Own build Vs PC World

AshB1989

AshB1989

AshB1989

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11 Aug 2015
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480
Hi guys,

With the help of you guys, I've got a good spec PC that I just need to purchase and build. That being said, I'm just curious on your thoughts regarding the all-in-one computers from PC World.

I've never built my own computer before so fairly apprehensive in that respect, but I thought I'd give it a go. Time is running out, though, and I need one fairly soon. I've been looking at the all-in-one computers but not sure if they're any good.

Own build (if I can do it) Vs PC World All-in-one computer; thoughts?
 
Cheaper, faster, better built, totally customisable.

All-in-ones IMO are for kitchen PCs or for offices. If you want to do more than word process or look up how to make cookies make your own.
 
My own personally experience of said company is terrible.

They basically sold me something that wasn't fit for the job and there after sales support was terrible when approached. This was about 10 years ago and i think they are now stricter on what they can actually get away with, especially in sales terms.

My advice to anybody looking to build a pc is read these forums, i did and i can now comfortably most PC builds (baring water cooling loops etc).

The price is a lot cheaper as well if you build your own. Not too mention the customization and pride you can take in it once it has been built!
 
Build your own, it's not very difficult at all if you have another device to Google when you get stuck, but you do well to plug the wrong thing into the wrong place TBH.

The sum total of my experience was replacing a graphics card a couple of times, i then built my current PC from scratch in a couple of hours with no issues. Plus you'll know more in the future when something goes wrong!

My missus's PSU died yesterday, stripped the PC back and confirmed it was the PSU and replaced it in half an hour, saved her panicking about not having some files for work and having to wait for someone to diagnose and fix it at great cost....
 
I'm no fan of the competitor mentioned, but on the odd occasion they do have some decent deals that no other competitors can match. It does depend on what you're looking for though.
As others said i'd build myself, but when asked advice directly i tend to find one in said shop that would suit their needs and link them to it so at least they don't get some jabron in a purple(?) shirt upselling them.
 
I use them for office PCs. Its good to have a nice small formfactors with built in card readers and PC's with everything just out of the box ready to plug in, but for home PC's, any sort of gaming at all, or even just simple things like plenty of USB ports, USB3, even good processors for photoshopping etc, then self build is far better.
 
So everybody leaning towards the build my own option.

I just feel like it's much easier to just get one from there as I can't mess it up. Surely building your own isn't that simple? I watched a vid online, but still not convinced I can do it.
 
AshB1989 said:
So everybody leaning towards the build my own option.

I just feel like it's much easier to just get one from there as I can't mess it up. Surely building your own isn't that simple? I watched a vid online, but still not convinced I can do it.
Click to expand...

It's very very easy - pretty much like lego, but a bit more expensive. ;)
 
AshB1989 said:
So everybody leaning towards the build my own option.

I just feel like it's much easier to just get one from there as I can't mess it up. Surely building your own isn't that simple? I watched a vid online, but still not convinced I can do it.
Click to expand...

It's virtually impossible to plug something into the wrong socket so it's easier than you think.

Like above, it's expensive lego.
 
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AshB1989 said:
So everybody leaning towards the build my own option.

I just feel like it's much easier to just get one from there as I can't mess it up. Surely building your own isn't that simple? I watched a vid online, but still not convinced I can do it.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't buy a pre-built from a shop without first asking OcUK for a quote for them to build whatever you want, and comparing. The quote may (or may not) surprise you. It isn't always £60 minimum. I assume it's mostly down to the ease of the build but they may have some other considerations. And if you're going to install Windows/drivers yourself, that should help, I'm thinking.
 
diy is so much more satisfying

if you get stuck just ask here,you can use more updated components than a pre built off the shelf and save money too
 
I wouldn't touch a mass produced chain retailer PC. Some do look the part and attractive to the average zero knowledge Joe Bloggs but can often contain cheap and nasty hardware. Better spending similar on parts you know are quality here at OC. You'll learn a thing or two, have a generally better quality spec and so much more pride for the fact that you put it together :)
 
One problem with PC World and similar is quite often their builds make no sense. They'll pick a selling point and push it but not have the rest match up e.g. fast processor or lots of RAM or whatever, rather than building a balanced system. So it may be a cheap way of getting an i7 or whatever, but only because the rest of the system is horribly under-specced. So don't think pre-built means it'll be a roaring success :p
 
Wouldn't touch PC world (or any retail pre-built really) with someone else's mate.

You can guarantee with any of these types of retailers, you'll be getting the bottom of the barrel crappiest components going, especially when it comes to Power supplies. Every pre-built I've had to crack open regardless of manufacturer, have the worst PSUs going. Fire hazards most of them, but the manufacturers don't give two hoots as long as it lives that first year warranty, then it's a SEP. I would not want one of those unbranded grey boxes of death powering my shiny new PC.

Build it yourself and revel in the glory of building something yourself :D
 
You ask on a PC enthusiast forum if you should build a PC or buy one from a high street retailer? There is only ever going to be one answer.

If you must buy something ready built, why not have a word with OCUK? It's not hard building a PC though, each cable has it's own socket to go into and there is hardly anything you won't find on here.
 
I would rather buy a pre built one from here,Which i am going to do soon,And even my brother is going to get one from here.
 
Go DIY or order a pre built system from here as you can customise.

The competitor may seem like the cheap and easy option that you can takeaway same day but remember; buy cheap, buy twice.
 
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