• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 10:51
CEST 16:51
KST 23:51
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL22] Ro16 Preview: Rough Waters8[ASL22] Ro24 Preview: Siren's Call8[ASL22] Ro24 Preview: Summer's End9Serral wins HomeStory Cup 2915Serral wins Maestros of the Game 244
Community News
Weekly Cups (Aug 30-Sep 7): herO thrives amid growing schism0Official StarCraft website teases new content ahead of BlizzCon?111Stellar Fest TWO the Moon (Dec 16-20)9Weekly Cups (August 24-30): Patches' balance mod takes over3New 3v3 BGH Ladder (and more) on ShieldBattery!46
StarCraft 2
General
Weekly Cups (Aug 30-Sep 7): herO thrives amid growing schism Nexon wins bid to develop StarCraft IP content, distribute Overwatch mobile game Balance hotfix patch 5.0.16b (July 16) SC4ALL: II Winner Will Earn a Spot at HSC 30! Weekly Cups (August 24-30): Patches' balance mod takes over
Tourneys
Sea Duckling Open (Global, Bronze-Diamond) 2026 GSTL Announcement Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament Stellar Fest TWO the Moon (Dec 16-20) IntoTheTV X SOOP SC2 League : Weekly & Monthly
Strategy
[G] Having the right mentality to improve
Custom Maps
Nexus Wars 2021 GUIDE [M] (2) Industrial Park
External Content
Mutation # 542 The Ascended Mutation # 541 Binary Choice The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 540 Dodge This
Brood War
General
Pros React To: Calm's Big Brain Play Vs Mini Official StarCraft website teases new content ahead of BlizzCon? New 3v3 BGH Ladder (and more) on ShieldBattery! ASL22 General Discussion BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/
Tourneys
[ASL22] Ro16 Group B [ASL22] Ro16 Group A [ASL22] Ro24 Group F [Megathread] Daily Proleagues
Strategy
Replay Review Process - What do you do? Simple Questions, Simple Answers Odyssey Mineral Stack Saturation Game Theory for Starcraft
Other Games
General Games
Nintendo Switch Thread EVE Corporation Diablo IV [Maplestory Hardcore] Let's Play~!! General RTS Discussion Thread
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
[TL LoL EUW IHs] Teemo shall perish TSM pausing esports and CLG Dead
Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Power Rank TL Mafia Community Thread NeO.D_StephenKing vs This Guy From 1 Million Dance
Community
General
Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine Russo-Ukrainian War Thread US Politics Mega-thread UK Politics Mega-thread Artificial Intelligence Thread
Fan Clubs
MarineLorD Fan Club The Creator Fan Club The ShoWTimE Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Movie Discussion! Anime Discussion Thread
Sports
Football (Soccer) Thread TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 MLB/Baseball 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
The Automated Ban List Northern Ireland Global Starcraft
Blogs
F* the Children and Get Off …
TrAiDoS
Dreaming of BW patches (mod…
c3rberUs
Regacy Esports: The Bh…
regacyesports
LOCKPICKING NOOB
LUCKY_NOOB
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 6885 users

Buying a new computer

Blogs > s010002004
Post a Reply
1 2 Next All
s010002004
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
Australia11 Posts
October 20 2010 07:22 GMT
#1
Something about me. I am 16 years old and I have an Asian background.

Basically right now I have a really shit computer that can barely play SC2 on the lowest settings. Now my parents want to buy me a new computer for Christmas but because they are Asian they like to go for the big brand names like hp and Dell. While I want to build my own computer but i know they most likely won't let me build it because things might screw up. What can i do to convince my parents to let me build my own?

GTR
Profile Blog Joined September 2004
51690 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-10-20 07:33:27
October 20 2010 07:24 GMT
#2
do you live in sydney? just buy a computer from a reputable local builder like pc express, ti computers or pacstar if you're parents are that paranoid. they actually know what they are doing, don't overprice like those said companies and provide warranties similar to what hp/dell do.

if you live anywhere else, i can't really help since i'm not aware of the local builders in those areas :3
Commentator
s010002004
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
Australia11 Posts
October 20 2010 07:36 GMT
#3
I live in Melbourne. My parents don't know much about computers so they don't know any of the local builders.
Gummy
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States2180 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-10-20 07:40:52
October 20 2010 07:40 GMT
#4
Just buy it from HP or Dell dude. A standard computer will give you what you need and it'll be cheaper than if you buy the parts separately, unless you know somebody who can get you a wholesale price on the components.

If you want the thrill of "choosing your own parts." HP and Dell both let you customize the hell out of your machine.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count and those who can't.
randleplex
Profile Joined April 2010
Australia14 Posts
October 20 2010 07:48 GMT
#5
MSY.COM.AU

Too easy, they can assemble it for you (at a fee of course).
I’ll make your ankle hurt.
Emon_
Profile Blog Joined November 2009
3925 Posts
October 20 2010 07:49 GMT
#6
On October 20 2010 16:40 Gummy wrote:
Just buy it from HP or Dell dude. A standard computer will give you what you need and it'll be cheaper than if you buy the parts separately, unless you know somebody who can get you a wholesale price on the components.

