Is it really too problematic to have Hardware Versand assemble a PC and ship it?

Occono · 15-08-2014 4:32pm #1

Yeah, yeah, it's "just like Lego". Well I didn't play with Lego as a kid and I'm not handy whatsoever. :P Also my house is terrible for assembling something in....

Could serious damage happen in transit, or just something that would require opening it up and repositioning? (Yes, I'd still prefer this to assembling it from the start. I'd be more amenable to upgrading once I've got the foundation set up.)

I was looking at PC Specialist first but HWVS seem cheaper.

TheBandicoot · 15-08-2014 4:44pm

I only have one experience of using HWVS to build, and I have zero complaints. The thing booted straight out of the box. I have heard though they won't install things like CPU coolers though(as in 'aftermarket ones', they installed my stock intel one just fine) so you might still have to get your hands dirty.

In terms of shipping, as far as I remember they put the case with all the components inside back into its own box, put left over screw/cables etc into the motherboard box, and then put both those boxes into a very large shipping box with a boatload of bubble wrap, seems damage would be fairly unlikely. The quality of the job seemed standard enough, they didn't use any of the cable routing features of the case though - basically they just plug everything in and then tie off any excess, it is not a 'premium' job, it's just about getting your stuff into the case, checking it boots, then getting it dispatched asap.

I was in your boat too, now that I have done plenty of upgrades to the machine myself since I've had it, I am more confident in building something, but at the time it was nice to get HWS make the base for me.

My personal recommendation is to just go for it, the price is well worth saving yourself some hassle if it is just a standard enough build.
This was a while back(2011), so maybe things have changed.

While we're on the topic, do they do partial builds? So say if I order just a case and a motherboard and the dummy build item, would they just install the motherboard into the case and send that off?

Occono · 15-08-2014 5:32pm

TheBandicoot wrote: »

I only have one experience of using HWVS to build, and I have zero complaints. The thing booted straight out of the box. I have heard though they won't install things like CPU coolers though(as in 'aftermarket ones', they installed my stock intel one just fine) so you might still have to get your hands dirty.

In terms of shipping, as far as I remember they put the case with all the components inside back into its own box, put left over screw/cables etc into the motherboard box, and then put both those boxes into a very large shipping box with a boatload of bubble wrap, seems damage would be fairly unlikely. The quality of the job seemed standard enough, they didn't use any of the cable routing features of the case though - basically they just plug everything in and then tie off any excess, it is not a 'premium' job, it's just about getting your stuff into the case, checking it boots, then getting it dispatched asap.

I was in your boat too, now that I have done plenty of upgrades to the machine myself since I've had it, I am more confident in building something, but at the time it was nice to get HWS make the base for me.

My personal recommendation is to just go for it, the price is well worth saving yourself some hassle if it is just a standard enough build.
This was a while back(2011), so maybe things have changed.

While we're on the topic, do they do partial builds? So say if I order just a case and a motherboard and the dummy build item, would they just install the motherboard into the case and send that off?

I won't be overclocking or anything fancy, upgrading from a laptop, so that sounds alright. I'll post a build soon then.

shamelessidiot · 15-08-2014 9:38pm

Occono wrote: »

Yeah, yeah, it's "just like Lego". Well I didn't play with Lego as a kid and I'm not handy whatsoever. :P Also my house is terrible for assembling something in....

Could serious damage happen in transit, or just something that would require opening it up and repositioning? (Yes, I'd still prefer this to assembling it from the start. I'd be more amenable to upgrading once I've got the foundation set up.)

I was looking at PC Specialist first but HWVS seem cheaper.

Either could happen and it wouldn't be that surprising, although it wouldn't be your problem as HWVS are the ones who have the contract with the courier. I'm sure they would replace any broken parts if it were to happen. It is pretty easy to do, but some parts can be quite tricky the first time and you could potentially bend CPU pins, short the motherboard or similar if you build it yourself.

srsly78 · 15-08-2014 10:49pm

It's worth paying them the e15/e20 or whatever to do the donkey work. You might be lucky and it might work perfectly, however count on having to open it up and recheck everything yourself.

