Getting a PC from the computer centres

[jgl]

After getting by for many years on little more than an old Thinkpad and a Mac Mini, it's about time for me to get a 'real' computer (i.e. something that I can overclock, run multiple VM environments and be used for games).

So I'm thinking of getting one of the stores in one of the computer centres to put a system together for me. Given that these are low cost, high turnover operations, I've got some questions:

• Is there anything to watch out for- shops to avoid, dodgy common practices to be aware of, build quality concerns?
  
• Can anyone recommend specific stores to use? They all appear pretty much identical from the outside. So far the only HK resource I've used is the Jumbo pricelist.
  
• Is availability at SSP that much better than WCC? I'm going to get fairly standard upper-midrange parts with the following caveat: I'm going to get the quietest PSU/case possible and will also be after very specific models of air-cooled heatsink.
  
• What's the cost of a system build over the base parts cost, and how long does it take a store to build a system? Knowing HK, I'd expect a couple of hundred bucks, and a couple of hours.

[sxc]

I've never priced one of those computers in HK, but considering how cheap Dells can be, and the warranty etc etc, have you considered getting a Dell box instead?

[Rob2020]

I recently purchased a shuttle Shuttle Global - Home from the Wan Chai computer centre.
Total cost was ~5000HKD (no monitor), Quad Core CPU, 4gb RAM, an extra video card (I had a requirement for dual DVI output).. it's practically silent.

As for assembly, I did it myself, very easy to follow the instructions.. Just plug in the CPU.. RAM.. HDD ..

But, like sxc says, unless you have special requirements, the Dell Optiplex'es are great ..

[jgl]

I should clarify. I'm not looking for 'cheap and easy', I want 'customisable'.

Internal RAID options, 4 internal drive bays, lots of overclocking abilty, space to mount a large cooler, possibly Crossfire support. Ability to pick and choose fans. Hence the questions about the computer centres, rather than questions about Dell.com.hk.

I used to put together PCs for a job in the 90s. But I've done it to death and just couldn't be arsed with building these days if I can pay a shop $100 and still expect a decent cable layout.

[Stockas]

There are so many shops to find good computer stuff in Sham Shui Po, so my recommendations are: for M/b, RAM, CPU and cpu's cooling system is the G2System (you have to get out from the mtr station exit D2 and walk on the Kweilin str. about 30m from the mtr station there is a door with stairs, up on the second floor shop nr.57), on the same place near the G2System (I don't remember the shop's name) you can search for PSU and so for box, fans and other accessories you should search for.
I build last month a new computer and the cost was: M/B: 550 hk$, CPU: 360 hk$, CPU Cooler: 80 hk$ (I got this part from Shenzhen, China) PSU: 550 hk$, RAM: 2x200 hk$, box, HDD I use my old one from the computer I bring from greece, funs and other accessories I bought a many from Computer Arcade Center.
Don't choose a dell computer if you want to overclock, you can not do that to a dell computer.
If you need any help just ask me!

[jayinhongkong]

I recommend A-Lab Technology (A-Lab Technology Company Ltd.). Someone recommended it to me on here and I bought a PC from them about five years ago and it's still going strong. One advantage of buying locally over Dell is they can fix it up and get it back to you a LOT faster. I had problems with a power supply a few months ago. Took my PC down to WCC and they changed the power supply for me on the spot without charging me for the labor. Try that with a five-year-old Dell.

You can bargain with the guys at Mongkok/SSP/Wanchai too.

[mystik]

I recommend using Dorman Consultants in Mong Kok computer centre, been using them for 5 years. They are like the top notch, they can taylor make your computer to your needs, I have built 3 PCs from them. From Pentium 4 to Core2Duo to Core i7. If you are into gaming and stuff, they can help you. They sell all the shit. 3rd floor in MKCC, look for Dorman Consultants and ask for KK

Chris

[MrMoo]

I've never priced one of those computers in HK, but considering how cheap Dells can be, and the warranty etc etc, have you considered getting a Dell box instead?

Dell are only useful in HK if you want a standard model for imaging many desktops. Everything else is shit, the prices are not competitive, the service is lousy to pathetic, you'll get crapware on the install, and it's slower than purchasing via anywhere else.

[mrdollars]

Dells are full of bloatware and time limited software that you didn't want anyway. If you know what you are doing you can build a far better system and get it running 100x faster. I suggest XPx64 if you do any graphics work...

[lquah]

jgl
Reading from your post, it sounds like you know exactly what components you want to get and are pretty familiar with setting up a PC. In your situation, I would consider building your own PC.

The only advantage you get with a shop building it for you is that they will provide a warranty on the workmanship (3-5 years).

Building a PC nowadays is much simpler and I just put together my PC on the weekend. It took me under 1 hour. Just so you know, I am putting together a fairly decent setup - Core i7 920, 6GB DDR3 1600 RAM, 2GB ATI 4870 display card and 850w PSU. I may overclock at some stage as the i7 is very good for overclocking. I am using a cooler master HAF922 mid tower case for maximum cooling.

I generally do a lot of research on the specific component and choose quality products. Once I have made a shortlist of the components I want, I then shop and buy based purely on price. I don't usually trust the shops as I'm not sure if they install the correct items or leave anything out. As they turnover really quick, sometimes things get missed along the way.

My other advice is to check everything before you leave the shop. Open the boxes and make sure all the parts, manuals, cables, discs etc are all there. I made a mistake of not checking the cooler master case on the weekend, and when I unpacked it, I noticed all the rubber pads on the feet were torn and the side panel was totally different to that on the box cover (it had a clear persplex window instead of a mesh grille). Good luck!