Custom PCs in the UK?

Don Simon · Aug 27, 2007

Sorry, nothing remotely interesting to read here... just a question.

I am looking for a new computer, but want to have some choice over the components and peripherals. Companies like Dell and Mesh allow some degree of 'customising' components, but they always come with things I don't want; namely Vista, and average quality monitors (or ones for gaming and movies instead of photo editing). Also when it comes to components they only provide the basic specs and not information on manufacturer and model.

Of course the obvious answer here is to build my own... this is something I would mostly be confident doing, as I've upgraded and messed around with various drives and other components, but never installed a CPU before. Even though I am pretty sure I could do it, unfortunately the computer is for someone else and they would prefer that at least the bare bones of the system - the motherboard and CPU - be installed by someone else.

So what I'm looking for is a company that either provides the case (with PSU and fans), mainboard and CPU already set up and then leaves the rest to me...
... or a company that builds the whole computer but offers decent choice over components, and does not force me to have either Vista or their choice of monitor.

So is there such a company in the UK? It's probably a silly question, but even regular PC companies seem to be in trouble (for example Evesham disappearing) and I can't seem to find companies to fit my requirements, except for ones who specialise in gaming rigs. Am I just looking for a company that doesn't exist?

Any experiences or recommendations would be great.

Thanks!

JohnMF · Aug 28, 2007

do you have computer fairs in your area?

there are several in my area, they are organised by a company called Abacus. There is always at least a couple of stalls at these things that sell motherboards with the CPU already in. If not i reckon if you asked the guy on the stall they would prob do it for you there and then, in fact the ones i have been to offered when i bought from them. they may charge a couple of quid extra.

if not, you should have a go at it yourself, it's really quite straight forward. Just read the instructions and have a bash, you will wonder what you were worried about.

tempra · Aug 28, 2007

www.novatech.co.uk sell barebones, components, full systems without OS etc. They are well established and reliable.

Don Simon · Aug 28, 2007

Thanks for the replies, just what I was looking for!

I like the look of the Novatech motherboard bundles; between them and Komplett I should be able to put a decent system together fairly easy (can also 'salvage' network card and other bits from old PC).

Now I just need to find that XP disc so I can transfer it :|

Btw John I don't know of any computer fairs in my area, according to a bit of Googling they all seem to be in the Midlands and up North

Thanks again!

Chris of Arabia · Aug 28, 2007

I know that round here (Blackpool area), I can find several small shops that sell computer parts or even complete systems. I'm fairly sure they're not a Northern specialty, so you may find there's one close by who can do the work for you if that's what you need. As the others have said though, it really is easy enough to put your own together (I've built 4 of the 5 I've owned, all of which are still running) - fitting the CPU is very straightforward by the way.