Purchasing A Computer Desktop

[porkchop]

I notice that it difficult to compare prices of the exact same computer in the various outlets as they seem to stock their own particular model which is not available elsewhere. For instance, Argos have HP models which are not available in Amazon or Currys and the same can be said for the models which Amazon and Currys have for sale. The same rule would appear to apply for Dell, Lenovo etc etc.

[Zacs-Master]

Well done.

[bookbinder]

That's very interesting.

[Mamyalynne]

You are probably best to compare based on the same specifications that you require really, rather than makes.

[Old_Geezer]

Took the words right out of my mouth.
Equal specs should give you a decent view on value for money.

[Togo]

If you are in need of a desktop I would suggest that you find a local and trustworthy independent High St, or even Back Street, operation and go and talk about your requirements and expectations. You can choose everything from the case, to the motherboard spec., including hard drive requirements and more importantly what you want to mainly use it for whether that is office or game play. These guys will build you one and sort out an operating system and transfer files from an old system if you want them to. Most of the generic desktops on sale in the big High St branches are not fit for purpose and are not necessarily guaranteed to be future development capable. Do not waste your money on a second hand machine that has a motherboard older than 4 years. I am lucky enough to have been able to build my own last two desktops and look at the dross on sale in the likes of PC World with disdain.

[barry1010]

Togo, what is the law on returning custom made computers as opposed to off the shelf ones?

[Togo]

When you say "returning" I take it that you mean retiring or terminating. I have upgraded year on year the one that I am using now and the one before after it was no longer possible to increase the motherboard performance I took to the recycling plant after destroying the hard drive. They recycle and put to use all old desktops at our local recycling depot after cleaning them up and doing the safety tests. They will no accept one with the hard drive still installed. As far as I am aware the only "laws" are the new and exciting environmental ones that are now in force everywhere.

[Buenchico]

Forget brands. Simply decide upon the specification that suits your needs and look around for a PC that will match that specification.

I always buy refurbished computers (both for myself and on behalf of others) from a reputable source:
https://accomputerwarehouse.com/product-category/refurbished-pcs/

[Old_Geezer]

Unsure about the 4 year limit. The one I use I built about 9 years ago, had a recent hiccup, but now back working well. Anyone buying it would be lucky to get it, unless they were wanting most advantage over others for Internet shoot 'em up games and willing to pay out a few thousand.

[Togo]

I say that Geezer only because of the new developments in data transmission that are taking place as we speak. The new superfast processors were generally not available in anything but custom machines up until about 6 years ago. Since then they have got faster still and will not be getting any slower any time soon. The web designers and site developers are already planning content and delivery based on the newer devices....think 5G for instance. Why would you want a desktop that is not capable of doing more, quicker, and with the capacity to live for a decade longer than a mobile phone? Porkchop has nothing whatsoever to lose by talking to, or getting someone else to, someone who can custom build a new desktop. I take it that there is already a monitor, keyboard and mouse being used so it just means sorting a tower. The peripheries can be upgraded as and when.

[Togo]

Ditto Geezer. I built the one that I am on at present about 8 years ago. I was top spec available off the shelf at the time and I have upgraded and added to it ever since. I am now at the point whereby other additions are pointless as the processor and motherboard are at max. possible. Wistfully dreaming of a new set up with a Ryzen 9 3900X or something similar. The yanks even had these processors under embargo to foreign parts without verification. I know someone who managed to purchase 2 online and make a tidy profit overnight. It is getting harder to build a future proof machine as it is without buying second hand gear that you don't know whether it has been overclocked and the board fried in a previous life. The web will develop to handle the new supercomputers......develop with it or lag behind at your peril. Maybe it will be my last project before I go to the great power supply in the sky.

P.S Geezer.....Have you seen some of the latest Graphics card specs. Insane.

[CrapAtCryptics]

I prefer to go to PCSpecialist and decide my budget and see the best fit I can get.

[Togo]

You are right to do so C@C.

[Old_Geezer]

Aye. Can't justify getting one though.