can anyone recommend a reputable PC shop that does custom build computers?

am looking for one to replace my aging XPS8910.

what budget and spec you want? for work or gaming or both?
actually many choices available

mainly for gaming.

not very sure about what's the latest and current market price for a gaming system since i left college many moons ago and have been referencing Dell's XPS system to buy one.

my budget is somewhere between RM4.5k to RM5k.

many of my peers saying that i could get much more by "custom-building" with the same price that i'm buying from Dell so am trying to see if that's real or just stupid talk.

I think all stores can do it, just go lowyat have a walk and gave them your (reasonable) budget, they can plan something for you.

Mara.

In all seriousness, set a budget, decide on parts like CPU and GPU, watch YouTube like ltt if you not sure or ask forum or Reddit.

Survey online on component prices like AllIT, Thunder match, Asashi, shopee/Lazada so that you don't get cheated. Then go to those shops in lowyat to compare and build. Usually build is free if buy from them.

finally reply from you without funny picture.

its related to topics ler

It depends.

Throughout the years price of custom fluctuated quite a lot while prebuilt generally more stable.

There’s a time prebuilt can get you better value than custom, due to parts scarcity, but luckily now it’s mostly over.

All in all, I’m still more advocating custom over prebuilt (except for sub 2k office PC, that one prebuilt is good and reasonable, especially backed by next day warranty), for you’re getting better parts and upgradability. Prebuilt nowadays may use proprietary parts which limit your room to upgrade/repair down the line.

This post has been edited by msacras: Mar 16 2023, 11:56 AM

you can take a look at Apezilla, his shop is in PJ Sek 17
pm him on fb and have a talk to him, friendly chap

more fun to buy parts and DIY

the last time i walked into lowyat was almost 10 years ago and there's something about the vibes there that doesn't comfort me. feels like every single one of them is trying to rip me off, especially more so if i walked in there and tell them i "no-no".

i see - the entire process sounds a bit tedious to me

Yes! proprietary parts - this is exactly the reason why i am considering not purchasing from Dell for my next Home machine. I just found out recently that my XPS8910 has proprietary PSU so i cannot just upgrade my GPU because of the power limitation.

Fun facts, if you have a clear budget, they (mostly) won’t rip you off.

They’re all still legitimate shops selling genuine stuffs.

Just don’t buy some parts/brands that’s too premium over generic budget brands.

This post has been edited by msacras: Mar 16 2023, 12:02 PM

will do, thanks for the recommendation.

i know - been watching quite a lot of random videos on youtube and while it seems fun but at the same time also scary. given my track record with electronics, i'm sure i'll break something expensive along the way while trying to assemble them.

Make sure you go to the big / reputable stores at Lowyat to avoid getting fleeced, conned, scammed ...

Viewnet, C-zone, All IT, Asashi etc are all fine

why not ask your friends to recommend ? Or if they've done it themselves, assemble it together.

I think i'll try All-IT first - they have other outlets other than in lowyat. Perhaps get an estimated quotation first for reference.

The price differences amongst the big stores are minimal, so if you know the specs you want just find a place where you feel comfortable and service level is good

Personally, I just go to Asashi these days since there are 2 big stores at nearby malls ie can't really be bothered to go to Lowyat anymore

TS based which location 1st?

Klang Valley

go to Digital Mall PJ or Lowyat

c-zone or viewnet

lol, if kepong can go brem mall - just IT

Dotatech at ampang (after lotus ampang) , msg their shopee/laz to query or go their shop.

But few year din purchase from them edy, used to be my go to spot to get some rare stuff.

Idealtech too "premium" , unless u need their premium after service

May know dell xps psu is 500w?

TS you can check here

https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4209269/+21480

alot of sifus there

For me it's either Tech Armory or Aftershock at Sunway Geo.

Go Idealtech fb page and check out the builds design, looks, price. They list them down nicely.

Then you can ask quotation and they reply to you fast.

Then you can easily compare parts pricing with other vendors/shopee etc. Go lowyat see see and chat with the (bigger) vendors see who can offer you better deal. It is a friendlier place now than before, also not very crowded.

