Need a custom computer built?

Xandor Tik'Roth · 10-08-2008

Alright, so Punxx and Ace gave me the go-ahead to create this topic, so here I am. For a while now, I've been trying to get this off the ground, and I figure with more than 10,000 members, this seems like a pretty good place to start.

For right now, I'm trying to do a bit of a side thing in my spare time to build custom desktops for people. I've built myself one already, and I've spec'd out two computers for Shade (I'm sure most of you remember her). Send her an email or something. She has good things to say about me ^_^

Anyway, so here's the deal. I can design almost any system to fit almost any need. I usually design gaming machines, but I've done a few that are home use. About the only thing that I haven't learned how to do yet is custom case modding and water cooling. I like working with AMD chipsets, since they're usually much cheaper and faster than Intel (please, for the love of God, no Intel vs. AMD arguments).

Pricing:

As far as pricing goes, I'm very reasonable about it. I live in Oregon, and I'll ship anywhere, including international. Your cost is whatever my cost is gonna be (duh) plus a little bit extra for my time. Plus shipping (again, duh), unless you live close to me (which I doubt, but hey if you do, I'm not opposed to delivering it personally). For those abroad, there may or may not be a customs fee when I ship it to you. You will be responsible for checking the laws in your country regarding this, and I can't pay this cost. I do know that there is a way to avoid customs fees, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. If anyone could tell me, I'd be very grateful. The average going rate for a PC (this is my cost, not yours) is generally between $500 and $600. I've done as low as $350 and the PC that I spec'd out for Shade is running at $1500. I've also recently spec'd one up for Raven for around $2,400. Depending on what you need and how much you have to spend, I can get you pretty much anything you'd like.

For replies, this is what I expect. If you want me to spec you something, please, by all means ask. If you're really serious about having a nice, custom built machine, please ask. If you just want me to spec something up but aren't going to pursue it, please don't waste my time or yours.

Now for the two topics no one wants to discuss: Money and warranty.

Money:

I'm poor. Just got married and we're barely living from paycheck to paycheck. So, until further notice, I'll need the money to purchase your system up front, since I'll need that money to make the purchase. If this bothers you, I'm sorry. I know that trust on the internet is hard to come by, but I'm a man of my word. If that doesn't cut it for you, I have no issues with drawing up a contract. It won't be much, but you can sue me with it if I take your money and run.

Warranty:

Obviously, I'm not a company. I'm a person. This shouldn't have to be said, but hey, I work retail and I see some very interesting characters at work that seem to think that because they bought their printer/computer/whatever from our store 6 months ago that we should have to fix it. I chuckle on the inside. But back on topic. Every part that goes into your desktop has some kind of manufacturers warranty with it. Their warranties are usually pretty solid, so if you have an issue, you can contact them directly. I'll probably send over the barcode labels of all the packaging so you have a proof of purchase. Also, if you do have any major issues, you can ship it back to me for repair, obviously at your cost for the shipping (both ways), parts and labor. But that's another matter that I'll deal with on a case by case basis.

What it comes with:

I had to have a huge change in policy here, both for my protection and yours. There are now four ways that I can give you your computer.

1: As per my previous policy, I can include either XP Professional or Vista Ultimate on your machine. These are not genuine copies of the OS. So request at your own risk. If you'd like to use them, you can request this, and I give these out free of charge, but you will not be able to receive any support from Microsoft, since the copy is not genuine. In simple terms, these copies are registered using hacked keys, so use at your own risk

2: I can include in the cost of your purchase a System Builders cd. This cd is much cheaper than buying the "real" version of Windows, but it is legal and genuine, just cheaper and for System Builders. What does this mean? It means that you can install it on one computer, and one computer only, which is why they're cheaper. If you do encounter a problem and need to reinstall the OS, you can in fact do this with this CD. So, essentially, there's almost no difference between this option and the next one, not counting cost. This option includes the installation of your OS, drivers, and any extra software that you'd like me to install.

3: I can include in the cost of your purchase a full version of Windows XP or Vista. With both this option and #2, the cost of your computer includes the installation of your OS and drivers, as well as troubleshooting and testing to make sure that your machine works before I send it to you. These copies are genuine and can be installed on your computer as many times as you'd like them to be. I'll include the cd in the shipment, along with the driver cd's for installation.