If you want the thrill of "choosing your own parts." HP and Dell both let you customize the hell out of your machine.

Pretty much everything about this message is wrong. Buying part and building the computer by yourself is way cheaper then buying the same computer from a big brand name. You can't get much for 800$ if you walk into most computer stores or Dell/HP. But thats more then enough to buy a monster of a computer online and have the store assemble it for you with a 1 year warranty. Most reputable computer stores will build the computer for you for a fee of ~50$. Go in and talk to them and it will sort itself out.
"I know that human beings and fish can coexist peacefully" -GWB ||
MrBitter
Profile Joined January 2008
United States2940 Posts
October 20 2010 07:51 GMT
#7
Before you make a decision, consider the FX series by Gateway:
http://www.gateway.com/programs/fxseries/index.php

I was going to build a new PC a few months ago when I cam across the FX in a PC magazine. Turns out it had virtually all the components I was going to buy for my custom rig, and ran a few hundred bucks cheaper.

After buying it, the only complaint I have is that it can sometimes get a little loud. Not Panzer Tank loud, but the fans make a pretty distinct, high pitched hum that can be distracting if I'm doing something quiet, like browsing the internet.

For gaming, though, this thing is a beast. I would recommend it to anyone that asked.
GTR
Profile Blog Joined September 2004
51690 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-10-20 07:52:47
October 20 2010 07:52 GMT
#8
On October 20 2010 16:48 randleplex wrote:
MSY.COM.AU

Too easy, they can assemble it for you (at a fee of course).


yep, this is the way to go then, although i've never bought from msy (strangely enough), but i've heard their prices are good.

but aren't they like.... really dodgy/strange with they way they operate?
Commentator
randleplex
Profile Joined April 2010
Australia14 Posts
October 20 2010 07:55 GMT
#9
Yeah, buying from MSY has its difficulties, but the price and range are still very good.
The way to by from MSY - is to get the price list, and point to the things you want.

Always have a back up item in mind, as they are often low on stock.

They maintain cheep prices through having pore customer service hehe.
I’ll make your ankle hurt.
GTR
Profile Blog Joined September 2004
51690 Posts
October 20 2010 07:56 GMT
#10
well i guess if you want to go the safer route there is always scorptec... but their stuff seems a bit more expensive than normal. they also will build your computer for a fee.
Commentator
randleplex
Profile Joined April 2010
Australia14 Posts
October 20 2010 07:58 GMT
#11
There is also this place:

http://www.cpl.net.au/

I have never got anything from there however.
I’ll make your ankle hurt.
Ludrik
Profile Blog Joined June 2008
Australia523 Posts
October 20 2010 08:52 GMT
#12
On October 20 2010 16:58 randleplex wrote:
There is also this place:

http://www.cpl.net.au/

I have never got anything from there however.

I second that. I live just around the corner from their Nottinghill Store and they are very proffessional and the store looks great. If you took your parents into the store I'm sure they would be impressed. I got some stuff there the other week actually.
Only a fool would die laughing. I was a fool.
KwarK
Profile Blog Joined July 2006
United States44279 Posts
October 20 2010 12:10 GMT
#13
On October 20 2010 16:49 Emon_ wrote:
Show nested quote +
On October 20 2010 16:40 Gummy wrote:
Just buy it from HP or Dell dude. A standard computer will give you what you need and it'll be cheaper than if you buy the parts separately, unless you know somebody who can get you a wholesale price on the components.

If you want the thrill of "choosing your own parts." HP and Dell both let you customize the hell out of your machine.

Pretty much everything about this message is wrong. Buying part and building the computer by yourself is way cheaper then buying the same computer from a big brand name. You can't get much for 800$ if you walk into most computer stores or Dell/HP. But thats more then enough to buy a monster of a computer online and have the store assemble it for you with a 1 year warranty. Most reputable computer stores will build the computer for you for a fee of ~50$. Go in and talk to them and it will sort itself out.

I agree. Dell give you decent prices on the base model but if you customise it at all then that shoots up far beyond what you'd pay to do it yourself.
ModeratorThe angels have the phone box
writer22816
Profile Blog Joined September 2008
United States5775 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-10-20 12:49:39
October 20 2010 12:46 GMT
#14
go to one of the DIY stores, pick your parts yourself and have them assemble it for you. it costs so much more to get a pre-built machine its not even funny. and that's not even counting the ridiculous premiums that you have to pay if you buy from companies like Apple, alienware, etc.

also most pre-built computers are horrendously optimized. for example you can see HP machines that have a crappy cpu, integrated graphics and 6 GB ram.
8/4/12 never forget, never forgive.
Gummy
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States2180 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-10-20 16:40:25
October 20 2010 16:36 GMT
#15
I'm pretty sure a computer like this:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dddwzc1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&model_id=inspiron-580s
Can play SC2 and it's only $800.

