking the dell outlet page for something you like the look of.
http://outlet.dell.com/Emea_Dfo/EuDispatcher?country=GBR&target=InventoryPage&lob_constraint=DIM
bear in mind though that you need to add VAT and delivery, although they regularly have offers for free delivery.
Having 1 component that wont play nice is also the biggest possible nightmare that you could ever get - as at the end of the day a stable machine is worth more than the fastest.
If you want a real bargain, keep checking the dell outlet page for something you like the look of.
http://outlet.dell.com/Emea_Dfo/EuDispatcher?country=GBR&target=InventoryPage&lob_constraint=DIM
bear in mind though that you need to add VAT and delivery, although they regularly have offers for free delivery.
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Guys I'm blown away! 
I work as an R&D Engineer at 3XS/Scan (our little team is responsible for machines like the Cobra, Chameleon, Panther, Black Rhino and Triad amongst others); and it's awesome to see us getting your recommendations!
I'm going to try my very best not to turn this post into a sales-pitch, I promise I fully understand that's not what this community is about; but I would like to say a few words as a thank you and to explain a little about Scan...
Firstly, as I say, my (and our) sincere thanks for the recommendations; it's great to see people so confidently endorsing us, and I hope that means we've done right by you.
That brings me around to the next part; a few words to give some insight into the way Scan do things... A good few years ago now, the company underwent a transition whereby the directors decided that in a crowded marketplace, there was only one strong way forward which would benefit both company and customer; and the 3XS Mindset was born. 3XS actually means 3 X S = Specification, Service, Satisfaction. ...And I can solemnly promise that it's not just clever marketing; the company is staffed by enthusiasts at every level, and everyone really does care that our customers receive the best of those three things. We all try our best to make sure each order is completed with the customer's utmost satisfaction, and as an affirmation of that ideal, in the (hopefully unlikely) event that there is a problem, we'll move mountains to ensure satisfaction if that's what it takes.
Anyway once again, it's fantastic to see the confident recommendations of Scan. I can't thank you all enough, and I hope you continue to enjoy shopping with us.
And to oldlaw, PM on its way...
Thanks again, and regards,
Rob.
*takes ID badge off and opens a beer!*
I work as an R&D Engineer at 3XS/Scan (our little team is responsible for machines like the Cobra, Chameleon, Panther, Black Rhino and Triad amongst others); and it's awesome to see us getting your recommendations!
I'm going to try my very best not to turn this post into a sales-pitch, I promise I fully understand that's not what this community is about; but I would like to say a few words as a thank you and to explain a little about Scan...
Firstly, as I say, my (and our) sincere thanks for the recommendations; it's great to see people so confidently endorsing us, and I hope that means we've done right by you.
That brings me around to the next part; a few words to give some insight into the way Scan do things... A good few years ago now, the company underwent a transition whereby the directors decided that in a crowded marketplace, there was only one strong way forward which would benefit both company and customer; and the 3XS Mindset was born. 3XS actually means 3 X S = Specification, Service, Satisfaction. ...And I can solemnly promise that it's not just clever marketing; the company is staffed by enthusiasts at every level, and everyone really does care that our customers receive the best of those three things. We all try our best to make sure each order is completed with the customer's utmost satisfaction, and as an affirmation of that ideal, in the (hopefully unlikely) event that there is a problem, we'll move mountains to ensure satisfaction if that's what it takes.
Anyway once again, it's fantastic to see the confident recommendations of Scan. I can't thank you all enough, and I hope you continue to enjoy shopping with us.
And to oldlaw, PM on its way...
Thanks again, and regards,
Rob.
*takes ID badge off and opens a beer!*
TBH i would advise staying away from building you're own PC if, as you said, you are a noob when it comes to PC's. As although it is simple to do there are still some easy mistakes that can be made, not to mention having to install an operating system after you've built it which can be daunting if you've never done it before!
However, if you want to build your own PC because you are interested in how it work and are genuinly excited by the prospect of building a PC from scratch (rather than because you want a cheaper/specific PC) then by all means go for it!
Also most pre-built PC comes with winXP which they can provide cheaply as they buy OEM versions in bulk very cheap.
Me personally? I have never bought a pre build PC and have always built my own (mainly from hand-me-downs!), but when asked about it by friends have either suggested getting a store bought one (but staying away from places like pc world, or any high street shop for that matter, who will rip you off) or offered to build it for them.
If you decide to buy the componants individually then I got most of my kit from overclockers.co.uk, ebuyer.com or dabs.com
However, if you want to build your own PC because you are interested in how it work and are genuinly excited by the prospect of building a PC from scratch (rather than because you want a cheaper/specific PC) then by all means go for it!
Also most pre-built PC comes with winXP which they can provide cheaply as they buy OEM versions in bulk very cheap.
Me personally? I have never bought a pre build PC and have always built my own (mainly from hand-me-downs!), but when asked about it by friends have either suggested getting a store bought one (but staying away from places like pc world, or any high street shop for that matter, who will rip you off) or offered to build it for them.
If you decide to buy the componants individually then I got most of my kit from overclockers.co.uk, ebuyer.com or dabs.com
OutLore said:Dude!! You work for scan and never told us!!!
Where's the Audi-Sport.net discount?
In all seriousness, I would recommnend Scan over any other "general" computer store online. I have probably spent close to 20k with them over the years, and I can only think of one problem I had, and that was sorted out swiftly and efficiently.
So top marks to all.... You should point your marketing team to this thread and tell them "look what I did" lol
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Like I say, I've never made a big point about working for Scan as it's perhaps not fair to the users and admins to labour the point and I wouldn't like to be thought of as spamming the board.
Anyway, sincerely, thanks for your comments, and I'm glad to hear that we managed to put things right for you on the occassion when things weren't going so smoothly; as I mentioned above, that's one of our main aims.
Also, I did get in touch with the boss about this thread as I first posted; I think it's fair to say he's as grateful for all your support as I am!
Thanks again everyone, and best regards,
Rob.
Anyway, sincerely, thanks for your comments, and I'm glad to hear that we managed to put things right for you on the occassion when things weren't going so smoothly; as I mentioned above, that's one of our main aims.
Also, I did get in touch with the boss about this thread as I first posted; I think it's fair to say he's as grateful for all your support as I am!
Thanks again everyone, and best regards,
Rob.