4: I can ship you the comptuer and nothing more. This system will come fully built and tested using my own copy of Windows XP or Vista, whichever one you're planning on installing on the computer once you get it, but the hard drive will be wiped clean. I do this to make sure that your system works as advertised.

Requests:

The real meat of this topic. If you want to request a computer, keep in mind the following things:

1: I need to know which chipset you prefer, AMD or Intel. If you don't specify, I'm going to assume AMD, since, as I said before, they're cheaper and faster.
2: Graphics card: I need to know what you'd be using your computer for; photo editing, gaming (and what kind of gaming), video editing, sitting back and playing some Solitaire, etc. Also, which chipset you prefer: ATI or NVidia. If nothing is specified, I'll use the NVidia chipset, because while they are a touch more expensive, I've had better luck with them
3: Hard Drive: how big do you need?
4: Any special connections you need (Firewire, S-Video, HDMI, etc.)
5: Case: The big one. What kind of case do you want? Do you want glowy LED's? Simple case? Colorful? Etc.
6: Wireless. The big one, and the thing most often forgotten in a computer setup. Do you want a built in wireless card. They're not that expensive, but it's kind of a pain if you forget about it.

In your request, put in anything else you think I should know. Also, put in any software that you'd like to have put on it. I don't have access to everything, so remember that. Also, remember to put down if you need anything else besides the computer, like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, game controller, fan controllers, speaker systems, software, etc.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Have fun and happy posting!

Wild-Roze · 10-09-2008

i do KINDA want one... my desktop atm is just the bogstandard computer. I mean... i only have a few PC games, black & white 2, the sims, and spore. I guess mine works ok right now. I dunno... But i will defo keep you in mind! :)

**Ivan** · 10-09-2008

$500-600 for custom built computers is kind of low, man.

Xandor Tik'Roth · 10-10-2008

I try to get people what they need for less. It's the way of the market. Hell, the computer I'm getting after I'm selling mine comes out at $650, and it'll probably play Crisis, among other things. Even the computer that I've got now, I paid $1,100 for it, and that was way too much money. I spent a lot more on parts than I needed to. Coulda got something way better and still saved 2-300 dollars.

Anyway, the long and short of it is that I can make a better computer than what is sold in retail stores and I charge less than they will, due to several factors. There have been a lot of people who have been pleased with my builds and think that they're solid, including Shade and my dad (who's been in the computer business for 20+ years).

Roze: I can probably get you something that you'd like for around $600, give or take. Let me know if you want me to spec you something.

**Ivan** · 10-10-2008

I'm just saying, you might want to raise your prices even a little. Giving people good deals is all fine and dandy, but people are still going to be in need of computers, regardless if you're giving them a good deal.

Plus, extra money? Hell yes.

Xandor Tik'Roth · 10-11-2008

Ooohhh... Sorry, Hal... I thought you were being insulting. My bad.

Yeah, I know I should raise my prices, but I feel that for right now, at least, this is fair. I'm not doing it all that much, thus I've got more free time on my hands. I feel like if I can give you a better deal than what you'd get at a store, then everybody wins (except for the store, of course).

So you gonna buy one, Hal?

Xandor Tik'Roth · 10-16-2008

Anyone? Anyone at all?

**Manic** · 10-16-2008

If I had the money, I'd probably invest in one. Assuming this topic is still around by the time I do have a plentiful and steady cashflow, I'll probably hit you up.

Question. What's the most RAM you could cram into a XP Pro setup? I read somewhere that 4GB is usually the limit, but that Vista's 8GB limit could be utilized through XP somehow.

**Masked_Felix** · 10-16-2008

I believe the ram limit has to do with the processor bit type of the operating system. 32 bit going up to 4 GB, and 64 bit being able to handle up to 8 GB.

Devilz · 10-16-2008

Any 32-bit system is 4GB, 64-bit is 16EB.

You won't get to use the full 4GB on 32-bit though, some of it will be used for the OS.