EoinHef · 15-08-2014 11:37pm

If they do build it and it goes wrong though do expect headaches and a long wait to get anything done about it. There after sales support is pretty bad,most people end up having to ring up and hope someone in their office at the time speaks english as they can be terribly slow to respond to emails.

Not saying this is always the case but its common enough that i think people should know if there going to get it built by them

TerrorFirmer · 16-08-2014 12:15am

You should be fine. Just get the stock cooler installed, and if you want, install a 3rd party one down the line. 90% of the time it's a large cooler that causes any potential problems in transit.

Occono · 16-08-2014 12:21am

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

You should be fine. Just get the stock cooler installed, and if you want, install a 3rd party one down the line. 90% of the time it's a large cooler that causes any potential problems in transit.

I won't overclock so I don't need a non-stock one, right?

TerrorFirmer · 16-08-2014 12:34am

Occono wrote: »

I won't overclock so I don't need a non-stock one, right?

Not really. I've been using the stock intel cooler for a long time now, I actually find it fine. It's even OK for mild overclocks, and to be honest the majority of the time whatever video card I'm using at the time is as loud as it for the most part. The AMD stock cooler on the other hand is a total hit and miss, some models are OK, and some are just so incredibly poor it beggars belief.

smacl · 17-08-2014 12:37pm

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

Not really. I've been using the stock intel cooler for a long time now, I actually find it fine. It's even OK for mild overclocks, and to be honest the majority of the time whatever video card I'm using at the time is as loud as it for the most part. The AMD stock cooler on the other hand is a total hit and miss, some models are OK, and some are just so incredibly poor it beggars belief.

I found the AMD stock cooler wasn't up to the job on an 8 core system with all cores active for an hour, though this was during the warm period with higher ambient temperature. Replacing the cooler was awkward enough, involving taking out the motherboard to get at the screws behind, and gently prising off CPU attached via the dried thermal paste. IMO, much messier than anything involved in the original build which was a doddle.

tl;dr if your not happy building a PC, you won't be happy upgrading the CPU cooler later on.

Occono · 20-09-2014 11:46pm

I designed a build, how does this look?

EVGA GeForce GTX 970, 4GB GDDR5, 2x DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
€ 317.89

Intel Core i5-4460 in-a-Box
in stock
€ 156.54

Samsung SSD 840 EVO Basic 250GB SATA 6Gb / s
in stock
€ 105.60

Corsair Carbide Series 200R ATX, no power supply
in stock
€ 46.68

Corsair VS Series V650, Non-Modular, 80 +
in stock
€ 51.02

8GB Kit Crucial Ballistix Sport Series DDR3-1600, CL9
in stock
€ 62.48

Calculator - assembly
in stock
€ 29.99

Windows 8.1 64-bit (SB version)
€ 82.12

LG GH24NS bare black
€ 11.90

ASRock B85M Pro4, Socket 1150 mATX
€ 54.26

Total:
€ 918.48 (+Delivery, -Discount Code)

EoinHef · 21-09-2014 12:05am

Occono wrote: »

I designed a build, how does this look?

EVGA GeForce GTX 970, 4GB GDDR5, 2x DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
€ 317.89

Intel Core i5-4460 in-a-Box
in stock
€ 156.54

Samsung SSD 840 EVO Basic 250GB SATA 6Gb / s
in stock
€ 105.60

Corsair Carbide Series 200R ATX, no power supply
in stock
€ 46.68

Corsair VS Series V650, Non-Modular, 80 +
in stock
€ 51.02

8GB Kit Crucial Ballistix Sport Series DDR3-1600, CL9
in stock
€ 62.48

Calculator - assembly
in stock
€ 29.99

Windows 8.1 64-bit (SB version)
€ 82.12

LG GH24NS bare black
€ 11.90

ASRock B85M Pro4, Socket 1150 mATX
€ 54.26

Total:
€ 918.48 (+Delivery, -Discount Code)

Looks good bar the motherboard,its mATX not ATX. So unless that was intentional id change it to the ATX version.

Could also save on the power supply. With an Intel processor and a 970 a good quality 500W supply should be fine. Especially as you wont be overclocking the processor. Although the price for the 650W unit you have in there at a glance is good so no harm really. Nice build

Occono · 21-09-2014 12:15am

EoinHef wrote: »

Looks good bar the motherboard,its mATX not ATX. So unless that was intentional id change it to the ATX version.

