Computer Builder?

STGRule · 01-12-2004, 05:45 PM

The love of my life suggested I might want to look into a new computer when we get our taxes back (I suspect he has a new gun in mind in the near future). Anyway, the shop that built this one is out of business now and I need to find a stable, reliable shop to build one for me. I won't buy one out of the box for a number of reasons so that is not an option. I would prefer somebody in the Milwaukie, Oregon City, or Clackamas area but will travel for quality. I need to know who NOT to go to as much as who is good. Don't link any websites or addresses or phone numbers. Just give me a name or e-mail me please. I know my limits so building it myself is just outside of practical (that translates into I want a warranty). Thanks for any help.

[ 01-12-2004, 06:47 PM: Message edited by: STGRule ]

HeavyMetal BankFisherman · 01-12-2004, 06:17 PM

Why don't you want one out of the box? With the deals that Dell is giving you can't go wrong Free shipping and cd burner upgrade. Many of the small shops are more of a hassle to deal with than Dell. And they typically use the cheapest components available in thier systems.

KROY · 01-12-2004, 07:06 PM

I would have to agree with HeavyMetal. After supporting hundreds of PC's which I've built, bought, and repaired, I buy almost 100% Dell for my customers.

If you have to buy local, the guys on the radio show Computer Time know their stuff when it comes to PC support. They also sell computers. Their web site is www.computertimeradio.com I've listened to them a lot and they are good.

Ken

STGRule · 01-12-2004, 07:29 PM

The reasons I don't want a box computer are because:
1. They buy parts by the thousands from any manufacturer. This keeps the cost down and if a couple parts go bad they are cheap to replace. If they are at the end of the pile, the parts are likely obsolete.
2. They don't generally build them to be upgraded. The cases are as small as possible for cost reasons and you are more likely to get integrated parts (like the video card).
3. It's very difficult to upgrade drivers for parts as the drivers are tweaked to run with the system as it is set up.
4. The OS is tweaked to run with what is in the box. Upgrading is likely to cause sitting on the phone for hours.
5. Service isn't down the street.

If I have one built:

1. I can buy only the software I want and it is standard.
2. I can specify the brand and model number of the components I want.
3. I can buy a motherboard that doesn't have integrated parts which means I can upgrade the sound card or video card and not have to buy a new motherboard. Again, I can specify brand and model.
4. Standard drivers are available and will work for peripherals.
5. The support is just down the street for repairs or tweaking. No hours on the phone.

I have clones and box computers at work that I maintain. If I have a problem it isn't usually with the clone. If it is, I can fix it in hours, not days or weeks.

Chromaflage · 01-12-2004, 07:32 PM

You can go to Fry's and build your own..

Woody · 01-12-2004, 07:35 PM

ORS has a good point. I built my last PC and it really wasn't that difficult.

Lund · 01-12-2004, 07:42 PM

SGS Computers in Beaverton

Steve is his name and he's awesome. He built mine and I love it. He's very reasonable and does lots of custom work. He is in touch with the newest and best stuff around.

Tell him I sent you and hell give ya a great deal

Kevin Lund

PS he also loves to fish and would maybe trade.

[ 01-12-2004, 08:47 PM: Message edited by: STGRule ]

HeavyMetal BankFisherman · 01-12-2004, 07:42 PM

Beware of Fry's. Some of thier merchandise is questionable. RMA's etc... It is easy to build a system and there are many shops that have parts and build computers.

Have you thought abought getting a laptop? Those make more sense to me. Portable yet you can still use your large monitor, keyboard, and mouse at home.

skrimmy · 01-12-2004, 07:51 PM

Ruth,

Your Pros and Cons are valid and well thought out and good reasons to have one built. And HeavyMetal's comments about Fry's are dead on. Be extra careful buying motherboards and memory there, better yet, don't buy them there.

Lund sounds like he's got a good source. You can spec out what brands and let SGS do the buying and building. It's not rocket science, I've built many, many of them!

But, on the other hand, Dell is not a bad choice either and their support is decent. They use good parts as well. And, they do make some with a very good upgrade path, as well as those little disposable boxes you mentioned.

Good luck.

[ 01-12-2004, 08:52 PM: Message edited by: skrimmy ]

STGRule · 01-12-2004, 07:52 PM

Please don't post actual addresses or phone numbers. It's against AU policy. I know about the reconditioned parts. And I really want a warranty. I am capable of building it myself, I just don't have the time or want to tweak. I have to do that at work. I'd rather pay somebody else to do it when it comes to my personal time.

davez530 · 01-12-2004, 07:58 PM

I recommend infotechnow.com . I have gotten two computers from them and they are great. Fully upgradable and the best prices around. They have a local store in Federal Way Washington. I would fully recommend them!

lost_sailor · 01-13-2004, 07:44 AM

I used to buy stuff from Precision Computers in Portland (SE). Good service, no major problems.

I have 28 Dells at work, and your "reasons" seem invalid. They are quite upgradable and service IS around the corner. (Actually service is on email to Pakistan or somewhere, but eventually a local guy comes to replace parts).

Building one would be fun, not much to it. Case, motherboard, processor, power supply, memory, hard drive, CD-whatever, operating system (LINUX!).

Most of the system boards have video and network integrated these days.

