Vendor Recommendations

[Nubb]

Please post about any vendors that you use/used, and perhaps a summary about your experience with the vendor, or even reply to already posted vendors with your pros/cons.

In order to help others more quickly find resources, I'll attempt to edit this first post and put the vendor links here -- and links to various "Referral" posts in this thread that originally suggested said vendor(s).
Listings are in no particular order (other than order of the post referring it)

Recommended:
USA
NewEgg (http://www.newegg.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22099&postcount=2)
Tiger Direct (http://www.tigerdirect.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22344&postcount=3)
Performance PCs (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22557&postcount=7)
Danger Den (http://www.dangerden.com/news.php) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22557&postcount=7)
ZipZoomFly (http://www.zipzoomfly.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22826&postcount=9) (Also in Not Recommended list)
Monarch (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22826&postcount=9) (Custom Builds Avail.)
AllStarShop (http://www.allstarshop.com/shop/shop.asp) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22826&postcount=9)
Mwave (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/index.hmx?) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24244&postcount=17) (Also in Not Recommended list)
CyberPower (http://www.cyberpowerinc.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=34822&postcount=35) (Custom Builds Available(?)) (Note: also in the Not Recommended list)
ibuypower.com (http://www.ibuypower.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=39438&postcount=41) (Custome Builds Avail.(?))
ChiefValue (http://www.chiefvalue.com/) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=55191&postcount=57) (reportedly Newegg, see referral)
FrozenCpu (http://www.frozencpu.com/) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=55191&postcount=57) (cooling solutions)
SVC (http://www.svc.com/) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=55191&postcount=57) (water cooling solutions)
Sidewinder Computers (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=55191&postcount=57) (water cooling solutions)
Petras Tech Shop (http://www.petrastechshop.com/) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=55191&postcount=57) (water cooling solutions)
AvaDirect (http://www.avadirect.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=121870&postcount=87) (Custom Builds Available)
Velocity Micro (http://www.velocitymicro.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=170374&postcount=89)
Maingear (http://www.maingear.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=170374&postcount=89)
Provantage (http://www.provantage.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=235428&postcount=92)

Canada
PC Canada (http://www.pccanada.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22889&postcount=10)
nicx (http://www.ncix.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24224&postcount=13)
Bigfoot Computers (http://www.bigfootcomputers.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24224&postcount=13)
1Click2Computers (http://www.1click2computers.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24224&postcount=13)

UK
OverClocker's UK (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22527&postcount=5) (note: also in Not Recommended List)
CaseTech UK (http://www.casetech.co.uk) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=23351&postcount=11)
Komplett UK (http://www.komplett.co.uk) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24128&postcount=12)
TekHeads UK (http://www.tekheads.co.uk) -- Referral (http://www.tekheads.co.uk)
eBuyer.com (UK) (http://www.ebuyer.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=42030&postcount=46)
Chillblast (http://www.chillblast.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=50468&postcount=55)
Aria (http://www.aria.co.uk) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=50468&postcount=55)
Scan (http://www.scan.co.uk) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=50468&postcount=55)
Dabs (http://www.dabs.co.uk) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=50468&postcount=55)
MicroDirect (http://www.microdirect.co.uk/) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=73895&postcount=76)

Europe
Izar Micro (Spain) (http://www.izarmicro.net) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22564&postcount=8)
Mind Factory (Germany) (http://www.mindfactory.de) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=28857&postcount=27)
EK Waterblocks (Slovania) (http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/index.php) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=55191&postcount=57) (water cooling solutions -- will ship to US, see referral)
sallandautomatisering (Netherlands) (http://www.sallandautomatisering.nl) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=235283&postcount=91)

Not Recommended:
computerbrain (http://www.computerbrain.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22099&postcount=2)
crazypc (http://www.crazypc.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22356&postcount=4)
Cyberpowerpc (http://www.cyberpowerpc.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=27903&postcount=24) (Also in Recommended list)
Overclockers UK (http://www.overclockers.co.uk) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=39375&postcount=37) (Also in Recommended list)
Zipzoomfly (http://www.zipzoomfly.com) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=163942&postcount=88) (Also in Recommended list)
Mwave (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/index.hmx?) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=244350&postcount=94) (Also in Recommended list)

Not Necessarily Computers, but related...
techni-tool (https://webvia.techni-tool.com/VIA/index.jsp) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3813) Tools/ESD & stuff!
coolerguys (http://www.coolerguys.com/) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=39424&postcount=40) cases & mods, fans, heatsinks/liquid, PSUs, tools, etc.
hardocp.com's "Desktop Computer Reviews" (http://consumer.hardocp.com/reviews.html?cat=MjUsRGVza3RvcCBDb21wdXRlcnMsaGNvb nN1bWVy) -- Referral (http://www.silkyvenom.com/forums/showpost.php?p=170374&postcount=89)


Sorry I'm a bit tardy updating this post... I'm busy slaying stuff in vsoh!
(my postal reminder: 94)

[Belisarius]

www.newegg.com

Over the last 18 months have spent about 10K with them and had to RMA one motherboard... fast and excellent service.


www.computerbrain.com Used once.. will never never never (did I mention never) use them again.

[Tudana]

www.tigerdirect.com

I have gotten parts for 2 different machines to build from scratch. ($2400.00 all total within 1 yr)
Shipping and handling went very well, parts received in good condition.

Shopping was easy and VERY informative, they even add a printable link for "how to build". Lots of reconmidations along with a single purchase, reminder kind of things.

Only problem I had was on first PC parts I ordered I spoke to CS on it, and was not informed the CPU (amd 64) needed a special cooling fan and the one he recommended wasnt even close to fitting.

I am watching TD now for a Monitor price drop.

[shiver]

In the past I would have said crazypc. Last few times they have gotten a bit sloppy on the packaging. Ok, really sloppy. Last case we ordered had almost all of the parts we ordered with it stuffed inside of the case. It was a mess.
http://www.crazypc.com

I haven't found a place that I really like more for most of my supplies yet though. Next computer build I will branch out a bit more.

