New PC System

typeractive

This must get asked all the time, though I couldn't find anything exactly what I was after in the search...maybe it's in a different sub forum somewhere?

Basically I want a complete new computer. New:
Motherboard
Processor
Ram
Case
DVD/RW etc
Hard drive
Monitor(s) - may run dual head graphics. 19" I would say.
the whole 'caboodle'

Ideally I want something to last - say a quad core, 4GB ram, running Vista (which I have purchased for home use through my work :j)...though I am tempted to just run XP for a while first as I have no experience of Vista yet.

I am not new to PC's / IT, but I am much more money aware and was wondering the best place to buy the good parts cheap. Basically can anyone recommend a cheap site similar to aria.co.uk / pc specialist etc. Or does anyone have experience dealing with these etc.

I can imagine what I will get with the system (bare bones) will be sound, though I want a decent monitor - not just any old cheap stuff. Or if it is cheap, that it will last.

My main use of the PC will be for graphic design / still and motion based. I already have a mac and have bought some new ram for that. I want to give my old PC to my parents and let them learn how to use it.

Oh - I would also like an external hard drive - say 500GB for transferring and extra back up of all my files.

Can anyone recommend where best to look?

Thanks in advance!

CHR15

You would do well to better the prices on Ebuyer, and the selection is second to none too.

http://www.ebuyer.com/

BillScarab

The usual places I look for components, in no particular order are

ebuyer
Komplett
Novatech
Scan
Overclockers
Yoyotech
dabs
aria

As CHR15 said, most times ebuyer are as cheap as anywhere. However sometimes the others have specials on which them worth using, e.g. Scan have today only offers. Also watch postage, sometimes it's better to pay a pound more for an item if the postage is cheaper.

If you're buying a whole lot of components it's probably better to get them all at one shop or else the postage will wipe out any savings made by shopping around.

Sencerd

I just built a new system, and every option I explored worked out cheapest on Aria (yes, cheaper than ebuyer!) - their selection is nowhere near as good as ebuyer, but if they have what you want then I would definitely recommend them, their website is superb and their after sales support is very impressive!

Another good one is dabs, it's now owned by BT so I was a bit unsure of them, but I've used them a few times since they took over and not had any problems, they had the best prices for a 500GB and 1TB Western Digital MyBook external hard drive.

typeractive

Woah - thanks for the replies so quickly guys!!!

I had heard of ebuyer, but never thought of looking there, so I will indeed look on there and the other sites!

foreversomeday

what programs do you use for designing? Have you considered investing in a mac?

BillScarab

If you read the original post, he already has a Mac.

typeractive

foreversomeday wrote: »

what programs do you use for designing? Have you considered investing in a mac?

Hi foreversomeday

Indeed I do already have a mac. My original post makes me sound like a beginner to IT, though I have extensive experience - just I am more aware of trying to get a better deal on equipment!!! lol. I use both Macs and PC's for various activities, and each have their advantages. My Mac has been very slow only using the original 512mb ram as issued standard - I wish Apple would up the anti! It does fine for a little media centre (Mac Mini), though I will be upgrading it to a couple of gig.

The main reason for a new PC is to get more into motion graphics (ideally). Also I have made my current PC last for ages and it is unreliable and slow with certain apps - hence a new investment.

Good of you to consider the Mac though, a lot of people in IT (whom I work with) just slate them, which is unfair as many of them haven't even tried them...or any linux/unix based platforms.

Cheers,

hobo28

I recently built a system like you are trying to build. Got all my bits from Aria. One thing to be aware of though is if you get an OEM CPU to get a fan. Retail includes it. I forgot that one!

Also, check out their super specials. usually enough "specials" to build a system you want.

Finally I installed XP on mine cos Vista honestly is the biggest pile of poop ever. Worse than Windows ME! Its what I call, all fur coat, no knickers!

foreversomeday

Well if the motion graphics are a big thing, I'd personally avoid Vista - hence why I asked what software you were using. Adobe stuff (I think, CS2/3, anyway) works on Vista but my OH's a computer technician and one of his customers has been having extensive problems with Vista trying to run Pinnacle.

However, Vista does come with its own DVD writing software which would be handy. Remember that as an OS it does eat into your RAM - you'd need a couple of gig really to handle that and a decent graphics card. We use a lot of motion graphics at work as well and the only machine we're even thinking of replacing with a vista one is the admin one - currently running 98.

HTH

ETA: Just re-read your post at the top. 4gb is definitely a better option as like you say it will last longer. Hope I don't sound too patronising anyway, I really ought to learn to stop skim reading! I am intrigued now, why are you looking for a quad-core processor? What are the advantages etc? Oh and ebuyer is a cert, most of the local businesses here use them so they're probably the cheapest place for non-business users.

BillScarab

Quad core gives you four CPU's on one chip so as long as applications are written correctly to take advantage of multi-threading they run much faster. Even if they can't multi-thread you can run two apps at the same time and instead of sharing a CPU they get a whole CPU each.

Personally I'd disagree with hobo28's assessment of Vista, I've been running it for nearly a year and it runs fine without any problems. It's a much nicer OS to use than XP and has proved to be very stable.