Custom built desktop PCs

[So]

One of my children want a custom desktop PC. However I am very wary, because I don't want to become an unpaid and under-skilled IT support person.

Is anyone aware of a retailer that can be relied upon to supply and SUPPORT custom machines?

[Dave.]

You might wanna let us know whereabouts in the world you are so we can direct you to somewhere local.

[So]

Dave. said:

You might wanna let us know whereabouts in the world you are so we can direct you to somewhere local.

Nottingham. Though I'd prefer a national outfit if there is one.

[MockingJay]

Overclockers perhaps?

[So]

MockingJay said:

Overclockers perhaps?

I've heard of them!

I just checked their website and it seems that there is both a support forum and phone support.

Heading the right way there potentially.

[MockingJay]

So said:

I've heard of them!

I just checked their website and it seems that there is both a support forum and phone support.

Heading the right way there potentially.

They also have a site in Stoke so it's not too far away if you need to drop in for support.

[Dave.]

Depending how knowledgeable you/your kids are, you might be better with someone local where you can call in if you need to.

Ringing someone up and telling them a pc won't boot could lead to a world of pain if you don't have time to delve in and pull everything apart etc.

Dropping off on you way to work and collecting on your way home might be easier.

That said, you could probably Google most issues and find an answer 24/7, or on various forums if not.

Depending how custom you go, there are website for checking compatibility of everything, or you can customise the specs of a base pc on CCL etc.

[So]

Dave. said:

Depending how knowledgeable you/your kids are, you might be better with someone local where you can call in if you need to.

Ringing someone up and telling them a pc won't boot could lead to a world of pain if you don't have time to delve in and pull everything apart etc.

Dropping off on you way to work and collecting on your way home might be easier.

That said, you could probably Google most issues and find an answer 24/7, or on various forums if not.

Depending how custom you go, there are website for checking compatibility of everything, or you can customise the specs of a base pc on CCL etc.

I really don't want to get involved with it at all!

The problem with this particular child is that he always wants something "difficult". He never sees the risk and assumes everything will just work.

[Heartworm]

Never had an issue with pcspecialist, price was good too.

[MickC]

The real question is WHY the kid wants a custom built PC. Are they interested in specifying/building/overclocking it themselves, or upgrading and fixing it when it breaks, or did someone just say a custom built PC was better/faster? Do they want to 'mod' it (thinking coloured lights here and a case that could double as this years Christmas tree )

To be honest all home PCs are custom built to some extent, but probably all they want is the best processor/RAM/graphics card the budget can stretch to. Overclockers would be where I go.

I assume you are not wanting to buy components and build it yourself? That's what 'custom built' means to me.

[So]

MickC said:

The real question is WHY the kid wants a custom built PC. Are they interested in specifying/building/overclocking it themselves, or upgrading and fixing it when it breaks, or did someone just say a custom built PC was better/faster? Do they want to 'mod' it (thinking coloured lights here and a case that could double as this years Christmas tree )

To be honest all home PCs are custom built to some extent, but probably all they want is the best processor/RAM/graphics card the budget can stretch to. Overclockers would be where I go.

I assume you are not wanting to buy components and build it yourself? That's what 'custom built' means to me.

I think what he wants is a PC to his spec. As opposed to off the shelf.

[NormalWisdom]

So said:

MickC said:

The real question is WHY the kid wants a custom built PC. Are they interested in specifying/building/overclocking it themselves, or upgrading and fixing it when it breaks, or did someone just say a custom built PC was better/faster? Do they want to 'mod' it (thinking coloured lights here and a case that could double as this years Christmas tree )

To be honest all home PCs are custom built to some extent, but probably all they want is the best processor/RAM/graphics card the budget can stretch to. Overclockers would be where I go.

I assume you are not wanting to buy components and build it yourself? That's what 'custom built' means to me.

I think what he wants is a PC to his spec. As opposed to off the shelf.

I would have him write the spec down, cost/source the components and then have him assemble himself - He will then be educated and can do a lot of his own support

[NorthDave]

Scan also have a custom build side to their business which I have used and is good.

I have also just gone in and they helped me specify up what I needed there and then. Not particularly local to you but I'd have no issues ordering the custom built stuff over the web. They will only sell you something which works and then build and test it for you. Should only leave software to support.

[MickC]

So said:

I think what he wants is a PC to his spec. As opposed to off the shelf.

So do you(does he) know what this spec is yet?

[Steven_RW]

Chillblast is another good pc builder.

I bought one of their systems a couple of years ago.

They understand the want for RGB and maybe some basic water cooling and the like (not that I ordered either..).

Just giving you another option. OCUK are well respected.

[techguyone]

Heartworm said:

Never had an issue with pcspecialist, price was good too.

Another vote for PCSpecialist here, good choices and good service, take a look.

https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/

[mikef]

techguyone said:

Another vote for PCSpecialist here, good choices and good service, take a look.

https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/

And another vote. Excellent pre- and post-sales service and good value 3-year warranty, in my experience

[So]

Okay

My son has told me that this is what he wants:

PC Parts
Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 12mb cache Motherboard:ASUS ROG STRIX ATX USB 3.1 SATA 6gb RGB ready
RAM: 16GB Corsair VENGEANCE 2400MHz 2x8GB Graphics card: 8GB AMD RADEON RX 580 DP-DX 12 (Freesync for monitor) Storage drive: 8TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5 HDD 6GB/s 5400rpm 256 MB CACHE
SSD: SAMSUNG 500GB 970 EVO PLUS
POWER SUPPLY: CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES MODULAR 80 PLUS
COOLING: FROSTFLOW 120 SERIES RGB

Monitor: Alienware 24.5 inch 240 htz gaming monitor AMD Freesync.
Mouse: Logitech G502 gaming mouse wired.
Keyboard Ducky one2 mini 60%


To be honest I have no idea what any of it means. It could be the recipe for coke for all I know.

If I approach Overclockers and PCSpecialists and say, "build me that and I want 3 years warranty" is that going to work?

[techguyone]

No.

But if he goes to those sites and uses their configurators he can set it up any way he likes (assuming those options are on the list)

[daddy cool]

Just get him this one - it should do the job. But tell him it will have to be his birthday present as well as Xmas present:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/8pack-orionx2-dual-...