I don't know the difference.

EoinHef · 21-09-2014 1:08am

Occono wrote: »

I don't know the difference.

Just size really,mATX would be a smaller form factor for a compact case,saving you a bit of room. ATX is a larger motherboard. ATX will usually have more features than a mATX board as room is not as limited by board size.

The mATX board should work fine but i would change it to this,its the same board but ATX. And you should be good to go

http://www.hardwareversand.de/en/DDR3/79856/ASRock+B85+Pro4%2C+Sockel+1150%2C+ATX.article

Also have you used geizhals.de? Discount site.

Occono · 21-09-2014 1:46pm

Corsair Builder Serie CX600 V3 Non-Modular 80+ Bronze, 600 Watt
57,90 €
Rechner - Zusammenbau
29,99 €
Windows 8.1 64Bit Eng Intl (SB-Version) DVD
82,72 €
LG GH24NS bare schwarz
11,90 €
ASRock H97 Anniversary, Sockel 1150, ATX
69,21 €
Intel Core i5-4590 in-a-Box
172,21 €
8GB-Kit Crucial Ballistix Sport Series DDR3-1600, CL9
62,48 €
Corsair Carbide Series 200R, ATX, ohne Netzteil
46,68 €
EVGA GeForce GTX 970, 4GB GDDR5, 2x DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
317,89 €
Crucial MX100 SSD 256GB (2,5", 7mm)
90,72 €
Total:
941,70 €

How about that?

EoinHef · 21-09-2014 6:59pm

Personally id stick with the ASRock pro 4 H97 for the extra €5 if you would rather go with the Haswell refresh processor. The anniversary board board only has 1 full size pci slot and may limit upgrading down the line with say a sound card or something

The pro 4 is a good board and if you did upgrade down the line to an overclockable cpu (although there should be no need)you could get a small overclock with the h97 boards as there releasing bios update to allow some overclocking on that chipset.

So id just change the board again really,everything else looks good. The PSU go up in price?

Occono · 21-09-2014 8:21pm

EoinHef wrote: »

Personally id stick with the ASRock pro 4 H97 for the extra €5 if you would rather go with the Haswell refresh processor. The anniversary board board only has 1 full size pci slot and may limit upgrading down the line with say a sound card or something

The pro 4 is a good board and if you did upgrade down the line to an overclockable cpu (although there should be no need)you could get a small overclock with the h97 boards as there releasing bios update to allow some overclocking on that chipset.

So id just change the board again really,everything else looks good. The PSU go up in price?

OK, will update to H97.

Oh, found how to link it:
http://www.hardwareversand.de/pcconfigurator/meinpc/1178967

This is a build with a cheaper graphics card if I have to go with a lower budget:

http://www.hardwareversand.de/pcconfigurator/meinpc/1178960

EoinHef · 21-09-2014 11:27pm

There is no HDD in either build,120GB SSD will fill up very quickly with the size of games now.

If you fill this out people will be able to do up a build for you,just helps people know exactly what your looking for,add your build at the bottom.

1. What is your budget? [€xxx]

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Video editing/3D Modelling/HTPC/Internet] (If gaming include which games)

3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [Yes/No]

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard drive/DVD Drive/Case/PSU/etc.] (If possible state brand and model of the parts to ensure compatibility)

5. Do you need a monitor? [Yes/No]

5a. If yes, what size do you need. [19'/20'/22'/24'/etc.]

5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? [1920x1080/1440x900/etc.] [Yes/No]

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.]

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Yes/No]

8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser]

9. When are you purchasing? [In x days]

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [South Dublin City/Cork City/Kerry/etc.]

Occono · 21-09-2014 11:51pm

EoinHef wrote: »

There is no HDD in either build,120GB SSD will fill up very quickly with the size of games now.

If you fill this out people will be able to do up a build for you,just helps people know exactly what your looking for,add your build at the bottom.

1. What is your budget? [€xxx]

My budget has had to get bigger every time I've asked for advice.

As cheap as possible. I will save for longer if absolutely necessary.

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Video editing/3D Modelling/HTPC/Internet] (If gaming include which games)

Gaming and general internet usage. Lots of games, I have a big Steam library.

