Buying a new PC

[Aziz]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a new desktop at the end of this summer. I just need a tower. I've got a quote for a pretty decent gaming Vista machine for $800 from a local store (pretty respectable place as far as I know), but I want to keep the price down (I still have insurance to pay, and my dad might not be willing to help if I blow 800 big ones ).

So, what's the good-deal places to go? TigerDirect.ca? or Canada Computers? Or should I stick with a local computer shop (with local service and warranty)

[Mazer]

It's not just about the good deals; I won't trust Canada Computers. I can't speak for the customer service of ncix.com (Canadian) but I hear they've got good prices.

[Aziz]

Hmm... found this deal... http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=013654&cid=170.45

but I'll check ncix.com. Why don't you like CC?

[PaulButler]

I haven't had any problems with TigerDirect (only had one or two orders though), but you probably won't end up saving much when you add in the cost of shipping. You are in Ontario, right? Maybe it will be cheaper for you than it was for me.

I have heard good things about NCIX.

When I had my PC built, I went with a local shop. The prices were fair and the service was great.

[Clayton]

Do you also need to get a monitor? A decent monitor will run you a couple hundred bucks easy. If not, then just ignore this post

[Aziz]

Nope, only a tower. Shipping was extremely cheap for that CC order. The whole order incl S&H, GST PST was $540. I'll check out the other sites. I know tigerdirect's shipping is a bit more hefty. Also checking out Dell......

[Mazer]

Just bad customer service. I only went into one store, but I got the idea that they are badly run in general.

My test: if you email them to ask a question and their response is poorly worded (yes, be a grammar nazi) then be careful about trusting them.

[rdrake]

Canada Computers is cheap but has horrible customer service. Want to contact their online support? I hate to phone accounting and ask for a transfer.

Ncix.com is wonderful.

[Aziz]

I will look into that. As long as I can get my computer at my house, I "should" be fine (As long as I don't have to get service under warranty right away).

I'll take that suggestion, guys, but no other sites beat the price on that setup. And $15 S&H. I'll look into it more though (I was using dial-up last night so I didn't really get to look at it much, especially with a nagging woman about )

[neufelni]

I'm not sure if you noticed but the reason that the computer at CC was so cheap is that it doesn't include an OS, so unless you plan on just using Linux, you'll have to spend another few hundred bucks on Vista.

[Aziz]

Yeah, I saw that. I can install XP from my laptop, and probably also multi-boot with ubuntu and a downloaded "test" Vista.

I just realized that it's integrated graphics, too. I'm going to take a bunch of printouts to the local computer store tonight. I'm mainly looking for:

Decent dual-core CPU, 64 bit preferrably
1 GB RAM, 2 GB if not too much $ extra (can upgrade later)
Decent Vid card
Nothing too special in the HDD, maybe 100gigs

Sound & LAN can be onboard.

Don't need a monitor or OS or keyboard/mouse or speakers. Just tower.

[Mazer]

A 100 gig hard drive? Do you also have your current hard drive to put in?

[Aziz]

It's a laptop, and I'm keeping my laptop. However, I do have an old 8 GB harddrive in the other PC

[wtd]

Simp on the processor a bit if it buys you a bigger hard drive and definitely more RAM.

[Aziz]

I don't really need a lot of HDD space. I don't store much... but RAM, perhaps. I've got some more questions. Is the AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core CPU actually 64 bit? My friend was wondering a while back if his was or not.. said that Kubuntu 64-bit version didnt work or something