Intel VS AMD

[PCTweaker5]

I am thinking of starting a small business around my neighborhood building PC's for people and only have experience working with Athlon systems. Are Intel systems generally the same when it comes to what goes where and BIOS settings or is it completely different? I figure Id ask before I start building an Intel system for someone and then cant finish it. Thank You!

 

[mechBgon]

Thanks to Vegetto, my photo guide has some P4 photos that you can check out. A stock retail P4 would have a thermal patch on the bottom of the heatsink, although he is running Arctic Silver on his instead. I think I'd avoid Celerons on the principle of the thing, but that's all the editorializing I'm going to do here about Intel v. AMD. If you decide to do this, make sure your software's all legit and use quality power supplies and RAM, so stuff doesn't come back to bite you.

 

[Kremerica]

I have built many computers for people, including some businesses.
I ussually use AMD parts just because they are cheaper, so I can charge less/make more profit.

intel stuff is the exact same as AMD stuff, its all in the motherboard you order.

basically just remember that people using the computer aren't going to be doing the same stuff you are, so they can handle slower components and it seems like a huge speed jump for them.
unless you are building one for a technology related firm, or someone who knows a little about computers, which is ussually not the case I have ran into.

just my 2 cents

 

[PCTweaker5]

Is it compeletely legit to do this, I dont have to get some business permit or anything right? Unless Im like operating a store or something? Another thing is that I dont have any money to start the business so how should I go about asking for the money up front? Should I make some sort of contract with them so that they can trust their money in my hands? Im not looking to go big just yet but it would be nice to be making a little money on the side for plane tickets to see family and stuff since I just moved far away. Anyways, thank you both for your very helpful responses and I want you to know that I feel a lot more confident about doing this.

 

[fwtong]

it really depends on how formal you're going to want to do things and how much money you plan to be making off this venture.

 

[Corporate Thug]

IMHO, they dont really differ in difficulty

 

[PCTweaker5]

I just want them to know that I know what Im doing and have already made lists with the hardware I want to sell and their prices. It seems like it would be somewhat formal and I plan to just take about 10% of the total cost of the PC and some profit from the parts used. So about $200 or more for each PC.

 

[Bling]

Originally posted by: shady06
IMHO, they dont really differ in difficulty

Tis, true.

 

[fwtong]

Originally posted by: PCTweaker5
I just want them to know that I know what Im doing and have already made lists with the hardware I want to sell and their prices. It seems like it would be somewhat formal and I plan to just take about 10% of the total cost of the PC and some profit from the parts used. So about $200 or more for each PC.

If you're doing it on a limited basis, then it's probably not a big deal regarding business formalities. However, if you're looking to do it on more then a limited basis, then you should talk to a lawyer or accountant regarding the tax ramifications.

 

[Zap]

Couple of thoughts...

If you're gonna be charging money, you need to know what you are doing.

If you want to run it as a true business, you'll need to find out if the zoning for your residence allows for commercial activities, plus get a business license in that city, plus get a tax ID number. You'll need to know rudimentary accounting and get some accounting software.

Making money by selling computer hardware is tough to do unless you do huge quantities. The reason is that everybody is trying to sell for less than the next person. There is not much of a margin and if you go around marking stuff up and your clients notice that they can get the same stuff for cheaper elsewhere, they will go elsewhere. What you may want to do (especially if you just want this as an "on the side" thing) is to have people buy/order the parts and then pay you to assemble it. This also makes for easier warranty issues. If it were a whole computer from you, they'd be calling you every time something went wrong even for things that don't have anything to do with a failure with the computer (a virus, spyware or even just plain not knowing what they're doing). If they purchased the parts, then if anything dies they deal with warranty. If they call you up to fix something, charge labor. If they bought the machine from you complete, I guarantee that they'll play the "but I bought it from you" card the second something goes wrong with the machine that has nothing to do with your build, and want you to fix it for free.