I do like tigerdirect also though. Just make sure you really read all the fine print and know what your getting. Sometimes (as tudana noticed) they don't always have the best information.

[Slide]

OCUK - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/ - Carry a good range of gear tailored towards the enthusiast / gamer sector (as the name implies). The prices in general are average - but they have weekly specials with very good prices and ordering the specials over a month or so will get you kitted out completely. The specials follow themes, so one week it might be mother boards and RAM, another week ATI graphics cards and Cases. Generally shipping is next working day - and you can pay extra for weekend delivery. They also have some very active, but heavily moderated forums.

[Fozzik]

Ok, attempt number 2.

sssstick! :D

[Lord_Vyper]

Ooh, stickification! Grats Nubb!
Couple recommendations from companies I've been using recently:

Performance-PCs (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php). Great shop to pick up all kinds of stuff to thoroughly violate your PSU warrenty. Wire, sleeves, heat-shrink tubing, Molex connectors/tools, whatever you want.
Danger Den (http://www.dangerden.com/news.php). One of the best shops for watercooling bits. Good prices, good products.

[Breogan]

Spanish shops I like:
Izar Micro (http://www.izarmicro.net) - Great customer support and knowledgeable people. A bit expensive on certain parts.

[Nubb]

http://www.zipzoomfly.com
Have spent probably $5000+ at this vendor in the last couple of years. Never had to RMA, so I can't speak about that (but never have heard bad things). Almost all their products offer free 2nd day shipping. I've only paid shipping on one item, an LCD monitor, which they shipped separately from all my other parts (so they remained free shipping). I was rather pleased with that.
Cons:
Closed on weekends, so expect shipping delay on orders placed on Friday (and maybe Thr).

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv
Have use Monarch for many years. Although not in the last few years. Never had a single problem, nor RMA. While I've never bought one, their in-house pre-built systems are suppose to be pretty decent (workmanship/quality parts).

http://www.allstarshop.com/shop/shop.asp
Have used allstar a number of times, but not consistantly. Although my friend has used them exclusively for many years. I trust him, so I trust this site. Never had an RMA here either.

[Croissant]

http://www.pccanada.com

Awesome canadian shop. Very fast shipping and cheaper than TigerDirect. Ordered quite a few things from there and never had a problem with them.

[Razorwire]

I used http://www.casetech.co.uk in the past for some coolers and they were fine. I can't comment on CS or anything other than they got me my fans fast and I had no problems with my order.

[Astraad]

http://www.komplett.co.uk

Komplett is a good UK company with reasonable tech support and they're good for returns if anything goes wrong.

I'll second Overclockers too! :)

[sunsfury]

Here's a few of my favorite Canadian stores.

www.ncix.com (http://www.ncix.com)
I order from these guys frequently. This is an excellent store especially for people in Canada who don't live in BC cause theres no pst.


www.bigfootcomputers.com (http://www.bigfootcomputers.com)
My favourite store for mods. Keep an eye on prices as sometimes they seem high. I have ordered from these guys a lot and are by far my favourite to deal with.


www.1click2computers.com (http://www.1click2computers.com)
I only used these guys once to buy a case. But shipping was swift and I had no problems.

[Fozzik]

Welcome to the site, Sunsfury! Glad the activation issues got worked out. :ninja:

[sunsfury]

Thank you Fozzik. BTW nice site and I really like your part of it.

[Fozzik]

Hey Nubb,
When you update the OP, could you split the sites up by region? I think it will make things easier on people new the process if they can easily tell which sites apply to their area.

The Sticky Thread - With great power, comes great responsibility. :spiderman:

[Tindiyen]

Add Mwave.com to the good ones. I used them once a few years ago, they recently updated thier site, and sent me a pretty good coupon as a result. I had basically forgotten about them, but used the coupon and was very pleased. Everythign I was looking for thier was very reasonably priced.

[Nubb]

Hey Nubb,
When you update the OP, could you split the sites up by region? I think it will make things easier on people new the process if they can easily tell which sites apply to their area.

The Sticky Thread - With great power, comes great responsibility. :spiderman:

Done! :)

If anyone spots a mistake just toss me a PM and I'll fix up the OP.

Thanks,
Nubb

[shiver]

I just got in a new case from preformance-pcs today. The box it came in was destroyed. It cardboard box had 4 massive smashes in it that completely tore through the cardboard. Every corner was squished some severely. The box came UPS.

I went ahead and open the box and took out the case, it was absolutely fine. I am very happy that I bought it from performance-pcs though lol, I am considering not trusting UPS for a bit.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php

[Nubb]

Doh that'd suck. At least the product was fine. :) I fear shipping more than anything. So far have been lucky. On big fear happened to a friend of mine. Years back he ordered a high-end CRT (20" I believe, at the time it was about as good as it got). Anywho, we live in the PNW. Rain.. Rain.. and more rain.

Package came, he's asleep. Package left on porch. He wakes up, sees a huge box on the porch, he gets excited and hefts it up to rush inside to play. Bottom of the box, now rain soaked, gives out and the monitor crashes into the concrete steps. :(
I don't recall the specifics but I believe he managed to get an RMA on the monitor.

edit
oop, p.s. PerformancePC already in the list :)

[Lord_Vyper]

The only online company I've ever had consistant shipping issues with is Xoxide.com. Shipping boxes in perfect condition, with whatever I bought beat with a baseball bat.

[AgentJ]

My father shops at Newegg (Im wearing the free black hat from em', yippie!), and has used ZipZoomFly twice. Both packages got here within a week, with standard shipping through UPS. Items worked fine with no defects, supposedly they will exchange for same item if defective.

He might've even used Tiger Direct, not sure...

Wasn't sure where to post my other question... but I had a video card picked out to buy (not asap, but before vanguards release)& was curious if its my best bet. Was also curious about good mobo+cpu combo's (/w pci-e 16x slot ready).

Edit: And WoW, theres lots of good hardware sites you have listed. I've known about Tom's but not the many others. Kudos.

[Fozzik]

Wasn't sure where to post my other question... but I had a video card picked out to buy (not asap, but before vanguards release)& was curious if its my best bet. Was also curious about good mobo+cpu combo's (/w pci-e 16x slot ready).

