Can I get someone off Gumtree to build a PC for me?

Kamran

Hi all,

Just wanted some advice - I have a powerful work laptop (Lenovo X1 Carbon) but recently my work have implemented some strict policies that basically stop me from doing much personal stuff on my laptop (e.g. cannot move files in/out of the laptop, cannot install external software, cannot access personal email accounts like gmail, hotmail) so I'm in the market for a personal use machine.

The laptop / pc would be for day to day personal use - web browsing, file management - but also I want to try my hand at 4K video editing for social use (family videos, weddings, social events - nothing too intense or serious) I was tempted to buy a Dell XPS 13, but given that it would set me back a lot and is un-upgradeable, I'm toying with the idea of a custom build pc. My work laptop provides me with the portability needs (web browsing on the go, basically), so I'm happy for this upgradable PC to be sat in one place.

Having looked into DIY building my own PC, I'm not sure I would be up to doing it correctly - these are expensive parts and I have no experience of this - i wouldn't want to screw it up! (Most tutorials on youtube are over an hour and I feel like I'd be going through the motions more than anything)

My question really is, is it a totally ridiculous idea for me to post an ad on gumtree for someone who has experience in PC building to come and do it for me, if I order the correct components? (I know broadly that I want an Intel i7 Kaby Lake with 16-32GB Ram and a dedicated graphics card).

Or am I better off paying extra for a custom PC-building service, of which there seems to be an abundance when I google it...

The main thing that attracted me to the gumtree option was that I could literally hand-pick the best components I wanted, without having to pay the premium that you might come across on these custom build sites.

Thoughts and advice are very much appreciated! Thank you!

Neil_Jones

It's not difficult to build a computer yourself. I see no reason why you couldn't ask on Gumtree if that's what you want.

For 4k video editing, forget the laptop it will have to be a desktop with a second drive, biggest capacity wise you can afford. Raw unedited video takes up literally shedloads of space. A few years ago uncompressed video (pre HD days) was running at 4Gb for just seven minutes of video.

The only real complicated part in computer building for the Intels is getting the stock cooler on. Everything else is keyed, can only go in one way and uses a bit of logic and planning in advance. Honestly, it's not that difficult.

If you give an idea of how much you want to spend in all (remember you'll need also a version of Windows as well, plus the graphics card will need a decent power supply not a cheap £20 one and also your second storage drive which I would say needs to be a minimum of 2Tb), I'm sure I or anybody else can spec something for you as a guide

System

Here's how complicated building a PC is.



That is basically all it is, putting the right shaped bit in the right shaped hole. Ignore all the electronic components on a bit you're putting in which is what is making you think it is more complicated than it is. When you install a graphics card you're putting a rectangular connector of X size in a rectangular hole of X size. That's it, the end. If you need to force it you're either putting it in the wrong hole or trying to put it in the wrong way round. And that is all there is to putting it together.

Give yourself a nice clean working area, read the installation instructions for the components, do one step at a time, have a cup of tea, move on to the next. I think you'll be surprised at how quickly it goes together.

The difficulty comes in choosing the hardware you want to put into the PC. The rest of it is no more difficult than that toddler's toy.

grumpycrab

As you're spending a large amount of money I'd reduce the risk of getting some random person on gumtree and either 1. get somebody local with a good reputation or 2. go with a company with a (theoretical) good rep.e.g.
https://uk.trustpilot.com/categories/desktop-computer
If you've got a rough idea what you want plug the parts into
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/
and see what companies offer for the same spec.

Jackmydad

As already said, it's mostly common sense. Dead easy. I bought my present one as a MB "ready to go" and tested, with everything apart from the graphics on there. No dearer than separate components.
Case is a relative cheapie, Power supply a Corsair. As already said don't get cheap PS.
Anything you get stuck with will be explained in many places online. Don't force anything.
Getting it built by some random person off Gumtree? No thanks. I'm more careful than they might be.
And before someone says about mine being part built it was by a fairly big seller on eBay with shop and guarantee.

sparkiemalarkie

Just to let you know that I have built 3 Tower gaming PC's and I am a non techie , 62yr old woman.
My advice to you, as a complete novice is, take your time , do your research and find a youtube video of a build by someone that speaks simply and who you understand easily.


Watch that video several times and then play it on your laptop when you are building the PC. You can pause the video when you need to.


It's scary because you are building with very expensive lego bricks.


good luck


sparkie

Norman_Castle

Ask in a few local independent pc shops. They're likely to be flexible and if an established shop they should have proven their competence unlike Mr Gumtree.

RobTang

The problem is the service is quite niche and there is an issue of liability with the builder (both ways) I had a similar discussion on a different forum (getting someone to assemble watercooled pc) the general consensus was its just not a profitable business (with a much higher mark-up than a normal pc.)


For a decent service as well I would not expect them to be cheaper either. Shops I would expect them to want to supply the parts which may or may not work for you.


As with all self builds you have to consider the warranty and support situation, if things go wrong later you basically need to fix things yourself.


The specialist builders are the best option if you don't want to do it yourself and don't want too much hassle.
If you're really determined to go the full custom route its best to learn the basics and have a friend who will help you build it, picking the right parts is probably the most difficult bit (as you do have to know what works with what) but as long as you can gently use a screwdriver the rest is easy.


On a side note hand picking the best components is usually as good way to end up with an overspeced expensive system you don't need.,

esuhl

Great advice above.

I'd also avoid a laptop for video editing. You'd want a decent graphics card for that, and decent graphics are more expensive in laptops. And it'll be easier with a big monitor.

I can't imagine anyone needing 32GB RAM! I'm sure 16GB will be plenty. Usually there are four slots for RAM. If you get 2x8GB sticks, you could add another pair later.

Anyway, choose the CPU first. That will determine which motherboards are compatible. Once you've chosen the motherboard, pick your RAM, case and everything else.

Don't be tempted to scrimp on the PSU. Cheap PSUs can cause all sorts of weird impossible-to-trace problems. Get a decent brand with a higher rating (in Watts) than you need.

PSUs are hard to compare/review without an oscilloscope and specialist test equipment. And there are lots of people who review PSUs without them -- you should completely ignore such reviews.

esuhl

RobTang wrote: »

On a side note hand picking the best components is usually as good way to end up with an overspeced expensive system you don't need.,

It depends. Pre-built PCs seem to be either designed to be basic workstations or for gaming. If your needs don't quite fit either category, you can save money by choosing the right components for your needs.

I built my current PC almost 9 years ago with a Core i7 CPU, 6GB triple-channel RAM, and a fairly cheap (but good) motherboard and video card. I got a large BTX case with plenty of ventilation, and a decent PSU.

Recently, I upgraded to 12GB RAM and got a PCIe/M2 SSD. It's still a super-fast PC.

I can easily see this PC lasting 13+ years in total. And when I upgrade the motherboard and CPU, I'll keep the case, PSU, SSD, and other drives. So I'll save even more money.

forgotmyname

Unless you need something specific, pic a spec that exceeds the recommended spec for all your software and buy that already built.

Decent CPU and video card and 16GB of RAM and your going to be good for many years.

Only recently upgraded my computer that I built 12 years ago. It was still working fine, but a dual core CPU was getting a bit slow when running several virtual machines and 3D rendering.