 

[Zebo]

I don't see how you can make any money building systems with Dell/Gateway on the scene. Unless you're a value added reseller. IE Offer something special, like security system, HTPC's, Automation, etc.

Also, my friend owns a fairly lucrative computer business and buys all his clients machines from Dell/Gateway, slaps 25% on top. More profit than you will make by picking up the phone. No building, no warranty issues, and even some level of basic support. Where he makes his fortune in on-going service and support. Networking, reinstalls, updates, (he always manages to find viruses and things that need fixing), he also is a distributor for cingular business cell phones and high speed internet from Cox, and t-1, t-3 lines where he has residuals is kicking in every month. He caters to banks, lawyers, businesses and doctors. ie people willing to pay not to have issues.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Zap
Couple of thoughts...

If you're gonna be charging money, you need to know what you are doing.

If you want to run it as a true business, you'll need to find out if the zoning for your residence allows for commercial activities, plus get a business license in that city, plus get a tax ID number. You'll need to know rudimentary accounting and get some accounting software.

Making money by selling computer hardware is tough to do unless you do huge quantities. The reason is that everybody is trying to sell for less than the next person. There is not much of a margin and if you go around marking stuff up and your clients notice that they can get the same stuff for cheaper elsewhere, they will go elsewhere. What you may want to do (especially if you just want this as an "on the side" thing) is to have people buy/order the parts and then pay you to assemble it. This also makes for easier warranty issues. If it were a whole computer from you, they'd be calling you every time something went wrong even for things that don't have anything to do with a failure with the computer (a virus, spyware or even just plain not knowing what they're doing). If they purchased the parts, then if anything dies they deal with warranty. If they call you up to fix something, charge labor. If they bought the machine from you complete, I guarantee that they'll play the "but I bought it from you" card the second something goes wrong with the machine that has nothing to do with your build, and want you to fix it for free.

Great post :beer: As a part-time home business owner white box builder, I can tell you now you are going to find it extremely diffcult to make money in this biz. You can probably just do builds without following the rules at first just to see if you can line up enough work to make doing a Sole proprietorship, filing for a city occupational license, which is what my area requires for a Home biz, and setting up a biz bank acct. are going to be worthwhile. Then if you want to name it other than your name you'll probably need to file for fictious biz name statement and publish a notice depending on your area.

Then you have to try and make a buck against those Dell hot deals Where it kills me is having to provide a copy of XP for each system. Then if you make it clear you don't offer free tech support or a warranty most will not use you. Therefore you have to offer both if you want builds. That means troubleshooting, RMAing, house calls/place of biz calls, phone support, and good record keeping. You need Acct. software as mentioned too, at least to do things right IMHO.

I have developed a system of educating the neophyte client, by pre-installing and/or configuring everything from win. updates and hot fixes, AV, spy/adware removers, remote desktop and limited user accounts. This way I can greatly limit the necessity for labor intensive issues. I give basic instruction in handling e-mail, running AV and spy/Ad detectors, chkdsk and defragging occassionally. Most will follow the advice pretty well if it's easy, so make it that way

In the final analysis though, I'd say don't bother, it's more trouble than it's worth! By the time you get a competitive figure to Dell's, build, test, install and update everything, deliver *because in my area you can't have the clients come to your home* setup on-site, and tutor the n00bs you will find you paid yourself very poorly for your efforts. Fail to honor any of those conditions and you will get bad word of mouth, and in the worst case senario you may be sued, which since you are the proprietor, you're responsible for any financial liability. I could go on and on about this but I think you get the point by now. In fact, don't even let people know you are computer savy or you get caught up in being the free tech support for everyone you are acquainted with who is not Otherwise you have to be a dick about it and that has it's downside too. HTH

 

[Falloutboy]

I did this in highschool for a summer and I did make a few bucks but what made me quit was having to be your own tech support department 24/7

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Zebo
I don't see how you can make any money building systems with Dell/Gateway on the scene. Unless you're a value added reseller. IE Offer something special, like security system, HTPC's, Automation, etc.