Edit: And WoW, theres lots of good hardware sites you have listed. I've known about Tom's but not the many others. Kudos.

Start yourself another thread here in my forums. ;) We'd love to give suggestions, but this thread needs to stay on topic.

[moonglum]

Not recommended from my own personal experience:
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com


I would also without question not recommend Cyberpowerpc or any company affiliated with them. Any time a PC developer places the hard drive directly behind the video card and destroys the hard drive something is not right. Their customer service is also horrendous.

So feel free to add them to the list.
I of course did business with 1 time and that will be the only time.

[Razorwire]

I have a pair of second hand UK referrals

http://www.dabs.com - I was told it was a site to swear by
http://www.savastore.com

Was chatting with one of the guys at work and he told me about both these sites.

[Giftmacher]

I'll concur with that, I wouldn't go so far as to swear by Dabs, as I haven’t ordered from them that often, but they have been good every time I've ordered.

Gift.

[Miele]

I feel I can chime in with www.mindfactory.de

It's in german, but I had no problem understanding anything even if german is not my language. Prices are incredibly good for the european market (at the moment of writing it's about 50€ less per piece than other websites I checked), updated daily, very fast replenishing of their warehouse and a decent selection of brands for each part.

Sometimes you will find famous brands missing for some things, such as no Asus 7900GT to say one, and I think I saw zero Samsung 19" TFT monitors, but overall the selection is good if you don't die for something in particular.

If you live in Germany or have access to a german bank account, you can split the payment, otherwise it's upfront. Delivery is quite fast, but depends on the method choosen.

At a decent price (50€) they'll also assemble and test the machine if you wish so.

Never had to send back stuff, so can't talk about.

[Giftmacher]

They do look pretty good, one question though, are they cheaper because those prices are VAT free? I don't want HM Customs and Excise clobbering me for not paying VAT :D Although I'm not sure if they legally can in the EC... Hmmz

Gift.

[Slide]

I have a pair of second hand UK referrals

http://www.dabs.com - I was told it was a site to swear by
http://www.savastore.com

Was chatting with one of the guys at work and he told me about both these sites.

DABS is just okay. No major complaints, no major recommendations.

[Miele]

They do look pretty good, one question though, are they cheaper because those prices are VAT free? I don't want HM Customs and Excise clobbering me for not paying VAT :D Although I'm not sure if they legally can in the EC... Hmmz

Gift.

If you refer to the one I indicated, taxes are included (you read: "inkl. gesetzl. MwSt" under each piece).

[Giftmacher]

If you refer to the one I indicated, taxes are included (you read: "inkl. gesetzl. MwSt" under each piece).

Excellent, I thought that might be the case, but just wanted to check :D. Got to say I love those prices, I can see me ordering a few things from there already.

Gift.

[Slide]

DABS is just okay. No major complaints, no major recommendations.

DABS has just been bought out by BT so assume it will go to the dogs now.

[Giftmacher]

DABS has just been bought out by BT so assume it will go to the dogs now.

Oh boy, that's just great. I've seen this before with Jungle and Argos, what a disaster that was; Jungle is now Argos online and consequently you can't buy components there any more... It's alright if you want a desk lamp I suppose though. :rolleyes:

Gift.

[CyclopsSlayer]

Bought my last two systems from Monarch (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/)

Both systems were pre-builds and both preformed flawlessly.
Also have purchased many components, memory and drives from them. One drive was doa and the RMA and replacement were handled quickly and professionally.
Fast and reliable service.

[Sharariebrum]

Would like you all to know that Cyberpower at

www.cyberpowerinc.com

IS AWSOME AWSOME place to buy from.:eek: But its not recomended..... HAHAHAHA!!
Don't let one person steal you away.
I have bought my last 5 yes 5 comps from them and will buying my next one from them just before or after the Launch of VANGAURD.

I will say this dont go cheap with them.
Get a mid ranged 1000+ dollar sytem the cheap ones bah go to best buy for that crap.

I have sent probably over the last 7 years at least 30 of my coworkers to them when they needed new comps-----ALL with AWSOME results have yet to have anything go wrong with them.

As with any computer purchase do your research pick the peices at their website they ship it out 2 your door with in one week.
AND I LIVE IN ALASKA one week and my last comp
3200+ 1600 pro with 2 gigs ram was here no problems.

So just so you know BEST price BEST service I have had. One graphics card over heated before the one year on site warranty expired called them up they sent new card within 3 days sent old card back in the prepaid box!!!!! fed ex so there you have it BEST GAWD DANGED COMPUTER PLACE YET.:D

AND YES NEWEGG RULES TOO hehe thats the only 2 places I go for all Computer needs.:rolleyes:

[popsicledeath]

www.computerbrain.com Used once.. will never never never (did I mention never) use them again.

I'd like to reaffirm this. I was specifically looking for a clawhammer core a64, but they sent me a newcastle. I had to call them at long distance rates after 3 unreturned emails. When I finally talked to them they first told me that I was mistaken that it was a clawhammer. When I assure them I knew what I was talking about they then changed their story and said they wouldn't take it back because they'd never offered nor ever even stocked any clawhammer cpus. At one point one of the sales reps was yelling and telling me I was lying and just trying to return an old cpu. I don't think any of the sales people I talked to even knew what different cores meant. I finally had to call back for what was I believe the 4th time to talk to a service tech type person who confirmed that they'd never had any clawhammers. It wasn't until I told him I was looking right at the website advertising them did he agree I'd be able to get a refund. After my credit card wasn't refunded for 4 days and several calls I had to file a better business bureau to finally get my refund (and they never actually refunded the return shipping like they were supposed even with a BBB complaint).

Just wanted to add this so people know they're not simply not recommended, their service was downright horrible and unprofessional at every step of the way. It was by far the worst business exchange I've ever had in my life.

[Razorwire]

DON'T USE http://www.overclockers.co.uk I have just had an issue with my order and they have refused point blank to let me speak to a manager. The CS is horrible.

[Giftmacher]

Sorry to hear about that Razorwire. I've never had an issue with overclockers myself, that said the real test of vendor is how they behave when things go wrong. I hope the problem gets solved sonner rather than later.