[ 01-13-2004, 08:46 AM: Message edited by: lost_sailor ]

Pitch Pocket · 01-13-2004, 08:38 AM

Lost sailor is right, your reasons are not totally accurate.

I've bought about 20 Dells and they are reliable, easily serviced, do not have integrated sound and video cards, use top quality components and seem to run forever. If you want a special video or sound card they don't have, you can replace it without worrying about compatibility. I've replaced sound cards, video cards added hard drives and other peripherals with absolutely no problems.

My brother builds his machines and he far more compatibility problems than I have ever had.
Of course, I've had zero problems, he complains a lot and hates Microsoft (Linux freak).

The operating system is the same as any other. XP by Dell will only load on a Dell, but you aren't supposed to transfer the software anyway.

Driver support is as easy as any direct purchase. New drivers are posted on Dell's website and are easy to find and install.

I always repartition the drive and do a fresh install of the operating system and only the programs I want before I use any new machine.

There may be valid reasons to build your own machines, but worrying about Dell's quality or compatibility shouldn't be one of them.

You will ALWAYS have to worry about a small mom and pop computer shop going out of business. I doubt you will have to worry about Dell going under any time soon.

[ 01-13-2004, 09:40 AM: Message edited by: Pitch Pocket ]

fishingchef · 01-13-2004, 09:50 AM

I highly recomend Belmont computers.
They build good machines and have great service.
Unlike HP and Dell who use India( outsourcing american jobs) for all there support and customer service. You can get all the support from them in person and they make house calls if you want to pay for it. That beats staying on the phone for 2 two hours with someone who pretends to understand American english.

WheresMyBobber · 01-13-2004, 02:00 PM

Hi STG. Earlier this year (actually early last year) I was in the market for a new computer, and wanted a custom built one for just the reasons you've mentioned. I went with a company that was highly recommended by 2 knowledgable "geeks" I know. I am more than happy with the computer they built for me (and the cost), and will be giving them my business again next time I want a new computer. The give a 1 year warranty. They aren't in our area, but they're not far away at 49th and SE Powell. If you want their name, please feel free to shoot me a PM.

I can also give you more info on how they custom design computers for customers if you're interested. :smile:

[ 01-13-2004, 03:12 PM: Message edited by: WheresMyBobber ]

HeavyMetal BankFisherman · 01-13-2004, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishingchef:
I highly recomend Belmont computers.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">I second that. I have been buying from Belmont for years. I use them for various parts that I inevitably find myself needing from time to time. For instance I replaced a KVM switch and it had female connectors for the video which was reverse from the previous KVM switch. So I needed eight male-male adapters. I found them on the internet but Belmont got them for me the next day at a cheaper price. It's suprising that a small hole in the wall shop is able to source parts like they do.

As for Dell and compatability. Being the biggest computer manufacturer in the world means that everbody else makes sure that thier stuff works thier computers. I have found very few compatability issues with Dell. And the ones I did were years ago and involved high end video capture cards. Everything works on a Dell.

STGRule · 01-13-2004, 08:06 PM

Thanks for all the help. I have a couple of great leads now. I spent some time on the Dell website tonight and while I can custom out some of their models, I still end up with things I don't want and compromising on things I do. And then when I was finished the $700 computer was well over $2000 and still wasn't what I wanted. I'll go with a built box. Thanks again.

foxer · 01-18-2004, 09:32 AM

I'll chime in here. I used to be on the wholesale end of this business. There are a few unscrupulous resellers out there, but not many. Be sure to ask for a component list on your pc. You get what you pay for with the cheap Dells. They are using technology that is over 1 yr old(an eternity in the pc business) When you bump up to something current, it is no longer a "deal". If you just use your pc for email and light word processing the cheap dells are just fine. Feel free to pm me and I can give you some ideas on who to go to and who to run away from. I pretty much have dealt with all of the computer shops in Oregon/Washington at one time or another...or email jefox@msn.com

Sea Nymph · 01-18-2004, 03:42 PM

lots of computer manufactures uses "whatever" parts. Dell generally uses good, reputable parts. That's part of the reason they are doing so good. They actually research and test the combination of components they use in a system to see if they get along. Anybody who has built more than 1 or 2 computers knows some parts just don't play well with others. There's no real reason for this that's been discovered yet. That's what you have to watch for when paying somebody to build one. They might put together a system using good parts, but do the combination of parts work well together? Then you have to purchase the software... all in all, you usually end up paying more for an untested home built system. You might want to think about technical support and warranties also. I use to build a lot of computers for people but it really isn't worth it these days.

SN

snowball · 01-19-2004, 09:31 AM

likewise gotta go with dell. Our campus has over 3000+ machines and support is wonderful.

foxer · 01-19-2004, 03:14 PM

Dell knows where their bread is buttered. The school/business with multiple machines gets a whole lot different tech support than the home user / small business. The small guy/home user gets the "out of country" tech support that is not even allowed to tell the consumer where they are located, or even their real name. Try supporting local business for a change..Sea N ymph, there nothing but "reputable" parts left. All the small guys/startups are gone. Also, Dell changes their manufacturers on a whim. That is why you cannot find out what components are in what system.

[ 01-19-2004, 04:16 PM: Message edited by: foxer ]