Idealtech - had a very bad first encounter when i bought a GPU from them few years back. Their website listed RMXX and so i travelled all the way to their shop in Ampang because they said the promotion price is only valid from their Ampang outlet and so i travelled close to 45mins only for them to not honor the price.

Ended up arguing with them for close to 30mins before they are willing to sell me the agreed price - never again with Idealtech.

Ideals PC SS2

Thier Cable management are excellent. Make ur PC look so clean inside.

my nephew got a pc from idealtech recently since he do not have the mean to diy. i think it is decent for the price. I diy and put up some specs for him based on shopee lazada price and idealtech is just about the same total price in the end minus one or 2 parts which is of lower tier brand.

chii think u need to get one of your friends to accompany u when u go lowyat when trying to buy your new custom build PC.
if u have no such experience of buying custom PC part by part and asking the shop to assemble, chii understand u will be skeptical of it.

however, custom sets are superior to pre-build based on the value for money. in my experience of assembling 3 sets so far.

Nobody recommend that 1 ktard that always build PC and post drills in /k?? No jaga geng sendiri

Cannot remember his name, samjet or something

he is working for idealtech

I thought idealtech already split into 2?

Or 1 of the company still using the old name?

that is exactly what i was told by my peers when i told them i intend to replace my aging XPS with another XPS.

ANYWAY, these custom built systems are just the hardware only right?

What about the operating system - purchased separately?

I saw from Microsoft website that it costs close to RM1k for it --> Source

there is some ktard in kopitiam that builds custom pc as that is his actual day job
sometimes he will post pics of him building it maybe you can ask him
but if you ask for custom build and want the store to build it for you, the price may be the same as buying pre-built since the store will charge a fixing fee to fix it up for you which may or may not be cheap i.e. 10% fixing fee of your entire rig so if you buy 6k pc then its 600$ fixing fee
there are lots of ktards that love to build it for free for you but you'd be gambling on which one is sane and which one is insane
honestly building it your own is very satisfying but I can understand if you dont want to coz cable management is a pain in the ass and its actually a lot harder than what people say
so what you should do it compare the prices of custom + fixing fee and prebuilt
also, for 5k you can get the top 30% of the line specs. if top up 1k to 6k total you can get top 10% of the line
but you need to give more details on what you want to do with the pc before people can suggest something legit.
the one advice I'd give is dont cheap out on psu. I see lots of people suggesting no name brand psu but if you're gonna be powering a rtx 4090, im sure you want a reputable psu instead of a house fire right?

windows 10 home around rm 500-600 la. and yes the OS is purchased separately.
the advantage of custom build is u can specify what u want to be the good part, gamer need better GPU but can cut back on the motherboard and select specific ram.
can customize the CPU to what you feel u need, no need to over commit.
it is only hardware.

chii can see you are very skeptical. so bring your peer / friend go with you.

hahaha, the PSU scam. chii kena that before. PC buy latest intel chip, latest GPU but use CHINA PSU.
lucky that time PSU only killed motherboard......learnt my lesson the semi hard way.
after that most important part is PSU first. hahahaha.

can tumpang thread?
any shop that can do custom water loop cooling for cpu n gpu?

So custom set tldr is diy set or self pick part then some1 assemble for u. Those "combo" or whatever package by shop 99.9% is custom, jz that the shop pick the part, some allow u to upgrade or down.

Prebuilt is like dell xpg u using , watever alienware crap system. Those are like they design a pc case , then fit watever crap in, sometime shit psu + ok gpu + no brand ssd etc. Some allow upgrade but still wont disclose what exact brand/model they using.

OS unless u using it to work in big corp environment then u buy from official. If home use jz buy those rm5 windows10 key from shopee/laz. Buy KEY CODE, not crack/file that activate.

This post has been edited by lawliet88: Mar 16 2023, 04:23 PM

got two different idealtech???

No way 5k can get much nowadays. 3060ti alone also 2k already, i7 12th gen also almost 1.6k, mobo 1k. No money for good PSU good coolers.

