Computer buying sites?

[BobTheBuilderr0x]

Was wondering what sites anyone has bought a pre-built system off of? I would build it my own but really do not know jack about installing the parts and stuff.

Then this local shop said they would do the complete install and install a remote access software so they could be invited to my computer right away was like ya...not something I would even want to have done.

 

[Dangman]

Avadirect
Dell
Digital Storm Online
Lenovo
Maingear
Puget Systems
Velocity Micro

 

[BobTheBuilderr0x]

Avadirect
Dell
Digital Storm Online
Lenovo
Maingear
Puget Systems
Velocity Micro

All legit know brand parts being used and not cheap parts so they don't cut corners to make a profit?

 

[KatalDT]

Then this local shop said they would do the complete install and install a remote access software so they could be invited to my computer right away was like ya...not something I would even want to have done.

Remote admin software is actually one of the most useful things to come out broadband for tech support.

I support several hundred PCs and servers over a ~150 mile radius (several small businesses and a medium, as well as family/friends) and having the ability to remotely log into their systems through a combination of Logmein, Teamviewer, and VPN+VNC/RDP/Remote Assistance (and SSH, but that's not really applicable here) has made my life *SO* much easier. What used to be a three hour round trip is now a five minute check from my PC. And we can configure it so it's invite only - ex. with Teamviewer or Remote Assistance, they have to *invite* me (or accept my help offer) for me to gain access.

Doesn't mean I'd ever advise buying from a local shop, but don't shy away from remote assistance. It's a great tool.



To go back to your main point - I'd take the brief time to learn to build your own if you're interested. It's not difficult, people around here will help you, it's MUCH cheaper if you're buying a mid to high end system, and it's VERY rewarding.

 

[BobTheBuilderr0x]

Remote admin software is actually one of the most useful things to come out broadband for tech support.

I support several hundred PCs and servers over a ~150 mile radius (several small businesses and a medium, as well as family/friends) and having the ability to remotely log into their systems through a combination of Logmein, Teamviewer, and VPN+VNC/RDP/Remote Assistance (and SSH, but that's not really applicable here) has made my life *SO* much easier. What used to be a three hour round trip is now a five minute check from my PC. And we can configure it so it's invite only - ex. with Teamviewer or Remote Assistance, they have to *invite* me (or accept my help offer) for me to gain access.

Doesn't mean I'd ever advise buying from a local shop, but don't shy away from remote assistance. It's a great tool.



To go back to your main point - I'd take the brief time to learn to build your own if you're interested. It's not difficult, people around here will help you, it's MUCH cheaper if you're buying a mid to high end system, and it's VERY rewarding.

Ya it was gonna be a high end gaming machine, but a friend may do the building out of state and ship it too me since I don't want to risk breaking anything,

 

[Dangman]

All legit know brand parts being used and not cheap parts so they don't cut corners to make a profit?

Yes.

Ya it was gonna be a high end gaming machine, but a friend may do the building out of state and ship it too me since I don't want to risk breaking anything,

That might also be a bit risky considering that many parts can and will become loose or broken if not packed right. More than likely you're gonna have to install parts anyway if your friend is doing the smart thing and removing certain parts that can become loose or broken during shipping and having you install the parts later on. Like video card, HSF, sata cables, etc.

 

[Melon]

You've been here for almost 7 years and have never built a PC?

 

[BobTheBuilderr0x]

You've been here for almost 7 years and have never built a PC?

l've always had a friend or two help me when doing it, but then joined the Army and not living near friends who could help me. So I am kinda SOL.

 

[OrangeWolf]

It's really not as bad as you might expect -- I built my first computer almost a year ago exactly with nothing but help from this site and a few e-mails to/from a friend. I'd barely even the seen in the innards of a computer before, but this site was great in helping me select the parts and whatnot.

I watched 2-3 videos I found online of people building computers and just went for it. I did the process to be rather stressful given that I had little clue where anything was supposed to go, but I got it in the end and it turned on the first time I tried it. Still going strong too (see sig for specs).

That said, if you want to purchase a laptop from a company then you might as well do that too. Though for a high-end machine it is cheaper to do it yourself, as others have said. Budget builds I think I'd just as soon pick up something from Dell, etc.