Gift.

[Razorwire]

yah me too :( My wife was basicly told to f-off when she called.

[Nubb]

Added in coolerguys.com, have used them a number of times for PSUs, one case (some years back, one of their in-house mod'd ones, very nicely done), 3+ heatsinks, various fans, and some sound reduction stuff.

[Tiesiaan]

www.ibuypower.com

They make (or rebrand?) some really nice computers and the prices are lower than most on the market. They do have a bunch of customer testimonials on their website, but I have two of their PCs and they both run fine. I did upgrade my desktop manually though, so its not technically ibuypower anymore heh.

I think you may also get a discount for repeat customers, though my paretns would know they bought a computer for themselves from the site. I will let you know a bit more once I get a laptop from them in a few months (barring a really good deal elsewhere).

[Medeor]

I was looking on their site today and it does look like a great way to build your own without the whole building thing. What I Iike is being able to see the range of options for each piece of the box so you can make choices, then go back and change if you want to re-allocate your costs.

My friend bought one and really likes it. Watch the shipping times, sometimes it can take a while to get it.

[Razorwire]

Well to finish up my saga with Overclockers. They will not set right what they set wrong. I got a nasty message from teh Manager that ends with

"I am a manager and my word is final."

His words exactly, my only recourse is Trading Standards and small claims court.

[Magnus]

I have used www.zipzoomfly.com for a couple of years and never had a problem with them. I especially like free 2nd day delivery. In the past, you have to pay shipping charge if you order a computer case. Recently, I learned that you can buy a case with free 2nd day delivery. :cool:

My suggestion is to order parts before 3:00pm PST only on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday because free 2nd day delivery don't count the weekend days.

[Razorwire]

Used http://www.tekheads.co.uk for my new rig and the customer servie was outstanding. They checked back with me a couple of times during the day because one of the part that I ordered was going ot be delayed and so worked with me to get an altnerate part out to me for the same day as the rest of the items and paid for the special delivery on that part. then checked up with me the next day to make sure everything was okay.

They also had very good prices all around.

[Xanoth]

www.ebuyer.com

great UK company that i always go with, never found them to be beaten on price, never had trouble with returns. been using them for years and built several systems through them.

[vivlav]

Not sure if this was mentioned yet or not. But somewhat like Newegg.com.....outpost.com. Outpost.com is the web front for Fry's electronics. A very reputable west coast mega store. NOT EVERYTHING will be cheaper, however, I guarantee you that at times (very randomly but often) you will find the best deals absolutely possible on HD's, CPU's, and various other electronics.

I bought this...http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1147

over 1 year ago for $100. With a case AND 128mb memory card (100 is the bundled price!!!) Considering 1 year later (and for the digital camera market) it still retails for 250. I would say this is the best deal anyone could get on this product at that time or any other.

People over here on the west coast I am sure know of Fry's and you may like it or not. But im telling you, check here before you buy just to be safe.

PS - everyone at Outpost.com (fry's) are complete idiots. However they will handle your returns well so rest assure the are reputable.

[Lare]

ncix.com (http://ncix.com) (Canada)

I've done most of my build, and several upgrades since then, with NCIX. Haven't had a single problem yet, great packaging, awesome prices, and quite a massive selection. I live in BC and don't mind paying the PST. Even with the added tax more often than not it ends up being cheaper still than tigerdirect.ca. Plus, since they are based out of richmond, shipping is super fast. So far, with all my orders, I've had same day shipping every time :) (edit: meaning, they ship out my order the same day, and it arrives the next, I wish there was same day doorstep shipping :D )

Not to bash Tigerdirect, since a lot of people have had good experiances with them... The one time I did try to order something from them, I missed one diget on the phone number on the back of the credit card, which halted my order. Instead of calling/emailing me to let me know, my order just sat in silence with no notification on their tracking site or anything. I ended up calling their CS (also terrible) and after waiting 45 minutes, was told what the problem was -.-

Also, Since tiger is based in Ontario, shipping is far more expensive than the 6-hour-away ncix :)

[Slide]

DON'T USE http://www.overclockers.co.uk I have just had an issue with my order and they have refused point blank to let me speak to a manager. The CS is horrible.

Sorry to hear that, they've been great to me in the past and have had issues with their products which they sorted out.

[Razorwire]

Not sure if this was mentioned yet or not. But somewhat like Newegg.com.....outpost.com. Outpost.com is the web front for Fry's electronics. A very reputable west coast mega store. NOT EVERYTHING will be cheaper, however, I guarantee you that at times (very randomly but often) you will find the best deals absolutely possible on HD's, CPU's, and various other electronics.

I bought this...http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1147

over 1 year ago for $100. With a case AND 128mb memory card (100 is the bundled price!!!) Considering 1 year later (and for the digital camera market) it still retails for 250. I would say this is the best deal anyone could get on this product at that time or any other.

People over here on the west coast I am sure know of Fry's and you may like it or not. But im telling you, check here before you buy just to be safe.

PS - everyone at Outpost.com (fry's) are complete idiots. However they will handle your returns well so rest assure the are reputable.


Fry's is great, just don't expect them to know anything.

[Giftmacher]

Just wanted to draw people's attention to this Komplett are now building custom PCs (http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/cl.asp?bn=10310). All things considered Komplett are building for a fairly reasonable price (in the UK anyway) provided you don't mind the limited options (although they seem to offer more component varity than Alienware).

I've had really positive experiences with these guys, so for the first time in a long time I'm considering having someone else build my box. Closer to upgrade time I'll cost up and see. If I do get Komplett to build a PC it'll happen sometime around the new year and I'll check the work over and post a little review here. Meantime if anyone else is considering a custom build but isn't confident enough to do it themselves it may be worth a look.

[EDIT] FYI don't expect to be too close to Fozzik's prices though VAT and the strength of the Pound conspire to add a good $500 more to the price I think, but it's still cheaper than other PC builders e.g. the aforementioned alienware.

Gift.

