• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 01:46
CEST 07:46
KST 14:46
  • 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
[ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall10HomeStory Cup 27 - Info & Preview18Classic wins Code S Season 2 (2025)16Code S RO4 & Finals Preview: herO, Rogue, Classic, GuMiho0TL Team Map Contest #5: Presented by Monster Energy6
Community News
Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles3[BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China9Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL66Weekly Cups (June 23-29): Reynor in world title form?14FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event22
StarCraft 2
General
Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles The GOAT ranking of GOAT rankings The SCII GOAT: A statistical Evaluation Weekly Cups (June 23-29): Reynor in world title form? Program: SC2 / XSplit / OBS Scene Switcher
Tourneys
RSL: Revival, a new crowdfunded tournament series FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament WardiTV Mondays Korean Starcraft League Week 77
Strategy
How did i lose this ZvP, whats the proper response Simple Questions Simple Answers
Custom Maps
[UMS] Zillion Zerglings
External Content
Mutation # 481 Fear and Lava Mutation # 480 Moths to the Flame Mutation # 479 Worn Out Welcome Mutation # 478 Instant Karma
Brood War
General
BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ ASL20 Preliminary Maps [ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall SC uni coach streams logging into betting site Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL
Tourneys
[BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China [BSL20] Grand Finals - Sunday 20:00 CET CSL Xiamen International Invitational The Casual Games of the Week Thread
Strategy
Simple Questions, Simple Answers I am doing this better than progamers do.
Other Games
General Games
Nintendo Switch Thread Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Path of Exile What do you want from future RTS games? Beyond All Reason
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
Summer Games Done Quick 2025! US Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Stop Killing Games - European Citizens Initiative Summer Games Done Quick 2024!
Fan Clubs
SKT1 Classic Fan Club! Maru Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Anime Discussion Thread [Manga] One Piece [\m/] Heavy Metal Thread
Sports
Formula 1 Discussion 2024 - 2025 Football Thread NBA General Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 NHL Playoffs 2024
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
momentary artworks from des…
tankgirl
Culture Clash in Video Games…
TrAiDoS
from making sc maps to makin…
Husyelt
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 629 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
51436 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
51436 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
51436 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 States42551 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
51436 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
Next event in 4h 14m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft: Brood War
GuemChi 1065
Leta 750
PianO 336
Snow 148
Dewaltoss 58
yabsab 31
Bale 12
Free 5
Sacsri 3
Movie 0
Dota 2
ODPixel70
League of Legends
JimRising 745
Counter-Strike
Stewie2K898
Super Smash Bros
Mew2King158
Other Games
summit1g10015
WinterStarcraft435
monkeys_forever335
Tasteless138
SortOf87
NeuroSwarm62
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick38149
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 18 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Berry_CruncH315
• practicex 45
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• sooper7s
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
StarCraft: Brood War
• ZZZeroYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• BSLYoutube
League of Legends
• Rush1225
• Lourlo1158
• masondota2450
• HappyZerGling96
Other Games
• Scarra2305
• Shiphtur326
Upcoming Events
Sparkling Tuna Cup
4h 14m
WardiTV European League
10h 14m
MaNa vs sebesdes
Mixu vs Fjant
ByuN vs HeRoMaRinE
ShoWTimE vs goblin
Gerald vs Babymarine
Krystianer vs YoungYakov
PiGosaur Monday
18h 14m
The PondCast
1d 4h
WardiTV European League
1d 6h
Jumy vs NightPhoenix
Percival vs Nicoract
ArT vs HiGhDrA
MaxPax vs Harstem
Scarlett vs Shameless
SKillous vs uThermal
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
1d 10h
Replay Cast
1d 18h
RSL Revival
2 days
ByuN vs SHIN
Clem vs Reynor
Replay Cast
2 days
RSL Revival
3 days
Classic vs Cure
[ Show More ]
FEL
3 days
RSL Revival
4 days
FEL
4 days
FEL
4 days
CSO Cup
4 days
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
4 days
Bonyth vs QiaoGege
Dewalt vs Fengzi
Hawk vs Zhanhun
Sziky vs Mihu
Mihu vs QiaoGege
Zhanhun vs Sziky
Fengzi vs Hawk
Sparkling Tuna Cup
5 days
RSL Revival
5 days
FEL
5 days
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
5 days
Bonyth vs Dewalt
QiaoGege vs Dewalt
Hawk vs Bonyth
Sziky vs Fengzi
Mihu vs Zhanhun
QiaoGege vs Zhanhun
Fengzi vs Mihu
Liquipedia Results

Completed

BSL Season 20
HSC XXVII
Heroes 10 EU

Ongoing

JPL Season 2
BSL 2v2 Season 3
Acropolis #3
KCM Race Survival 2025 Season 2
CSL 17: 2025 SUMMER
Copa Latinoamericana 4
Jiahua Invitational
Championship of Russia 2025
RSL Revival: Season 1
Murky Cup #2
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 7
IEM Dallas 2025
PGL Astana 2025
Asian Champions League '25
BLAST Rivals Spring 2025
MESA Nomadic Masters
CCT Season 2 Global Finals
IEM Melbourne 2025

Upcoming

2025 ACS Season 2: Qualifier
CSLPRO Last Chance 2025
CSL Xiamen Invitational
2025 ACS Season 2
CSLPRO Chat StarLAN 3
K-Championship
uThermal 2v2 Main Event
SEL Season 2 Championship
FEL Cracov 2025
Esports World Cup 2025
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
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 © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.