3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [Yes/No]

Yes

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard drive/DVD Drive/Case/PSU/etc.] (If possible state brand and model of the parts to ensure compatibility)

No

5. Do you need a monitor? [Yes/No]

I have a 24" Hisense HDTV, although it's not great....

5a. If yes, what size do you need. [19'/20'/22'/24'/etc.]

Whatever's cheaper.

5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? [1920x1080/1440x900/etc.] [Yes/No]
1080p

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.]

I have a non-gaming mouse. I don't have a Keyboard, Speakers, Wifi Card or Card Reader.

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Yes/No]

Is it necessary?

8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser]

Debit Card, or Bank Transfer (assuming I can, never done one before.)

9. When are you purchasing? [In x days]

Close to Christmas, I hope. Depends on circumstances.

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [South Dublin City/Cork City/Kerry/etc.]

Limerick City.

I have a 1TB drive on my laptop I use for games, I have some that are 30GB+ already. I would plan to get a HDD later, I know it's tight.

EoinHef · 22-09-2014 9:30pm

Well you could have a gaming system that will do a good job on current titles at 1080p for about €600-€650.

The builds your making there i would consider to be just above middle tier and will usually cost about €900 and upwards and really should be aimed at resolutions above 1080p so your probably overspending.

So if you decide a budget anywhere near €600 or above you will have yourself a nice gaming PC. Let us know when you decide what your comfortable spending so can do a build up for you. And if as little as possible is actually the target ill throw a build up for you tomorrow for around €600-650

Occono · 23-09-2014 12:04am

EoinHef wrote: »

Well you could have a gaming system that will do a good job on current titles at 1080p for about €600-€650.

The builds your making there i would consider to be just above middle tier and will usually cost about €900 and upwards and really should be aimed at resolutions above 1080p so your probably overspending.

So if you decide a budget anywhere near €600 or above you will have yourself a nice gaming PC. Let us know when you decide what your comfortable spending so can do a build up for you. And if as little as possible is actually the target ill throw a build up for you tomorrow for around €600-650

Eh, I don't mind spending a bit more to save later. And I'd definitely want an i5 and an SSD, so, €750 is fine.

EoinHef · 23-09-2014 4:10pm

Ok so did a build up this morning,few points on it. I included a HDD and an SSD,as im not sure what HDD setup you currently have,is the one you mentioned with the laptop an external drive? If not i would recommend leaving in the HDD.

Also included the build option in the list of components,seems to be only €10 at the moment,can anyone confirm that?

You will have too add €11.99 for delivery aswell

So the whole build including delivery would come to €822.50,i think its a nice machine for that money and does not compromise anywhere really.

So if that is a little pricey and i had to drop something it would be the SSD for now,while they really are fantastic,on a tight budget they can be hard to squeeze in so taking that out would leave you with a total of €764.36 which is a lot closer to your budget. SSD dont have any major effect on games bar maybe loading time so you will not loose out in games,there main benefit is to make general operations/certain apps of the PC much faster so for the moment i would take the hit there is you wanted the budget to be closer to €750. Also if you dont need the HDD that would be a saving of about €50 as well.

Alternatively you could drop the graphics card down to a 270X,the Gigbyte Windforce model can be got for €168 through Geizhals.de,that would bring cost including delivery down to €768.25. 270X is still a very good card for 1080p so there is a decent saving to be had there if needed.

Just a few options to think about anyway,if you were happy to save more id go for the build as is and if not you can just drop either SSD or change the GPU. Currently all parts are in stock including the 270X mentioned

Occono · 23-09-2014 8:14pm

EoinHef wrote: »

Ok so did a build up this morning,few points on it. I included a HDD and an SSD,as im not sure what HDD setup you currently have,is the one you mentioned with the laptop an external drive? If not i would recommend leaving in the HDD.

Also included the build option in the list of components,seems to be only €10 at the moment,can anyone confirm that?

You will have too add €11.99 for delivery aswell

So the whole build including delivery would come to €822.50,i think its a nice machine for that money and does not compromise anywhere really.

