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#11
My usual go-to places are Amazon and B&H Photo. I've also gotten parts in the past from Newegg and Staples. I bought my latest part, a data center SSD, from TigerDirect.
My usual go-to places are Amazon and B&H Photo. I've also gotten parts in the past from Newegg and Staples. I bought my latest part, a data center SSD, from TigerDirect.
Newegg Microcenter
I would post the add that prompted me to upgrade to 13th gen but will refrain......due to forum rules
I choose some configurations I like online, print them out, and then bring them to the nearest large computer store with technicians. Then I strike a deal with the shop owner, offering to buy everything from his store in exchange for building the rig. If there's an additional cost for labor and it's low enough, I'll accept it as long as all warranties are honored, and I can bring the PC back to them in case there are any defects, etc.
From there, they go over the configurations, make a few adjustments to avoid any incompatibilities, etc., then build the machine. If the store is not far away, then it's not difficult for me to bring it back for any replacements, repairs, and upgrades.
In general, I noted the ff.
1. Midline CPU, graphics card, and motherboard, especially if there's a nice promo and the higher-ed ones are too costly compared to performance; also, more than enough from the power supply to handle even upgrades, and which should be of good quality;
2. Enough space and lots for upgrades, such as additional drives, more memory, or a new graphics card;
3. A casing with lots of space to keep the system cool and clean, makes it easier to remove and replace parts, more than enough USB slots above, in front, and at the back, enough grids for fans (and even things like removable magnetic filters outside grids) and all-in-one maintenance-free cooling systems for those in the tropics; and
4. SSD for the OS, apps, and data, and at least one hard drive for anything else.