Any suggestions on knowledgable/reliable custom system builders?

[innskeeper]

I am looking to have someone build a custom system. Any suggestions? Looking to spend about $1500 for system that is upgradeable for future, reliable and fast. Will run xp pro.
Thanks

 

[Wuzup101]

You can always do it yourself. I'm not sure if that's an option, but building a system (assuming you're talking about a SFF and not a laptop) is very easy to do at home. I built my first one when I was 12 or so. I doesn't take a rocket scientist

EDIT: For $1500 you yourself can build a pretty decent system. You'll get the most value out of it if you do it yourself. There are a number of other companies that will do it for you (Falcon NW, Alienware, etc...); however, they will charge you a nice premium in most instances.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Look up the AT member fords8, he builds some good systems and I'm sure could deck something out for you for $1500. Also does barebones laptops too!

 

[imported_Kensai]

You can build notebooks yourself. You can buy a barebone, then add everything else yourself. It's probably cheaper to buy a dell though.

 

[ericboo]

Wuzup is right. You can do it yourself. The software install, if it gives you any problems, is the hardest part. I have assisted friends over the phone who have never built one and they were quite happy. There is a wealth of knowledge here and many are willing to help. $1,500 goes a VERY LONG way for a nice system. What do you need it for?

You might want to check out www.sudhian.com forums. I have built 5 SFF PC's. All you add is hard drive, memory and optical drive and install the OS. They make some nice ones now too.

 

[innskeeper]

I guess if I was to build myself I would like to know what would be a reliable/fast and future upgradability mb. Of all the reviews on hardware I have read it gets very confusing when I'm just about to decide on a mb then read some negative comments. Would it be wise to purchase an SLI board if I wouldn't use the dual vid board now but maybe later on? Or maybe just purchase a PCIe board without the SLI. Would I need a special psu for certain mb's? As you can see I have a lot of questions and would like to understand just exactly what I would need to do my own. With all the new technology out there I want to make sure what I purchase is compatible. As far as what the pc would be used for, maybe video editing down the road but right now digital pic editing, gaming, ms office apps, internet etc... Would I need any special tools or software to build my own? What actually does burn in mean? Can I do the burn in myself? I just want to make sure I am prepared when I attempt this project. I know I am rambling, sorry!
Thanks for the help in advance

 

[fbrdphreak]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1520618&enterthread=y

 

[innskeeper]

 

[innskeeper]

Great info, thanks!