Xandor Tik'Roth · 10-17-2008

Manic: XP Pro can only handle 3.25 GB of RAM. I've seen rare cases where it can handle more, but I've never been able to figure out how that works or what it's dependent on. I'm not sure where you read that you can utilize Vista's 8 gig limit through XP, since they're two different operating systems.

There are actually a few people that are planning on hitting me up for a computer sometime in the future. The big system I'm designing for Shade isn't gonna be for another year or two. Pyro's also got plans to purchase something from me in a year once he gets more money seperate from his college fund (I think). You can also PM me or contact me via MSN or AIM. Or email. Whichever. Can you give me an idea of what you're wanting?

Devilz and Felix: Actually, I think it's 16-bit OS that can do 4 GB (theoretically). 32-bit can do 8 GB and 64-bit can do 16 GB. Most users running Windows XP aren't running the 32-bit version. That's part of the reason why Vista takes up so much of your systems resources and has issues with running old software. Besides, I'm running a 32-bit processor and my computer only recognizes 3.25 of the 4 gigs of RAM that I've got in the machine.

Devilz · 10-17-2008

2^32 = 4,294,967,296B = 4,194,304KB = 4,096MB = 4GB

2^64 = 18,446,744,073,709,551,616B = 18,014,398,509,481,984KB = 17,592,186,044,416MB = 17,179,869,184GB = 16,777,216TB = 16,384PB = 16EB

Mostly people are running 32-bit XP, but there's 64 bit available too (that would be able to go over 4gb mem.)

Your processor only recognizes 3.25gb because the 4gb limit also takes into account of your graphics card and OS.

Hawkesy · 10-17-2008

Wow, You seem to be giving some amazing deals, and if i had the money hell i'd buy one, but shipping how much will it cost to ship Shade's? (im asking because theres a 15 miles difference between us) and how good could you make the PC if i shelled out $2000, roughly £1000?

Xandor Tik'Roth · 10-20-2008

o_O;

Hawkesy: Dude, if you give me $2000, I can make a computer that would rival Shade's. The one I'm getting for her includes a printer, tablet and some other stuff... Kinda depends on what you want. I can get you almost anything for that amount of money, though. I'm not sure about the going rates for shipping on desktops (depends too much on the weight of the case), but I do know that I'm shipping out a laptop for her that's gonna cost me right around $45. So I can't imagine it'll be terribly expensive. Unless, of course, you want me to mod your case to have rocks in it. Which I can't say I recommend. Oh, also, a thought. With yours, I can finally experiment with a cooling system of some kind (which you might want, considering the specs that I'm already thinking of throwing in the thing (the least of which is that new video card from nVidia, the 1 GB one... oh yes... very sexy)). Anyway, when do you think you'll get the money for this? (I.E. should I spec you something now?)

Devilz: Huh. Never knew that. Thanks for the clarification, though. Brings up the question though: if both XP and Vista are running a 32 bit operating system, why does Vista have so many issues with backwards compatibility?

