Forum • Gaming • PC

Best places for getting upgrade kits/pre-built part PC's?

  • Clart 12 Jan 2005 16:38:39 1,169 posts
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    Hi all,

    I'm looking to get a new PC in the next few months as my old Pentium 2 is finally starting to give up the ghost. I also would like to get back into the PC games scene again, as well as learn a bit more about how PC hardware actually works.

    So, I've been through loads of past threads on this forum, including Shivoa's excellent 'recommended system specs' threads and I've been to look at sites like komplett.com and dabs etc and I'm not sure if it's cheaper (and better) to go the build it myself route or whether it's better to just get a part-made or entirely-made PC from somewhere.

    What do you think?

    Also, can you guys recommend anywhere that sells either 'upgrade kits' or complete PC's (without keyboard/mouse/monitor) for good prices? I'm a bit dubious of Dell PC's (just because I've heard they're difficult to upgrade and you can't really see what components you're buying), are there any other good suppliers that do a similar deal?

    I'm also at a bit of a loss as to which gfx card to get - I know there are loads of threads about this, but what is the general concensus on the Nvidia 6600 GT gfx card?
  • Mike_Hunt 12 Jan 2005 16:40:24 23,524 posts
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    I'd recommend a Shuttle from Microdirect (or CCLcomputers who are sometimes cheaper), then just plug in RAM, HDD, CPU and GFX card. Sorted. :)

    [MH]
  • Clart 12 Jan 2005 16:42:31 1,169 posts
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    Ah yes, one of my friends has a shuttle, very nice, very small. Are they more difficult to upgrade at all (just because of the size)?
  • Deleted user 12 January 2005 16:44:46
    Clart wrote:
    Dell PC's (just because I've heard they're difficult to upgrade and you can't really see what components you're buying)
    They also use some rather dodgy components to save on build costs and they can be hugely unreliable.

    Cclcomputers aren't bad, never used them for pre builds but I've bought parts from them before and their service isn't bad.
  • Mike_Hunt 12 Jan 2005 16:47:57 23,524 posts
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    Shuttle are really easy to build - you get a very clear manual. You just have to make sure you install the components in the correct order, but other than that...

    Mr Sleep - yeah, I normally use MicroDirect as they are local, but CCL were a good £20 cheaper on the Shuttle case, and as they're located right near work it was too good to miss.

    [MH]
  • Jetset_UK 12 Jan 2005 17:02:55 3,578 posts
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    I bought a motherboard bundle, and various other bits and pieces from Novatech, and have found their aftercare very good.
  • monochrome_blue 12 Jan 2005 17:19:46 538 posts
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    Mike_Hunt wrote:
    I'd recommend a Shuttle from Microdirect (or CCLcomputers who are sometimes cheaper), then just plug in RAM, HDD, CPU and GFX card. Sorted. :)

    [MH]

    The shuttle systems are the gear to have, you basically get a very small case, motherboard with onboard ethernet & sound. The cases really are very small and come with built in liquid cooling, makeing overclocking somewhat less hazardous.

    Monochrome
  • Deleted user 12 January 2005 17:21:34
    monochrome_blue wrote:
    making overclocking somewhat less hazardous.
    Which, if you've never delved into a pc, is probably not something you'll worry about too much ;)
  • no 12 Jan 2005 17:28:57 297 posts
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    novatech have started doing barebones bundles: here .

    Seems like a good compromise between ready built and do-it-yourself, and I've never had any problems from them... saying that, they did send me the wrong motherboard once, but took it straight back and sent a new one out with no hassle.
  • Mike_Hunt 12 Jan 2005 17:35:12 23,524 posts
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    monochrome_blue wrote:
    The cases really are very small and come with built in liquid cooling,
    Do they though?

    I thought so and then someone pointed out that it uses heatpipe technology, which isn't the same as liquid cooling.

    [MH]
  • deem 12 Jan 2005 17:36:46 31,667 posts
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    Post deleted
  • Clart 12 Jan 2005 17:37:44 1,169 posts
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    Nice one no, they certainly have, this looks pretty good....
  • deem 12 Jan 2005 17:39:53 31,667 posts
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  • fergal_oc 12 Jan 2005 19:07:25 2,764 posts
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  • Jetset_UK 12 Jan 2005 19:27:18 3,578 posts
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    Clart wrote:
    Nice one no, they certainly have, this looks pretty good....

    RAMs a bit pooey tho
  • Precision-Auto 12 Jan 2005 19:30:38 345 posts
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    no wrote:
    novatech have started doing barebones bundles: here .

    Seems like a good compromise between ready built and do-it-yourself, and I've never had any problems from them... saying that, they did send me the wrong motherboard once, but took it straight back and sent a new one out with no hassle.


    Got me one of these from novatech just before xmas, couldnt complain with service at all and the price is definitely the cheapest i could find.

    /thumbs up
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