[Exarku]

I have been building PC for 16 years, and I got lazy and orderd a prebuilt system. I chose cyberpower and ordered a test system. If that thing worked well I would have orderd a few more from them. Alas that was not the case. The first time it arrived it was DOA. I wrote that off to shipping. I sent it back and a few weeks later it returned. This time It booted but it benched horribly. It was an AMD 3800 with 1gb ram and SLI 7300GTs. It was pulling in 2000 on the 3Dmark05. I tested everyting and made sure it was running SLI mode. The tech support treated me like I was 12. They told me I should not have gotten such a slow card. come on. I have a old ass rig running a Nvidia 5950 that benches almost as well as that thing. It also crashes every 15 or so min, and would not even run 3Dmark06. It had all the latest drivers, everything passed the tests. I sent it back and they recived it a week ago and still have not gotten my money back. Also they WILL NOT RETURN your emails. I do not recommend Cyberpower.

[Nubb]

I have been building PC for 16 years, and I got lazy and orderd a prebuilt system. ...

Ouch! Time to start building yourself again.

[Exarku]

Yea no kidding! Already ordered the parts to build two Gaming rigs from the ground up. Forgot how fun it is! God bless Newegg.

[Heresy4350]

I thought I'd post the shops I normally use in the UK.

http://www.chillblast.com - I think they've rebranded since I used them (or I used a company with a similar name) but they were very good for some of the more obscure coolers (like some Zalmans).

http://www.aria.co.uk - The most dependable of all of these. Not always the cheapest but normally the quickest and most reliable to deliver.

http://www.scan.co.uk - I used to use these people exclusively. Have a phone line and a nice 'today only' section.

http://www.dabs.co.uk - Probably one of the biggest UK online retailers for computer components - always worth checking what you want to buy against their prices, as they are sometimes upto 20% cheaper (I'm sure at least some of them are accidental).

http://www.tekheads.co.uk - An ok shop with one fantastic feature - they choose products every now and then and put them on 'Lucky Dip'. This allows you to pick up some great bargains.

[Ravenstorm]

Hello everyone and Happy New Year on this new year's eve (well for some it is hehe).
First time poster :D (first post :eek: ) and recent member.
IBuypower is a good vender, bought my first custom built computer from them for EQ2. Still runs great.
As for cyberpower, didnt even get to order from them due to the rude person on the other end of the phone. The folks at IBuypower are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable as well. Their price are also reasonable in my opinion. It was the two weeks before EQ2 came out that I ordered from them with the specs I selected and then some. NewEgg is great as well. Those are the only two venders I have used thats been friendly and realiable.

Would also like to say, thank you, for this site, taking the time and resource to help the community here with all the information and advice and then some :)
Happy New Year everyone! :)

[Semaddar]

http://www.chiefvalue.com/
This is actually newegg. Newegg is playing the market and reacting with price changes within hours to products they sell. Chiefvalue is newegg selling certain things at different pricing then their main site. If you live mainland US and shipping cost is minimal, this can work out well for you. Or, simply sometimes the one thing you are looking for is at a better price at chiefvalue then newegg, either way, it's the same place.




http://www.frozencpu.com/
Lots of cooling stuff here. Mostly higher priced then other options and they are on the east coast. Used them a few times, never had a problem.




http://www.svc.com/
Good watercooling gear and good pricing. They ship USPS!! Which is a bonus for me because shipping to where I live is a killer and USPS Priority mail gets here faster then UPS/Fedex 2 day service and cost less! Not to mention they can lock it up in a mailbox if I am not home.


http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/
Watercooling place, great pricing and USPS delivery option. Used 3 times, never had a problem.



http://www.petrastechshop.com/
Watercooling again, great pricing on fans. Yateloons $4.95 eachor $5.95 for the higher CFM. I buy em by the dozen or 20.




http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/index.php
Watercooling again. This guy actually makes it himself , although I think he has now expanded quit a bit. Very good quality stuff at very good pricing to where I wonder how he affords to eat, because he can't be making that big a profit. Located in Slovania. You do get charged taxes ordering from here, but still come out ahead in $$. Petra's Tech shop I linked just before this also buys through him and resells his stuff in the US, but it was actually cheaper for me to order through Eddie (Edvard Konig Waterblocks) and ship it to me from Europe then it was to buy it out of California and have it shipped. Only problem was it takes about 2 weeks to get it from Europe to Hawaii.

[vylo]

www.newegg.com

Best site ever. Bought whole comp in separate parts, was at my house, some of it from california, NEXT DAY.

BEWARE: UPS is holding my case hostage, since I wasn't there to sign for it. They won't leave it even if you ask, and have bad hours for those working during the week. Apparently they can leave 3k + hardware on my porch, but an 80 dollar aluminum case is a liability :rolleyes: .

[xi0nic]

BEWARE: UPS is holding my case hostage, since I wasn't there to sign for it. They won't leave it even if you ask, and have bad hours for those working during the week. Apparently they can leave 3k + hardware on my porch, but an 80 dollar aluminum case is a liability :rolleyes: .


Bigger box =p

[vylo]

Update:

Despite their resistance to my verbal abuse, UPS left my case on the porch like I originally asked. I called off the hit, and all is right in the world.

[jamie8dc]

What's a good site to customize a PC on? I mean select all the parts, then they put it together and ship it to me. Preferably one that carries or offers a warranty on the entire system once it's assembled. Low price is obviously a plus but dependability and quality is more important to me. Unless they've got a good warranty ;)

Thanks in advance and sorry if this has been answered, I only read through about 10 replies but they were all references to good sites to buy a few parts off of, not an entire customized machine.

Jamie

[xi0nic]

What's a good site to customize a PC on? I mean select all the parts, then they put it together and ship it to me. Preferably one that carries or offers a warranty on the entire system once it's assembled. Low price is obviously a plus but dependability and quality is more important to me. Unless they've got a good warranty ;)

Thanks in advance and sorry if this has been answered, I only read through about 10 replies but they were all references to good sites to buy a few parts off of, not an entire customized machine.

Jamie

I have to go with Dell here, Jamie. I ordered my last machine from them, and they did an excellent job. Dell's service is pretty good from my experience. Most of their call centers are in India unfortunately, so the accent may be an issue if you ever call for support. The quality of parts/construction is top-notch though.

