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idea for a "build a pc" thread?

Hi all,

I'm an IT technician of 20 years experience, In the past I built pc's, but in recent years I dont (or wont!). My work now has taken me away from that.

In the last couple of weeks a friend came to me and asked me to build him a replacement box,

I DIDNT HAVE A CLUE WHERE TO START!

Most of my work invloves business, which is a different ball game from the average user, however I didnt really know what he needed.

When doing the spec for the machine I was worried one minute of under specing it and the next minute over specing it!! (it turns out the highest requirement he needed was to be able to play sims 3)

As example it took me 3 days to pick my 12 YO daughters laptop!

Now...I see threads like "sub £350 laptop" etc, how about a thread (in the techie forum only obv!) for the best box you can build for £400... or £200.. or £2000 for that matter.

I have came across websites that do this sort of thing, but they are usually out of date by a few months, and have USA prices, which as you know dont always equate over here.

This may be a flawed idea on such an open forum, but I think with some of the knowledge on here it is worth looking into.

P
£10 a Day Sept 2010 Challenge: £-7859/£300

Comments

  • As an after thought, I am willing to spend some time on a thread if it started giving input or answers.
    £10 a Day Sept 2010 Challenge: £-7859/£300
  • JasX
    JasX Posts: 3,996 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 10 December 2010 at 8:33AM
    I usually benchmark myself on this site which seems to stay up to date:

    http://www.pcper.com/hwlb.php

    If someone iss not capable of googling/locating uk prices for components I think building a PC is likely beyond them
  • sharkie
    sharkie Posts: 624 Forumite
    Firstly you need to know exactly what your friend is going to use that box for and sometimes which s/w they will use also helps.

    If that machine is going to be an esx host, or servers, or video editors, gaming, cad and word processing machines all have different requirements.

    the how much £ there is to spend. Size of box.

    being Xmas, if a good deal came along, i'd buy it as it is often far easier. You also realise as a friend, and as the person whom built this machine, you will probably responsible for the repairs and maintenance of this box for the next 5 years - as a friend often this involves no pay either and being disturbed at odd hours and weekends.

    The thought of being asked to design the best and nastiest whip just then to be knowingly flogged with it comes to mind.

    Is given the 'opportunity' a few years from a solicitor to source top spec components, build the computer for £600, also part of this deal give evening and weekend support including popping over to her house which is a good 45 mins away. However tempting this deal was, I had to decline.
    As an after thought, I am willing to spend some time on a thread if it started giving input or answers.
    The thread is easy, you can give your advice and walk away. The 'build a PC' is a heavy millstone around your neck - don't do it!
  • gonzo127
    gonzo127 Posts: 4,482 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Drop a brand challenge
    on a £100 shop you might on average get 70 items save
    10p per product = £7 a week ~ £28 a month
    20p per product = £14 a week ~ £56 a month
    30p per product = £21 a week ~ £84 a month (or in other words one weeks shoping at the new price)
  • JasX
    JasX Posts: 3,996 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    sharkie wrote: »
    from a solicitor....

    mind you if they were any good the hourly fees that lot can charge might make it worth while building up a few 'favours' to call in later :p
  • sharkie
    sharkie Posts: 624 Forumite
    edited 10 December 2010 at 8:54AM
    JasX wrote: »
    mind you if they were any good the hourly fees that lot can charge might make it worth while building up a few 'favours' to call in later :p

    Telephone support was free. She did not expect me to drop everything to immediately go there, but wanted a phone call after a few hours and wanted it fix the next day. She was willing for me to visit for £35 (flat fee) and naturally, if any parts were needed she would pay for them.

    She also worked from home, so was after hours and weekend. For some reason she did comment that she had trouble finding competent and reliable people-can't understand why?
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