PC advice ~

[David Nimrod]

I need a PC (I only use Macs, this'll be for the kids school work), and I want to configure it myself...

I came across this site Build your Box

Anyone know if they're OK, or have an alternative suggestion...

 

[mherkin]

Dell Outlet. Cheap as. If the kids are going to play games on it by the best graphics card you can.

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

I need a PC (I only use Macs, this'll be for the kids school work), and I want to configure it myself...

I came across this site Build your Box

Anyone know if they're OK, or have an alternative suggestion...

This one's interesting. Set your budget first and then look for the best deal you can find. As rico implied it can be better to buy from an established supplier and use what you get. If you find it becomes inadaquate in the future look for processor and memory upgrades as you need them.

Do look into what upgrades the motherboard is capable of before you buy if you find you have to provide more performance at a later date.
Overall, if the kids run out of performance, sell their machine on here to someone who doesn't need super whizzy speed and put the money towards their upgrade.
I reckon most of us here only want standard operations and those who need speed will sort themselves out.

Dual core should suffice for kids school work but quad core and high speed GFX card with upto 1GB of memory should do for the gaming. This is dependant upon what monitor is being used, i.e. HD, and the refresh rate required. Don't be sold to big numbers of speed and memory: It's a matter of blending the configuration to your requirements.

Good luck: You'll need it, or a thick text book to work it out. Alternatively take the kids to PC World for a demo session.

 

[wessie]

Why bother building your own?

You'll never be able to get as much bang for your buck compared to Dell or Acer for a machine for kids to use for general surfing & occasional "school research". If they play games get an Xbox. The likes of Dell can buy the components for peanuts, test them as a package and give you a guarantee. Spend £3-400 on a package now and then spend about the same in 2-3 years time once the system becomes unstable or incapable of running the latest software. Use the older machine as a back-up or a starter machine for a younger child.

The only people that might benefit from a customised package are those wanting high end gaming machines or a machine for a hostile environment.

 

[David Nimrod]

Why bother building your own?

I meant 'configure' rather than build, but I see your point...

or a machine for a hostile environment.

Have you been to my house