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[davethediver]

I know there are some IT whizzs on here so i thought i would ask what shops/sites do you all use for you computer bits.

I'm thinking of having a go at building some form of media center so if you've got any pointers

TIA Dave

[Terbs]

Hi Dave....
I build all my own comps, and for others.
I use Micro-Direct, E-Buyer and Eclipse Computers.
Always had good service and prices and delivery have always been fine
Hope this helps

[Mr Skrunts]

Localy I used to in the centre of a lot of the good ones, Ebuyer started at worksop, Extreme computers in Bramley, Computer Trading in Sheffield and Engine computers at Tickhill.

Sadly only Ebuyer (Used to be called Choice amongst other names) So now I just deal with Aria and Ebuyer and oddemnts off ebay, but dont really buy much these days.

[CaptainZok]

Scan are up by the Rebok Stadium, been using them for years.

[Plomien]

depends on the component and what you are wanting to use the pc build for.
Ebuyer is good, if its just PC memory then 7 day shop, scan are good in most cases, amazon can have some good priced stuff, misco, dabs.
I use overclockers for information then search around for the item as it tends to be cheaper elsewhere.
If you need a case to stick it all in pop to maplin as they have some cheap cases 

[Jimbob]

1st thing to consider.....

Where are you putting this media centre?

If its in your living space....spend extra on quiet components

www.quietpc.com will give some ideas, but are expensive
you will want
a well designed case
a good, quiet cpu cooler
a good, quiet power supply
and a quiet graphics card
those are your 4 noisiest components so you should spend time getting those right.

I use overclockers / scan / dabs as my 1st points of call, but buy from any cheap, reputable shop.

[cem_devecioglu]

you can read reviews and tests for parts from here..

http://www.tomshardware.com/

here is a good hardware
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-6950-unlock-build-a-pc-overclock,2893.html

[wakeyomega]

Bought much from Scan at Bolton and CCL at Bradford - both established for years now. I also buy lts from Ebuyer these days.

Good luck Pat

[TheBoy]

Tend to use Bluepoint (www.bluepoint.net) for convenience, or any of the large online retailers such as Dabs and Ebuyer. Dont rule out likes of PC World, occasionally (albeit it rarely) they do have decent offers.


For Media Center, being quiet is a key consideration, and I'd consider a brand name for that.

Personally, both my Media Centers are built from FIC Spectra cases, one is an Elonex Artisan LX, the other an Advent (PC World). The Elonex is the main Media Center, and has had new guts - Intel DG45ID mobo, Q8200 CPU, 1.5Tb Spinpoint HDD and 4 updated tuners.

[TheBoy]

Strangely, unlike some of the recommendations above, I avoid Scan and Aria due to woefully bad service in the past, on multiple occasions. The make Bluepoint look customer focused

[Mr Skrunts]

Strangely, unlike some of the recommendations above, I avoid Scan and Aria due to woefully bad service in the past, on multiple occasions. The make Bluepoint look customer focused

Scan went through a terrible delivery period where I belive it was due to a software upgrade. Things where that bad I thought they were actually going bust.  But I think all the companies have had thier moments, but the big ones have survived the others.

As TB says, keep an eye on the likes of PC World, some good bargains if you are quick enough when they want rid of stock etc.

[Martin_1962]

Samsung drives are very quiet and also low power consumption

[GardO71]

http://overclockers.co.uk are very good, very knowledgeable too.

[TheBoy]

Samsung drives are very quiet and also low power consumption

As are the other drive manufacturers - I tend to use Samsung, but would have no issue using others, and generally all (from same generation) have the same acoustic and power characteristics.