• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Good stores for system builders

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Central Computers is a decent brick and mortar place. In my experience, they tend to keep the right items in stock and their staff is intelligent. I have not compared their prices, but IIRC they're pretty competitive.
 
Of those the ones I've used are:

---General Hardware---

Buy.com My best source in recent years.
NewEgg Many times even though I'm in CA
Micro Center (Also B&M) Failed to buy, though because they couldn't fulfill my online purchase at B&M
Fry's (Also B&M) Most of their prices stink. Only specials sometimes interesting


---More Specialized---

Xoxide One time for nice fans

---Used, generic, or older hardware---

Computer Geeks Got a mobo from them


Other resources:

Anandtech hot deals Lots, even tonight!
Fatwallet (coupons/codes and cashback program) Yep, and cashback
Google (It's your friend). I always use Google
Pricegrabber for comparison shopping I use this a LOT
Pricewatch - I've used them quite a bit, not recently though. They focus pretty much on computer stuff whereas Pricegrabber has a much broader range.
Resellerratings (Check before you buy) Don't use it as much as I used to.

I've gotten a lot of my best deals by searching at Amazon.com. Sometimes they have prices that beat the best deals you can find with Pricegrabber and Google searches, so I usually also search at Amazon. Lots of times a 3rd party works through them and have great deals. Also Amazon reviews can be very helpful and they are often very plentiful. Many other sites have extensive reviews too, some are vendors, others not. For instance, Newegg has lots of reviews, also lots of good photos of merchandise.
 
I'll start a shout for the UK based sellers. I've used the following on more than one occasion without incident:

http://www.aria.co.uk
http://www.dabs.com
http://www.novatech.co.uk
http://www.overclockers.co.uk
http://www.scan.co.uk
http://www.tekheads.co.uk

These are all e-tailers, though most allow you to visit to pick up.

Novatech actually has a few stores in the south, but I've only visited the main Portsmouth location.

Apart from that, there are zero worthwhile bricks-and-mortar chains selling PC components - unless anyone knows different? We have PC World, who devote more floorspace to televisions than PC components and never have anything you'd call "new", and Maplins who are still selling Phenom 1's at their launch price, and nothing much else.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top