Can anybody beat that spec for less money?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count and those who can't.
s010002004
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
Australia11 Posts
October 21 2010 06:48 GMT
#16
Has anyone bought any thing from centercom ? My friend just bought a pc from them and he says that they are not too bad.
GTR
Profile Blog Joined September 2004
51690 Posts
October 21 2010 12:03 GMT
#17
just tell us your budget and someone like me will 'construct' the parts for the computer, and you can get scorptec to build it for you.
Commentator
ironchef
Profile Blog Joined August 2004
Canada1350 Posts
October 21 2010 14:16 GMT
#18
You can try to hype up the builders as reputable etc, and mention it will still use using brand name parts like intel or AMD, etc if theyre really that big on brand names. Tell them its alot cheaper, no one can resist deals! Bonus for things like warranties, as that eases some paranoia of lesser known computer stores.
“Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; but if anything is within the powers and province of man, believe that it is within your own compass also.” - Marcus Aurelius
bokchoi
Profile Blog Joined March 2010
Korea (South)9498 Posts
October 21 2010 18:17 GMT
#19
If they insist sticking will Dell get a Dell XPS. You might pay out of the ass for it, but it'll be baller.
OpticalShot
Profile Blog Joined October 2009
Canada6330 Posts
October 21 2010 19:36 GMT
#20
There are excellent resources in TL (Tech Support section) that you can almost build a computer on your own without having previous experience. Building your own is definitely, 99.99% of the time, cheaper and better, plus you get to learn a lot about how stuff works.

When I built my first computer, I had a friend help me - he built a couple before, not an expert, but at least experienced - and it worked on the first time. So it's definitely possible for beginners, with some help, to be successful even on the first try.

If you must buy a pre-built brand name computer, I recommend HP. Dell tends to be cheap for the base models, but as mentioned above, gets ridiculously expensive as you add more customizations (improvements) to the system. Dell also tries to add on a bunch of garbage (McAfee antivirus, Dell datasafe, etc.) to your package which you will NEVER need.

One thing you can try is to go middle-ground with this: buy a brand-name, base-line computer with a decent processor (perhaps intel i5 or amd phenom II x4 series), switch out its GPU with a better one, and perhaps buy a ~$30 HSF.
[TLMS] REBOOT
1 2 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
GSL
11:00
2026 GSTL: Main Stage Day 5
IntoTheiNu 880
CranKy Ducklings SOOP181
Rex30
LiquipediaDiscussion
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
SHIN 114
Maru 75
Trap 44
Classic 39
herO (SOOP) 35
Rex 30
Zoun (SOOP) 20
Solar (SOOP) 6
StarCraft: Brood War
Britney 54354
Calm 5793
Bisu 1617
EffOrt 1442
Rush 398
Light 380
Mini 357
actioN 330
Stork 234
Soulkey 208
[ Show more ]
Hyun 186
Larva 175
Snow 155
hero 110
Mind 73
Barracks 62
ToSsGirL 52
Sharp 44
soO 37
Terrorterran 30
Aegong 24
HiyA 23
Rock 15
SilentControl 15
Shine 11
Dota 2
qojqva4080
Dendi1966
syndereN486
420jenkins391
Fuzer 57
Super Smash Bros
hungrybox528
Other Games
hiko978
B2W.Neo871
Liquid`RaSZi643
Lowko494
crisheroes348
Hui .318
XaKoH 304
Liquid`VortiX257
ArmadaUGS57
QueenE44
Trikslyr24
Organizations
Other Games
BasetradeTV23
Algost 9
[ Show 13 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Gemini_19 6
• mYiSmile14
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• Migwel
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Nemesis2947
• Jankos2156
• TFBlade487
Upcoming Events
PiGosaur Cup
9h 9m
Kung Fu Cup
20h 9m
Replay Cast
1d 9h
The PondCast
1d 19h
KCM Race Survival
1d 19h
Escore
2 days
IntoTheTV X SOOP
2 days
CranKy Ducklings
3 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
4 days
Shopify Rebellion Sundays
5 days
Spirit vs Mixu
Clem vs TBD
[ Show More ]
RSL Revival
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Afreeca Starleague
5 days
WardiTV Weekly
5 days
Afreeca Starleague
6 days
GSL
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Proleague 2026-09-02
PiG Sty Festival 8.0
Big Dog Cup 2026 Div 1

Ongoing

KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 3
K-JUNGMAN
ASL Season 22
Super Anchor Qualifying S3
CSL 2026 AUTUMN (S22)
Acropolis #5
Acropolis #5 - TRS
RSL Revival: Season 6
Calamity Invitational
FISSURE Playground #3
BLAST Open Fall 2026
Esports World Cup 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer Qual
Stake Ranked Episode 3
XSE Pro League 2026

Upcoming

Escore Tournament S3: King of Kings
Acropolis #5 - GSA
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
Acropolis #5 - GSB
Acropolis #5 - GSC
SC4ALL II: Brood War
HSC XXX
Stellar Fest 2: Lunar Cup
SC4ALL II: StarCraft II
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
RSL Offline Finals
Stake Ranked Episode 6
BLAST Rivals Fall 2026
IEM Beijing 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 5
PGL Masters Bucharest 2026
1win Private Club #2
Thunderpick World Champ. '26
ESL Pro League Season 24
Stake Ranked Episode 4
1win Private Club #1
Logitech G Play Connect 2026
SL StarSeries Fall 2026
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.