[jamie8dc]

Thanks, I've used them in the past, to customize my laptop. However I've been researching and asking a lot of questions for the past week now, and came up with a build I like for $1800, but if I build a similar machine on Dell it costs me around $2500. So I've decided to build it myself. Wish me luck!! :D

[xi0nic]

Thanks, I've used them in the past, to customize my laptop. However I've been researching and asking a lot of questions for the past week now, and came up with a build I like for $1800, but if I build a similar machine on Dell it costs me around $2500. So I've decided to build it myself. Wish me luck!! :D

Well I definitely would encourage you to build on your own! It's a good experience =D You know that Fozz, rabb1t and the rest of us will be ready to help when the time comes. =D

To add to the recommended vendors list, I'd like to make sure ProVantage is on there. I ordered my Antec Nine Hundred from them this week. The price was amazing($40USD cheaper than Newegg) and processed/shipped very quickly.

Link: http://www.provantage.com

[Khurve]

Jamie sent me here, but here's my two cents worth. I went through NewEgg and dropped over $2k building a new rig. Their customer support, knowledge, ability to track your packages, and general response time and shipping time are superb. And I highly recommend building your own comp. This is my third rebuild, and this time was with all brand new parts. Not a single hang-up, and I am by no means technologically intelligent or mechanically inclined. I just browsed many forums and asked all the "noob" questions I had. A little patience and a weekend was all it took. Good luck Jamie :D

[jamie8dc]

See that? I sent him here. I don't even know him. I've been advertising for you, Fozzik. Now throw up some side ads and start raking in the dough!

I charge a slight fee for my services, I'll PM you.


Thanks Khurve, I'm looking forward to it thanks to all these guys. Before I was scared and alone and naked. Ok, not naked. But definitely scared and alone. Now I can't wait til I get it, but unfortunately I DO have to wait... until April. :cry: Unless I rob a bank. Or one of you sends me $900. PM me for paypal info.

[Khurve]

I don't have $900 for ya, or I'd send it. But I've always wanted to be involved in a heist - you got a crew?:p

[beerbo]

See that? I sent him here. I don't even know him. I've been advertising for you, Fozzik. Now throw up some side ads and start raking in the dough!

I charge a slight fee for my services, I'll PM you.


Thanks Khurve, I'm looking forward to it thanks to all these guys. Before I was scared and alone and naked. Ok, not naked. But definitely scared and alone. Now I can't wait til I get it, but unfortunately I DO have to wait... until April. :cry: Unless I rob a bank. Or one of you sends me $900. PM me for paypal info.

If anyone is set on buying a pre-built system on a budget, I strongly suggest keeping an eye on slickdeals.net, fatwallet.com, or a similar "deal" site. They will commonly have people post deals for Dell setups. Because of the frequency of deals and coupon codes ranging all the way up to 25% from Dell, I would never buy a Dell at full price, and would only buy one when there is a good active coupon code. I you watch slickdeals regularly, you shouldn't miss any significant Dell deals.

[jamie8dc]

But are those pre-builts or customizable? I don't like the idea of having to settle for parts here and there. Of course I wouldn't go through Dell anyway, but 25% sounds pretty far out. :D

I might just have to take a gander ;)

[JH9821]

What's a good site to customize a PC on? I mean select all the parts, then they put it together and ship it to me. Preferably one that carries or offers a warranty on the entire system once it's assembled. Low price is obviously a plus but dependability and quality is more important to me. Unless they've got a good warranty ;)

Thanks in advance and sorry if this has been answered, I only read through about 10 replies but they were all references to good sites to buy a few parts off of, not an entire customized machine.

Jamie

hey Jamie

Check out www.ibuypower.com to access their custom pc builds. If anything, it might give you an idea of cost, etc.

[jamie8dc]

I've come a long way since then, that was my very first post. I've got a much better idea of what I'm doing, and already have a build planned. Just waiting for some guy to leave me a $600 tip at Bennigan's, and I can buy it all, hehe. Unfortunately, I think it'd take a different service to earn that much. :eek: :rolleyes: :cry:

[DCpunk]

I just want to say that chiefvalue.com is the slowest, most unresponsive piece of crap ever.

[Reflection]

I reccommend KC Computers (http://www.kc-computers.com/) as a reliable and reasonably priced custom computer builder.

Their website is not the most friendly if you are not very knowledgeable, but they have an absolutely excellent reputation, and very personal service. Just drop them an email and Kevin will help you build a PC down to the smallest details - and you will usually get a reply within a few minutes, even late at night and on weekends.

I recently purchased two gaming machines from them for Vanguard, after doing a lot of research into the available boutiques in the US, and was very pleased with the whole experience. The PCs themselves are very well built, I was kept up to date on during the 7 working days it took to build them, and have had no problems.

Although I haven't had to use it yet, they offer advance shipping on replacement parts for the first year (most places need to receive the faulty part before they ship a new one), and life time support and labor. Some hardware come with their own extended warranties, and KC Computers will deal with the RMAs for you on these parts to make life easier there also.

I also recommend checking out HardOCP (http://consumer.hardocp.com/) for some really good advice and full purchasing reviews (from buying to using their customer service) of most of the main custom build suppliers.

(Also to note - ibuypower and cyberpowerpc are the same company, something I found out when researching companies)

[Tiesiaan]

I have heard that a lot about ibuypower, do you have a link to back up your claim? So far the only major proof I have seen was in the form of 'the websites look the same' (which they do, but is only proof of one site copying the other, not necessarily the result of the two companies being the same).

[Hyper1138]

www.ibuypower.com

They make (or rebrand?) some really nice computers and the prices are lower than most on the market. They do have a bunch of customer testimonials on their website, but I have two of their PCs and they both run fine. I did upgrade my desktop manually though, so its not technically ibuypower anymore heh.

I think you may also get a discount for repeat customers, though my paretns would know they bought a computer for themselves from the site. I will let you know a bit more once I get a laptop from them in a few months (barring a really good deal elsewhere).

