Computer repair/upgrade services in Galway city?

.TCF Ultra

Hi,

I've recently ordered a new graphics card for my PC and will likely be ordering a new power supply unit to accommodate it. However I'm not the most informed about the hardware side of things and don't feel confident installing such hardware myself. Are there any stores/services in Galway that can either install such upgrades either in-store or on a call-out basis? I'd rather not use PC World due to past experiences, and despite having seen numerous independent repair/upgrade shops around I wouldn't know which to contact, any advice/reccommendation you may have would be very much appreciated!

jkforde

PCGP.ie? try a few past recommendations: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055766307&page=4

beardybrewer

There's a good one in the salthill aquarium next to arbica and the gift shop.

ScumLord

You should really have a go yourself, the manufacturers of these things have made great efforts to make it as simple as possible, the plugs are all different sizes so you can't put the wrong one in the wrong place. There are tons of guides and the only thing you really have to look out for is static which you can get rid of by touching a radiator.

You could practice on your machine as is. Take out the components your replacing and then put them back in as a dry run to see how it's all connected.

.TCF Ultra

Thanks for the input, I contacted PCGP to see if I could arrange a quote for the combined installation of both, still need to get a better idea of what wattage PSU to order and so on. I'll open the case later just to orient myself and read up some more. In the meantime, if any aspiring PC techies in the Galway city centre/Newcastle area would like to earn some cash for what is apparently simple work, feel free to post or PM if you see this!

biko

Moved to Computers so you'll get the attention of the experts. Some will be based in Galway

There are places around town that can help out, like Electronic Partners on Eglington Street. But, tbh, give it a go yourself. It's easier than you think.
If you like and I have time we can look at it together but you should be able to do it yourself and it's also the best way to learn.

As Scumlord says, just make sure you're grounded during the job and you won't electrocute anything.
Either a Electro Static Discharge bracelet or just by touching the chassis with the other hand while working.

.TCF Ultra

Thanks biko, do any of you guys know enough to recommend a PSU? 350 seems on the low side, and the graphics card is fairly high-end so I don't want to put it to waste/underpower it.

biko

Can you provide the model and specs of the computer? What is the spec of the current* PSU?


* pun intended.

.TCF Ultra

Sure, here's what I know, if you need to know anything else just ask and I'll try check

6GB DDR3 RAM
i7 processor
350w PSU
nVidia GTS240 1GB (being replaced by nVidia GTX670)

So the PSU seems like the only weak link, I see 600w ones on komplett etc for 80 to 100 bucks, any special concerns in choosing one?

& it's a Dell XPS 8100, got it in 2010

edit: opened up my case, no way can I do that myself haha

biko

There's a pretty good giude here with pics
http://www.build-your-own-computer.net/installing-a-power-supply.html

Tips on choosing PSU
http://en.kioskea.net/faq/588-choosing-the-right-power-supply-for-your-computer

.TCF Ultra

This is the PSU I'm looking at at the moment, seems good in terms of futureproofing and is probably a little more powerful than what I'd "need" to power my gfx upgrade, thoughts?

http://www.dabs.ie/products/xfx-650-watt-core-edition-full-wired-power-supply-7NSX.html?src=3

RUCKING FETARD

.TCF Ultra

Yeah not to over-rate my clumsiness but I genuinely do not want to mess up installing 500 quids worth of hardware due to my own incompetence with such lark!

beardybrewer

.TCF Ultra wrote: »

Thanks biko, do any of you guys know enough to recommend a PSU? 350 seems on the low side, and the graphics card is fairly high-end so I don't want to put it to waste/underpower it.

I just went through this process and can make a recommendation. From what I saw Cosair and Silverstone were the best PSUs out there. Cosair is a little less expensive but uses the same high quality components of the Silverstone. If you build your own PC like me, keep in mind a PSU (power supply) may last you several machines. My last one lasted 8 years until I got a graphics card it couldn't support. So, you might justify the expense of getting a good one as it will probably last you a long time.

With all that in mind I would recommend the Cosair TX650.

Eboggles

.TCF Ultra wrote: »

This is the PSU I'm looking at at the moment, seems good in terms of futureproofing and is probably a little more powerful than what I'd "need" to power my gfx upgrade, thoughts?

http://www.dabs.ie/products/xfx-650-watt-core-edition-full-wired-power-supply-7NSX.html?src=3

That's a great PSU, go with that. You should also really consider installing the components yourself. You'll be much more confident in the future when dealing with your hardware and it's a great skill to have, also saves a lot of money when you consider that some cowboys can charge a ton of money for services like that.

ScumLord

.TCF Ultra wrote: »

Yeah not to over-rate my clumsiness but I genuinely do not want to mess up installing 500 quids worth of hardware due to my own incompetence with such lark!

But that's what makes it so exciting.