So if that is a little pricey and i had to drop something it would be the SSD for now,while they really are fantastic,on a tight budget they can be hard to squeeze in so taking that out would leave you with a total of €764.36 which is a lot closer to your budget. SSD dont have any major effect on games bar maybe loading time so you will not loose out in games,there main benefit is to make general operations/certain apps of the PC much faster so for the moment i would take the hit there is you wanted the budget to be closer to €750. Also if you dont need the HDD that would be a saving of about €50 as well.

Alternatively you could drop the graphics card down to a 270X,the Gigbyte Windforce model can be got for €168 through Geizhals.de,that would bring cost including delivery down to €768.25. 270X is still a very good card for 1080p so there is a decent saving to be had there if needed.

Just a few options to think about anyway,if you were happy to save more id go for the build as is and if not you can just drop either SSD or change the GPU. Currently all parts are in stock including the 270X mentioned

Is the CX600 better or worse then the VS750?

SterlingArcher · 23-09-2014 11:47pm

Occono wrote: »

Is the CX600 better or worse then the VS750?

Get the be quiet 600w instead. Better quality. Only a few euro more 64.22

Occono · 23-09-2014 11:53pm

SterlingArcher wrote: »

Get the be quiet 600w instead. Better quality. Only a few euro more 64.22

...I can't. It won't show up when trying to add it through the configurator. (I found it through geizhals, but it won't show as available when trying to add it through the configurator.)

SterlingArcher · 24-09-2014 12:10am

Pffft forget the configuration. Do your parts through Geizhals. Then add to your basket the services option pc assembly..

Also the antec one instead of the 200r case.

Services is on the left in a red box along with all the other tabs (cpu ,Gpu , PSU)
The one you are looking for inside the service tab is

Rechner - Zusammenbau(pc assembly) the price is 9.99

Occono · 24-09-2014 5:29pm

SterlingArcher wrote: »

Pffft forget the configuration. Do your parts through Geizhals. Then add to your basket the services option pc assembly..

Also the antec one instead of the 200r case.

Services is on the left in a red box along with all the other tabs (cpu ,Gpu , PSU)
The one you are looking for inside the service tab is

Rechner - Zusammenbau(pc assembly) the price is 9.99

The configurator makes Windows cheaper though.

Plus, must there not be some reason it's inapplicable to the build?

How about http://www.hardwareversand.de/en/600+-+700+Watts/113838/Cooler+Master+G+650+M.article or http://www.hardwareversand.de/en/600+-+700+Watts/47363/Thermaltake+Berlin+630W.article?pcconfAddUri=/pcconfigurator.jsp%3FpcConfigurator.pwradaptor.pwradaptor.0%3D47363%3A3005&pcconfBackUri=/pcconfselect.jsp?pcConfigurator.catid=44&pcConfigurator.maid=0&search.reset=1&search.sKey=

EoinHef · 24-09-2014 6:02pm

You dont need the configurator for this,if you select all the parts through geizhals and pop them in the basket and add the build option thats the same as.

If that build option is included they know to build it for you.

How much cheaper is it making Windows?

Didnt realise that be quiet unit was 80+ silver,nice

Occono · 24-09-2014 10:11pm

EoinHef wrote: »

You dont need the configurator for this,if you select all the parts through geizhals and pop them in the basket and add the build option thats the same as.

If that build option is included they know to build it for you.

How much cheaper is it making Windows?

Didnt realise that be quiet unit was 80+ silver,nice

Dumb question, but a PSU can't have compatibility problems can it?

The configurator version of Windows is €6 less, on second look. That's fine (though it seems like I'm never done with having to increase the cost in this build).

So it's no big difference, thanks.

RossieMan · 25-09-2014 9:03am

Christmas is 3 months away, i wouldn't be looking too much as components yet. A lot can change in that time.

Occono · 25-09-2014 4:26pm

RossieMan wrote: »

Christmas is 3 months away, i wouldn't be looking too much as components yet. A lot can change in that time.

I know, but I think it's safe to have an idea in mind, as I definitely won't be going to go for anything newer and more expensive instead. I only added the 970 as it sounds like such a good deal.

One other thing about not using the configurator: I have to add a DVD drive too, in order to install Windows.

Whatever now, I'll wait until I'm ready to bite the bullet before I get any final advice. :P

Is it really too problematic to have Hardware Versand assemble a PC and ship it?

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