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| Thread ID: 89533 | 2008-05-03 08:09:00 | Thinking of building a new PC - your experiences and recommendations please? | Chikara (5139) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 665439 | 2008-05-03 08:09:00 | Hi all, I'm starting to plan ahead, in a few months time I'll be ready to replace my aging PC. I'm considering trying to build my own. I haven't yet decided on specs, I'll do that over the next few months. I've never built a PC before, and I would say my existing knowledge levels on hardware etc. are average only. I've replaced a few video cards and really, that's it. So my questions for you are: 1) Would you suggest it is a good idea to attempt to build one myself? Or would I really need to be a lot more experienced with dealing with hardware? 2) If not, any recommendations for brands? Or should I just get a shop to custom-build. My work usually uses Dells and the IT guys at work rate them quite highly... 3) If you *do* think I should try and build my own, can you recommend any good websites or resources, that would have tips and instructions, and also ideally details on what you need to check to make sure parts are compatible with each other. I know there's the Project Beast articles in the mag, I've also been having a look at www.tomshardware.com what other resources would you recommend? 4) Sourcing parts - those of you who build PC's, do you try and get the cheapest price you can for each part, even if that involves multiple suppliers and multiple postage costs? Or is it not worth the hassle of shopping around for each individual component, and just get them all from one suppler? What stores/websites would you recommend/avoid? 5) Op system. Without getting too much into the whole XP vs Vista argument, if I do decide to go with Vista, would it be easier/cheaper to install my existing XP disc, and then purchase the Vista upgrade and do an upgrade installation? Instead of having to pay more to buy the full Vista? 6) Worst case scenario - if I did try and build my own system and totally @&!* it up, what is a ballpark cost a technician would charge to fix it for me??!! (I know it will vary based on what's wrong, but just a rough idea would help). Thanks in advance for your help Tony |
Chikara (5139) | ||
| 665440 | 2008-05-03 08:21:00 | Hi all, 1) Would you suggest it is a good idea to attempt to build one myself? Or would I really need to be a lot more experienced with dealing with hardware? Nothing wrong with making your own PC up. Just read the manual for the mobo, you cant go wrong. Also, make sure you put spacers between the mobo and the case. Once u get it, or it will short. It'll probably be cheaper making your own PC, since most ready made PC's have too much crap on them. 2) If not, any recommendations for brands? Or should I just get a shop to custom-build. My work usually uses Dells and the IT guys at work rate them quite highly... I would say ASUS, Gigabyte should be OK. Altho I've never brought a GB mobo. 3) If you *do* think I should try and build my own, can you recommend any good websites or resources, that would have tips and instructions, and also ideally details on what you need to check to make sure parts are compatible with each other. Thats what the manual for the mobo is for 4) Sourcing parts - those of you who build PC's, do you try and get the cheapest price you can for each part, even if that involves multiple suppliers and multiple postage costs? Just as long as it works and fits, I dont care. Postage isnt a prob, the shop here is 10 mins down the road Or is it not worth the hassle of shopping around for each individual component, and just get them all from one suppler? What stores/websites would you recommend/avoid Since there's only one shop down the road, I usually get parts from there. Otherwise, I'll have to catch a bus, and go to Symonds Street, or Newmarket I dont buy online, cant anyway, I dont use credit cards 5) Op system. Without getting too much into the whole XP vs Vista argument, if I do decide to go with Vista, would it be easier/cheaper to install my existing XP disc, and then purchase the Vista upgrade and do an upgrade installation? Instead of having to pay more to buy the full Vista? Probably be better, getting the full version 6) Worst case scenario - if I did try and build my own system and totally @&!* it up, what is a ballpark cost a technician would charge to fix it for me??!! (I know it will vary based on what's wrong, but just a rough idea would help). Depends on how much you stuff things up. If its bad, it'll cost a lot. If youre not sure about something ask here |
Speedy Gonzales (78) | ||
| 665441 | 2008-05-03 08:38:00 | Ascent (http://www . ascent . co . nz) is the best computer part retailer IMO . Goods despatched same working day and arrive next working day - Free delivery! :clap Reasonable pricing too . |
jwil1 (65) | ||
| 665442 | 2008-05-03 08:41:00 | Probably be better, getting the full version No, you can actually buy the Vista UG disc and do a full install from that. (www.winsupersite.com) EDIT: Also if you have a Vista RTM disc (ie no SP1 on it) you can do a clean install because you can't install SP1 Vista over the top of RTM Vista... How to: -Install Vista RTM -Upgrade using Vista SP1 -Clean install option FORCED. |
jwil1 (65) | ||
| 665443 | 2008-05-03 09:08:00 | Some online shops accept direct transfers of funds I bought some laptop ram last week from Here (http://www.laptopbatteries.co.nz/) and did an online transfer from my account to theirs, try not to use my credit card unless I really have no alternative. | gary67 (56) | ||
| 665444 | 2008-05-03 09:28:00 | Like jwil1 said, I would recommend Ascent. Since you're in Wellington and you've purchased your parts from them, and anything goes wrong, you can always take your pc to them and get them to have a look at it, usually free of charge. :D In my opinion they're the best computer store in the Wellington region due to their great pricing and excellent service. | EviLClouD (12981) | ||
| 665445 | 2008-05-03 10:20:00 | I also vote Ascent :thumbs: 1. I built my first PC with not much experience and nothing went wrong. Just take your time and read all the manuals. 2. Ascent can build it for a fairly cheap price. 3. Read all the manuals. 4. I, like a lot of others will go for Ascent, the prices are a little higher than other places. But they have free postage and the service is amazing, returns are no issues and if the item you are returning is less than 10% what you have spent in total with them they will send you a forward replacement :D 5. I would get the full OEM version when you buy some hardware, Vista Ultimate SP0 OEM is only $286 at Ascent, that is cheap considering the upgrade SP1 version is $517, though the Vista Ultimate SP1 full (Not OEM) is $587, so not a huge difference between upgrade and full IMO. 6. If there is hardware damage, you will need replacement hardware, so a ball park figure can not really be given... |
The_End_Of_Reality (334) | ||
| 665446 | 2008-05-03 12:44:00 | As long as you are reasonably careful (are not all thumbs :thumbs: ) especially with antistatic measures, and motherboard/cpu fitment, you shouldnt have any problems, I would recommend building your own. If you have any questions/get into strife while building it, give us a post, we're here to help. Personally, recently I have sourced all the parts for my Core 2 Duo machine from Atech (www.atech.co.nz) Computers in Wakefield Street, found their prices competitive and their service friendly and helpful. |
feersumendjinn (64) | ||
| 665447 | 2008-05-03 22:26:00 | Chikata - it's a great idea to build your own. Very satisfying, costs less and in the end if you make mistakes it's a good learning process. To get a feel for what you'll be required to do, read (www.dansdata.com) these (www.dansdata.com) articles (www.dansdata.com). They're old, but still pretty relevant. |
Greg (193) | ||
| 665448 | 2008-05-04 02:52:00 | Also have a look at this....... forums.pcworld.co.nz |
Cicero (40) | ||
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