You may have got lucky or I may have got unlucky... but my experience with this company was horrible at best. The Customer Service Reps cant wait to get off the phone with you. They do not even attempt be personal or friendly and throughout my ordeal I dealt with plenty of them. My computer case wiring was borked on delivery, my dual channel memory was not installed in the proper DIMM slots, my computer shipped with a 3DMark06 score of 8300 and after a reinstall of windows and drivers I was able to up this score to over 10,000... the computer also did not work out of the box.

After following their new buyer manual and checking all the wiring the first thing I did was install and run Call of Duty 2. Crashed and burned on load up Since then I tried numerous fixes but in Vanguard, Call of Duty 2 and Dawn of War the games would crash. In the six days I owned this computer not once was I able to sit down and play a game from start to finish on my own time schedule. The game would crash then I would spend hours trying to fix it... nothing worked. Finally called them up and asked to send the computer in for repairs and was told not to expect it back for 2-3 weeks. After waiting that long for them to send me my computer to begin with I was not about to wait another 2-3 weeks to get something working that I paid 3000$ for and hadn't even owned for a week.

Finally said to hell with them and asked for a refund and sent the computer back. To top everything off they would not even refund me the 90$ of shipping so I am stuck with that... and in no mood to deal with this company again or the BBB so Im taking that fee up the ass. I'm sorry but when you pay a company 3000$ to build and ship you a computer and they cant even install the parts right nor producae a working machine out of the box... that company is horrible. Their customer testimonial on their website is a sham, do other review searches on google like I should of done and avoid this company like the plague.

[Tiesiaan]

Personally never let a company build you a 3000$ computer. Last thing I used ibuypower for was for buying a VERY cheap laptop that can run BF2, oblivion, and a few other games.

For any computer builds I would honestly just build it myself. For those who don't know how to do it, it is a great opportunity to get the experience.

/shrug, I also needed to send back laptop to fix an issue I did not want to deal with (as it was a laptop), not great customer service, but at least it worked.

[Dragon-RD]

U.K - http://www.microdirect.co.uk/

Never ever ever had a problem with this site. Prices also give OCUK a good run for there money. Top class site havn't got a bad word to say about it.

[Zedar]

www.newegg.com

Over the last 18 months have spent about 10K with them and had to RMA one motherboard... fast and excellent service.


www.computerbrain.com Used once.. will never never never (did I mention never) use them again.

Newegg rules, we've prolly spent 20k there over the past few years and have had maybe 3 RMA's -- one of them being our fault -- they take care of their customers though and never give you any hassle even if you order the wrong thing. :)

[toqueville]

Monarch Computer has recently gone out of business. Their showroom was locked and chained with a note from the Tax assessors office. Their website went off the air late last week or early this week. Darn shame too. They used to be a high quality shop.

[Nubb]

Monarch Computer has recently gone out of business. Their showroom was locked and chained with a note from the Tax assessors office. Their website went off the air late last week or early this week. Darn shame too. They used to be a high quality shop.

Doh! While I haven't used them in the last few years, I had used them quite a bit in the past (plus recommended them for custom build work). Shame to hear that, they had a great reputation.

edit
Did a quick search, looks like they went bankrupt.

[Nubb]

Updated list a little to highlight potential shops for custom build work (seeing a bunch of recent posts were about that).

If Monarch's out of business I dunno who to recommend, personally anyway. :(

[Fozzik]

Thanks for keeping up with things. :)

Yeah, monarch was pretty much the other place besides newegg that I would check out fairly regularly. Their site navigation sucked though... I wonder if that ended up being their downfall. Newegg is just so much easier to shop than any other hardware site I've seen.

[Nubb]

Thanks for keeping up with things. :)
Welcome :) ... although a bit of a pause between my popping in (having pretty much given up on V:SoH). :(

Yeah, monarch was pretty much the other place besides newegg that I would check out fairly regularly. Their site navigation sucked though... I wonder if that ended up being their downfall. Newegg is just so much easier to shop than any other hardware site I've seen.
No arguement there. Newegg's site simply is fantastic. Even though I don't usually buy from them (I use zipzoomfly) I'll abuse newegg's site for digging up info about items/model numbers, etc. The site is just too good to ignore.

[Fozzik]

Welcome :) ... although a bit of a pause between my popping in (having pretty much given up on V:SoH). :(


Although this is a total derail (sorry everyone), what happened? How come you're giving up? :(

[Nubb]

Although this is a total derail (sorry everyone), what happened? How come you're giving up? :(
Well wouldn't say I "gave up", just didn't interest me. Didn't HOOK me. I'm sure I'll buy it down the road (although PotBS (http://www.burningsea.com/) comes out in June). I think what turned me off was releasing it at the state it was in.

I did enjoy it, got 2 characters to level 24ish (necro and bard), and a couple into the double digits (10ish). It just didn't addict me. I quit when rumors of the Jan. release date started sounding real, that was a big turn off for me -- too early! (so I'll give it a little time)

[Fozzik]

Well wouldn't say I "gave up", just didn't interest me. Didn't HOOK me. I'm sure I'll buy it down the road (although PotBS (http://www.burningsea.com/) comes out in June). I think what turned me off was releasing it at the state it was in.

I did enjoy it, got 2 characters to level 24ish (necro and bard), and a couple into the double digits (10ish). It just didn't addict me. I quit when rumors of the Jan. release date started sounding real, that was a big turn off for me -- too early! (so I'll give it a little time)

Well, I certainly can understand... but have you played the game recently? The change over the final month of beta and first weeks of release has been nothing short of dramatic. The game certainly isn't finished or bug free, no question...but it is MUCH more playable (and addicting, at least for me) than it was only a few months ago.