10-08-2008	#1 (permalink)
Xandor Tik'Roth (16) Master of Kaio-ken Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Edge of the Abyss Posts: 546 Rep Power: 46	Need a custom computer built? Alright, so Punxx and Ace gave me the go-ahead to create this topic, so here I am. For a while now, I've been trying to get this off the ground, and I figure with more than 10,000 members, this seems like a pretty good place to start. For right now, I'm trying to do a bit of a side thing in my spare time to build custom desktops for people. I've built myself one already, and I've spec'd out two computers for Shade (I'm sure most of you remember her). Send her an email or something. She has good things to say about me ^_^ Anyway, so here's the deal. I can design almost any system to fit almost any need. I usually design gaming machines, but I've done a few that are home use. About the only thing that I haven't learned how to do yet is custom case modding and water cooling. I like working with AMD chipsets, since they're usually much cheaper and faster than Intel (please, for the love of God, no Intel vs. AMD arguments). Pricing: As far as pricing goes, I'm very reasonable about it. I live in Oregon, and I'll ship anywhere, including international. Your cost is whatever my cost is gonna be (duh) plus a little bit extra for my time. Plus shipping (again, duh), unless you live close to me (which I doubt, but hey if you do, I'm not opposed to delivering it personally). For those abroad, there may or may not be a customs fee when I ship it to you. You will be responsible for checking the laws in your country regarding this, and I can't pay this cost. I do know that there is a way to avoid customs fees, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. If anyone could tell me, I'd be very grateful. The average going rate for a PC (this is my cost, not yours) is generally between $500 and $600. I've done as low as $350 and the PC that I spec'd out for Shade is running at $1500. I've also recently spec'd one up for Raven for around $2,400. Depending on what you need and how much you have to spend, I can get you pretty much anything you'd like. For replies, this is what I expect. If you want me to spec you something, please, by all means ask. If you're really serious about having a nice, custom built machine, please ask. If you just want me to spec something up but aren't going to pursue it, please don't waste my time or yours. Now for the two topics no one wants to discuss: Money and warranty. Money: I'm poor. Just got married and we're barely living from paycheck to paycheck. So, until further notice, I'll need the money to purchase your system up front, since I'll need that money to make the purchase. If this bothers you, I'm sorry. I know that trust on the internet is hard to come by, but I'm a man of my word. If that doesn't cut it for you, I have no issues with drawing up a contract. It won't be much, but you can sue me with it if I take your money and run. Warranty: Obviously, I'm not a company. I'm a person. This shouldn't have to be said, but hey, I work retail and I see some very interesting characters at work that seem to think that because they bought their printer/computer/whatever from our store 6 months ago that we should have to fix it. I chuckle on the inside. But back on topic. Every part that goes into your desktop has some kind of manufacturers warranty with it. Their warranties are usually pretty solid, so if you have an issue, you can contact them directly. I'll probably send over the barcode labels of all the packaging so you have a proof of purchase. Also, if you do have any major issues, you can ship it back to me for repair, obviously at your cost for the shipping (both ways), parts and labor. But that's another matter that I'll deal with on a case by case basis. What it comes with: I had to have a huge change in policy here, both for my protection and yours. There are now four ways that I can give you your computer. 1: As per my previous policy, I can include either XP Professional or Vista Ultimate on your machine. These are not genuine copies of the OS. So request at your own risk. If you'd like to use them, you can request this, and I give these out free of charge, but you will not be able to receive any support from Microsoft, since the copy is not genuine. In simple terms, these copies are registered using hacked keys, so use at your own risk 2: I can include in the cost of your purchase a System Builders cd. This cd is much cheaper than buying the "real" version of Windows, but it is legal and genuine, just cheaper and for System Builders. What does this mean? It means that you can install it on one computer, and one computer only, which is why they're cheaper. If you do encounter a problem and need to reinstall the OS, you can in fact do this with this CD. So, essentially, there's almost no difference between this option and the next one, not counting cost. This option includes the installation of your OS, drivers, and any extra software that you'd like me to install. 3: I can include in the cost of your purchase a full version of Windows XP or Vista. With both this option and #2, the cost of your computer includes the installation of your OS and drivers, as well as troubleshooting and testing to make sure that your machine works before I send it to you. These copies are genuine and can be installed on your computer as many times as you'd like them to be. I'll include the cd in the shipment, along with the driver cd's for installation. 4: I can ship you the comptuer and nothing more. This system will come fully built and tested using my own copy of Windows XP or Vista, whichever one you're planning on installing on the computer once you get it, but the hard drive will be wiped clean. I do this to make sure that your system works as advertised. Requests: The real meat of this topic. If you want to request a computer, keep in mind the following things: 1: I need to know which chipset you prefer, AMD or Intel. If you don't specify, I'm going to assume AMD, since, as I said before, they're cheaper and faster. 2: Graphics card: I need to know what you'd be using your computer for; photo editing, gaming (and what kind of gaming), video editing, sitting back and playing some Solitaire, etc. Also, which chipset you prefer: ATI or NVidia. If nothing is specified, I'll use the NVidia chipset, because while they are a touch more expensive, I've had better luck with them 3: Hard Drive: how big do you need? 4: Any special connections you need (Firewire, S-Video, HDMI, etc.) 5: Case: The big one. What kind of case do you want? Do you want glowy LED's? Simple case? Colorful? Etc. 6: Wireless. The big one, and the thing most often forgotten in a computer setup. Do you want a built in wireless card. They're not that expensive, but it's kind of a pain if you forget about it. In your request, put in anything else you think I should know. Also, put in any software that you'd like to have put on it. I don't have access to everything, so remember that. Also, remember to put down if you need anything else besides the computer, like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, game controller, fan controllers, speaker systems, software, etc. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Have fun and happy posting! __________________ A novel is just a collection of words inked on a page, bound together in a aesthetically pleasing fashion. The author puts the words that are inked on the page together in a way that makes sense, but it is the reader that gives those words meaning. Need a computer built? Visit my thread! Last edited by Xandor Tik'Roth; 4 Days Ago at 04:40 AM. Reason: Adjusted pricing