Also, my friend owns a fairly lucrative computer business and buys all his clients machines from Dell/Gateway, slaps 25% on top. More profit than you will make by picking up the phone. No building, no warranty issues, and even some level of basic support. Where he makes his fortune in on-going service and support. Networking, reinstalls, updates, (he always manages to find viruses and things that need fixing), he also is a distributor for cingular business cell phones and high speed internet from Cox, and t-1, t-3 lines where he has residuals is kicking in every month. He caters to banks, lawyers, businesses and doctors. ie people willing to pay not to have issues.

Yep, that's the only way to fly if you can do it.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER

Originally posted by: Zebo
I don't see how you can make any money building systems with Dell/Gateway on the scene. Unless you're a value added reseller. IE Offer something special, like security system, HTPC's, Automation, etc.

Also, my friend owns a fairly lucrative computer business and buys all his clients machines from Dell/Gateway, slaps 25% on top. More profit than you will make by picking up the phone. No building, no warranty issues, and even some level of basic support. Where he makes his fortune in on-going service and support. Networking, reinstalls, updates, (he always manages to find viruses and things that need fixing), he also is a distributor for cingular business cell phones and high speed internet from Cox, and t-1, t-3 lines where he has residuals is kicking in every month. He caters to banks, lawyers, businesses and doctors. ie people willing to pay not to have issues.

Yep, that's the only way to fly if you can do it.

Well he has about 35 employees so it's not all good. Still longs for the days of one man operation.

Some other things they do is POS systems, cabling, sell and repair printers and phone systems. Course it all started with just computer support NOT builds, ANY HS student can build a comp hardly any can support and even less can hire people to effectivly do it. And even more less can sell.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Oh, don't get me wrong Zebo, I want none of it! I once wore several hats as a partner\GM\employee of a restaurant for years and the hassles and obligations that come with it simply aren't worthwhile to someone like myself who likes to stop and smell the flowers along the way on the road of life :sun: Me<world beater :thumbsup:

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
Oh, don't get me wrong Zebo, I want none of it! I once wore several hats as a partner\GM\employee of a restaurant for years and the hassles and obligations that come with it simply aren't worthwhile to someone like myself who likes to stop and smell the flowers along the way on the road of life :sun: Me<world beater :thumbsup:

Balance is nice.

 

[PCTweaker5]

Originally posted by: Zap
Couple of thoughts...

If you're gonna be charging money, you need to know what you are doing.

If you want to run it as a true business, you'll need to find out if the zoning for your residence allows for commercial activities, plus get a business license in that city, plus get a tax ID number. You'll need to know rudimentary accounting and get some accounting software.

Making money by selling computer hardware is tough to do unless you do huge quantities. The reason is that everybody is trying to sell for less than the next person. There is not much of a margin and if you go around marking stuff up and your clients notice that they can get the same stuff for cheaper elsewhere, they will go elsewhere. What you may want to do (especially if you just want this as an "on the side" thing) is to have people buy/order the parts and then pay you to assemble it. This also makes for easier warranty issues. If it were a whole computer from you, they'd be calling you every time something went wrong even for things that don't have anything to do with a failure with the computer (a virus, spyware or even just plain not knowing what they're doing). If they purchased the parts, then if anything dies they deal with warranty. If they call you up to fix something, charge labor. If they bought the machine from you complete, I guarantee that they'll play the "but I bought it from you" card the second something goes wrong with the machine that has nothing to do with your build, and want you to fix it for free.

Thats exactly what I wanted to do. Have the people buy the parts from lists that I have made up and then charge them for assembly, about 10% of the final cost or whatever sounds reasonable. I didnt get to read everyones post since I am unpacking today but I want to thank each and every one of you for your very helpful posts.