I played about 24 hours over the past two days, and I'm chomping at the bit to get back in. I think a lot has changed, but the original goals (at least on the most basic level) have been achieved. A huge, beautiful, in-depth, and challenging game with tons of potential for the future. Just my humble opinion, of course. :)

[Suds]

AVADIRECT.COM - Recommended

I recently had my computer(most of it) built by said company and am pleased to say I am VERY happy with their work. First off, packaging was amazing. I could have thrown the box down 2 stories and it wouldn't of been harmed. They kept me up-to-date on the build and answered every question I asked happily. The quality of the build is amazing, from cable management to packaging. I easily slipped in my Video Card, Sound Card, and Wireless PCI Card without problems, there were no cables in the way. Plugged it in, installed Windows XP Home, and have had ZERO problems. Out of the box(software installed of course), I got around a 8700 in 3DMark06. A few tweaks here and there, upped it to around 9000.

Overall, great service, great customer support, and an overall amazing build. I'd recommend AvaDirect.com to anyone looking to have a high quality computer built, from gaming rigs to servers. Two thumbs up! :D

[TXMoonglo]

ZIPZOOMFLY ISSUES:

My husband ordered a whole system from ZipZoomFly and this is what happened:

Upon receiving our order we found that the motherboard was damaged...the CPU socket cover was wedged between the heat sink and a dimm slot on the MB...pins on the CPU socket itself were bent. We called to notify them of the damaged part and were told we would get a full refund for the damaged part but that they needed pictures of the damage...so we took pictures and e-mailed them to customer service. A week later we received a RMA# from ZipZoomFly for the return after us calling them every other day to check on status.

Once they received the damaged part back they sent us an e-mail to let us know that the part was damaged and it would cost US $40 for the repair to the MB plus the 15 pct restocking fee if we wanted a refund. My question was why should we be charged $40 dollars to repair a part we received damaged? I had to speak to a manager about this and he did tell us we would get a full refund since we were originally told we would receive one but standard procedure is to charge a 15 pct restocking fee plus repair cost to damaged parts if you want a refund..where as if we had been willing to wait a month to receive a exchange on the MB there would have been no cost except to ship the damaged part back to them.

Also, in the same order we found that the hard drive we received from them was bad. Didn't find this out until we purchased a MB locally. If we had waited until ZipZoomFly had exchanged the damaged MB for another instead of purchasing one locally we would not have been able to return the hard drive because you only get 15 days to return from the time they ship the parts. It took them a week to issue a RMA for the motherboard plus a week for the MB to get back to them via Mail. We live in Alaska. Thus our 15 days would have expired.

On a order previous to this one we ordered RAM and received a bad stick but we thought at that time that things like that happen so we returned the RAM and paid the restocking fee.

Just wanted to post our experience with ZipZoomFly so others don't get what we went thru...imagine two bad parts in one order and then they wanted to charge us for repairs to a MB that came DOA. We won't be ordering from them anymore.

[AndonSage]

AVADIRECT.COM - Recommended

I will second this recommendation. I'd also like to recommend a couple others, based on a web site known as [H] Consumer. They do amazingly complete reviews. Check out Desktop Computer Reviews (http://consumer.hardocp.com/reviews.html?cat=MjUsRGVza3RvcCBDb21wdXRlcnMsaGNvb nN1bWVy).

Anyway, the other recommendations are:
Velocity Micro (http://www.velocitymicro.com/)
Maingear (http://www.maingear.com/)
Along with AVA Direct (http://www.avadirect.com/), these vendors are the top three favorites at [H] Consumer. My preference is for AVA Direct because of their low prices and the shear number of components available for a build.

Gary

[AndonSage]

If Monarch's out of business I dunno who to recommend, personally anyway. :(

Check out AVA Direct (http://www.avadirect.com/). They are not just custom PC builders. They have a great reputation.

Gary

[Lord_Bachus]

May i add

www.sallandautomatisering.nl

For the netherlands , Among the cheepest with the largest collection hardware, with good service.

[Ralvark@Woefeather]

There was a thread a little while ago about provantage.com. I found the Antec 900 from there for a lot cheaper than newegg. It just showed up at my front door, on time. The box was a little beat up, however the case was in perfect condition, supported by two solid styrofoam-like pads.

I give provantage.com an A+ and I would add that to the list of websites to browse when looking for new parts.

[Fozzik]

Adding this to the Vendor sticky thread. :)

[Oppus]

Tiger Direct....recommend 199 no tax on bad axe2
ZipZoomFly...Recommend, fast, free ship, great prices, used alot!
Clubit...RMAd G 965p DS3 no problems except board sucked...recommend

MWave bought 3 items. Tried to RMA 2, they dont return my emails. Stay away at all cost. still have not heard from them. Highly NOT Recommended :volcano:

[Varmint]

Figured I would ask here. I seem to recall a thread where people who are planning on building could inquire for help based on the region they lived.
Well, I live in the Dallas, Tx area, and am going to be building around August.
Anyone in the area want to lend a hand?;)
PM or whatever!
EDIT: By help I mean help putting the componrnts together, I am fairly certain whatI will be buying when the time comes !

[evilsofa]

22 things Dell doesn't want you to know (http://consumerist.com/consumer/insiders/22-confessions-of-a-former-dell-sales-manager-268831.php)

[Thorqemada]

The best ever onboardsound i had was the Soundstorm2 on the A7N8X-Deluxe from Asus.
No other onboardsound can stand up against Soundstorm2 !

Back in the end of 2005 i switched my system and the onboardsound was not good and i decided to buy an x-fi.
I never tought about a fatality or something, knowing that this x-ram will never find broad use, and i am happy with my x-fi music.

Creative has done the fault of 3dfx, to close the market from use of their chips on cards from independent manufacturers and so it was no problem for MS to kick them away.
With 50% to 80% marketshare, they had have much influence on MS - but with less than 10% or even lesser, nobody cares...

Well Done Creative!

[Drool]

Monarch computers has gone bankrupt.

[evilsofa]

PC Club, which runs the clubit.com site I've been recommending for awhile now, abruptly and without warning closed its doors and laid everyone off and turned off clubit.com. Then a few days later they reopened, hiring everyone back that would come back, and the site seems to be back up again, but I don't know if I want to trust it now, so I've removed it from my suggestions post.

PC Club and Clubit closes (http://www.hardocp.com/news.html?news=MzIzNjksLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdCwsLDE=)

PC Club reopens (http://www.hardocp.com/news.html?news=MzI0MzQsLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdCwsLDE=)