10-09-2008	#2 (permalink)
Wild-Roze (23) Final Warrior Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: South Coast, UK Posts: 2,332 Rep Power: 18	Re: Need a custom computer built? i do KINDA want one... my desktop atm is just the bogstandard computer. I mean... i only have a few PC games, black & white 2, the sims, and spore. I guess mine works ok right now. I dunno... But i will defo keep you in mind! :) __________________

10-09-2008	#3 (permalink)
Ivan Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Halcyon Posts: 3,286 Rep Power: 132	Re: Need a custom computer built? $500-600 for custom built computers is kind of low, man.

10-10-2008	#4 (permalink)
Xandor Tik'Roth (16) Master of Kaio-ken Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Edge of the Abyss Posts: 546 Rep Power: 46	Re: Need a custom computer built? I try to get people what they need for less. It's the way of the market. Hell, the computer I'm getting after I'm selling mine comes out at $650, and it'll probably play Crisis, among other things. Even the computer that I've got now, I paid $1,100 for it, and that was way too much money. I spent a lot more on parts than I needed to. Coulda got something way better and still saved 2-300 dollars. Anyway, the long and short of it is that I can make a better computer than what is sold in retail stores and I charge less than they will, due to several factors. There have been a lot of people who have been pleased with my builds and think that they're solid, including Shade and my dad (who's been in the computer business for 20+ years). Roze: I can probably get you something that you'd like for around $600, give or take. Let me know if you want me to spec you something. __________________ A novel is just a collection of words inked on a page, bound together in a aesthetically pleasing fashion. The author puts the words that are inked on the page together in a way that makes sense, but it is the reader that gives those words meaning. Need a computer built? Visit my thread!

10-10-2008	#5 (permalink)
Ivan Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Halcyon Posts: 3,286 Rep Power: 132	Re: Need a custom computer built? I'm just saying, you might want to raise your prices even a little. Giving people good deals is all fine and dandy, but people are still going to be in need of computers, regardless if you're giving them a good deal. Plus, extra money? Hell yes.

10-11-2008	#6 (permalink)
Xandor Tik'Roth (16) Master of Kaio-ken Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Edge of the Abyss Posts: 546 Rep Power: 46	Re: Need a custom computer built? Ooohhh... Sorry, Hal... I thought you were being insulting. My bad. Yeah, I know I should raise my prices, but I feel that for right now, at least, this is fair. I'm not doing it all that much, thus I've got more free time on my hands. I feel like if I can give you a better deal than what you'd get at a store, then everybody wins (except for the store, of course). So you gonna buy one, Hal? __________________ A novel is just a collection of words inked on a page, bound together in a aesthetically pleasing fashion. The author puts the words that are inked on the page together in a way that makes sense, but it is the reader that gives those words meaning. Need a computer built? Visit my thread!

10-16-2008	#7 (permalink)
Xandor Tik'Roth (16) Master of Kaio-ken Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Edge of the Abyss Posts: 546 Rep Power: 46	Re: Need a custom computer built? Anyone? Anyone at all? __________________ A novel is just a collection of words inked on a page, bound together in a aesthetically pleasing fashion. The author puts the words that are inked on the page together in a way that makes sense, but it is the reader that gives those words meaning. Need a computer built? Visit my thread!

10-16-2008	#8 (permalink)
Manic Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Georgia, US Posts: 2,049 Rep Power: 200	Re: Need a custom computer built? If I had the money, I'd probably invest in one. Assuming this topic is still around by the time I do have a plentiful and steady cashflow, I'll probably hit you up. Question. What's the most RAM you could cram into a XP Pro setup? I read somewhere that 4GB is usually the limit, but that Vista's 8GB limit could be utilized through XP somehow. __________________ Psst. I make music. You should totally check it out.

10-16-2008	#9 (permalink)
Masked_Felix Moderator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Randland Posts: 4,112 Rep Power: 112	Re: Need a custom computer built? I believe the ram limit has to do with the processor bit type of the operating system. 32 bit going up to 4 GB, and 64 bit being able to handle up to 8 GB. __________________

10-17-2008	#11 (permalink)
Xandor Tik'Roth (16) Master of Kaio-ken Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Edge of the Abyss Posts: 546 Rep Power: 46	Re: Need a custom computer built? Manic: XP Pro can only handle 3.25 GB of RAM. I've seen rare cases where it can handle more, but I've never been able to figure out how that works or what it's dependent on. I'm not sure where you read that you can utilize Vista's 8 gig limit through XP, since they're two different operating systems. There are actually a few people that are planning on hitting me up for a computer sometime in the future. The big system I'm designing for Shade isn't gonna be for another year or two. Pyro's also got plans to purchase something from me in a year once he gets more money seperate from his college fund (I think). You can also PM me or contact me via MSN or AIM. Or email. Whichever. Can you give me an idea of what you're wanting? Devilz and Felix: Actually, I think it's 16-bit OS that can do 4 GB (theoretically). 32-bit can do 8 GB and 64-bit can do 16 GB. Most users running Windows XP aren't running the 32-bit version. That's part of the reason why Vista takes up so much of your systems resources and has issues with running old software. Besides, I'm running a 32-bit processor and my computer only recognizes 3.25 of the 4 gigs of RAM that I've got in the machine. __________________ A novel is just a collection of words inked on a page, bound together in a aesthetically pleasing fashion. The author puts the words that are inked on the page together in a way that makes sense, but it is the reader that gives those words meaning. Need a computer built? Visit my thread!

10-17-2008	#13 (permalink)
Hawkesy Bleach Ranked (19) Privaron Espada Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: At The Mountains Of Madness Posts: 1,040 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 62	Re: Need a custom computer built? Wow, You seem to be giving some amazing deals, and if i had the money hell i'd buy one, but shipping how much will it cost to ship Shade's? (im asking because theres a 15 miles difference between us) and how good could you make the PC if i shelled out $2000, roughly £1000? __________________ Need a sig or avatar? then fly past my shop http://anime.myfavoritegames.com/cre...est-place.html

10-20-2008	#14 (permalink)
Xandor Tik'Roth (16) Master of Kaio-ken Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Edge of the Abyss Posts: 546 Rep Power: 46	Re: Need a custom computer built? o_O; Hawkesy: Dude, if you give me $2000, I can make a computer that would rival Shade's. The one I'm getting for her includes a printer, tablet and some other stuff... Kinda depends on what you want. I can get you almost anything for that amount of money, though. I'm not sure about the going rates for shipping on desktops (depends too much on the weight of the case), but I do know that I'm shipping out a laptop for her that's gonna cost me right around $45. So I can't imagine it'll be terribly expensive. Unless, of course, you want me to mod your case to have rocks in it. Which I can't say I recommend. Oh, also, a thought. With yours, I can finally experiment with a cooling system of some kind (which you might want, considering the specs that I'm already thinking of throwing in the thing (the least of which is that new video card from nVidia, the 1 GB one... oh yes... very sexy)). Anyway, when do you think you'll get the money for this? (I.E. should I spec you something now?) Devilz: Huh. Never knew that. Thanks for the clarification, though. Brings up the question though: if both XP and Vista are running a 32 bit operating system, why does Vista have so many issues with backwards compatibility? __________________ A novel is just a collection of words inked on a page, bound together in a aesthetically pleasing fashion. The author puts the words that are inked on the page together in a way that makes sense, but it is the reader that gives those words meaning. Need a computer built? Visit my thread!

10-20-2008	#15 (permalink)
Hawkesy Bleach Ranked (19) Privaron Espada Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: At The Mountains Of Madness Posts: 1,040 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 62