Well, if you are retiring your old laptop or if it breaks down already, you may be able to reuse back the genuine windows key from it.. Since windows 10 windows key/license can be linked to your Microsoft account so when you are installing windows on new pc all u need to do is sign in the account and your Windows will be activated(assuming its the same version)..

Personally, my current pc is still using the original key from my old laptop(from 2010 if i remember correctly).. This is already my 3rd computer with same base windows key

i got a little bit "inspired" on assembling my own after watching too many videos on building a system but given my history with electronics, i'm sure to break something expensive in between and i also know that building appears to be easy but can become very technical for newbies which is why i'm being cautious at the moment.

I want a gaming system that can accommodate High setting but if not, Medium for triple A titles will do just fine hence i'm referring the XPS's price as a budget gauge because my current XPS 8910 is acceptable to me.

Yeap, i've known all along that PSU cannot be cheap'd out - which is why the first thing that I tried to upgrade in my XPS8910 (before anything else) is actually the PSU but after finding out it's proprietary, i gave up.

tak takut ke those keys from shopee etc - nanti susceptible to ransomware

does Intel still have i5s?

my current XPS is running on i5 and it's ok for me - thought i7s are meant for multi-threading (or whatever they called it).

it's a home desktop and it's not broken down yet but it has been 7 years already and i feel an upgrade/replacement is nigh.

well, this is something new to me, i didn't know Windows OS is actually "transferrable". Aren't they bound to the PC that first installed them?

Those key is just 16 or more digit of code use to activate windows, u will get legit windows n update. Windows close one eye on this becoz they want more ppl to use the OS.

U can even use win xp or 7 activator to activate then upgrade to win10, but that another story.

You dont seriously think ur comp will get into trouble jz becoz u enter random 16digit into windows activation database right.

I was thinking more like in order for the Windows to work, a specific "version" of the Windows needed to be downloaded from the link provided by the seller - something like those pirated software.

I saw my friend bought a "licensed" Lightroom from a shoppee seller for RM5 that comes with "unlimited use" and upon payment, the seller gave a download link to which the application is downloaded - i cannot trust the life in me to have purchased software like this especially when i use my home computer to basically access everything to my life (banking etc)

Thats why i mention buy only KEY Code, the seller will send u the number digits only. Some clown will send along a link to dl windows la,jz dont bother with that.

U dl wins10 from official win site into a usb, fresh install urself then late part only u input the activation key code.

The lightroom thing u mention is cracked version , diff story, n yes those got certain vulnerability.

While windows os, once u enter the code n OK, u done, at most just do a reformat/fresh install again if u paranoid. License is tie to motherboard so format wont affect it.

He can’t in charge of the price. He only do the assembly.

I’ll say i7 and 1k mobo are still high end stuffs meant for bangsawan or those have too much money to spare.

Normies can live just as well with i5 and sub RM600 MOBO.

What graphics card do you have now, or your full current pc specs

No issue with keys if you’re just using them to register your installation. It’s still only keys which you’ll use to activate a genuine installation of windows from Microsoft.

Just that you pretty much know bout the legality of such cheap licenses, so it’s like pakai buang stuffs with a low chance of it getting void somewhere down the line. If you use your PC solely for home and private uses, I wont be overly concerned about the legality of them.

Heh I have friends running PC unactivated windows for years just fine.

This post has been edited by msacras: Mar 16 2023, 05:53 PM

5000 budget can only get i5 and 3060ti meh, damn stupid prices leh. Personally I'd rather used 1080TI for 800 bucks la.

My rough budgeting

CPU - 1k
MOBO - 500
RAM - 500
PSU - 500
SSD - 500
CASING AND COOLER - 500

You just left with about RM1.5k for GPU, which is about nice to get 3060TI.

stock XPS 8910 with only one upgrade, the GPU to GTX 1050Ti.

Well, it was bound to hardware(motherboard) before, but I think now MS changed that so that it is bound to your account instead of hardware coz hardware will fail eventually.. Mine came from my very old Windows 7 laptop, used the key back then for my 2nd pc and upgraded to Windows 10, and now when that 2nd pc died I just reused the same "key" that is bound on my MS account to activate my 3rd pc.. However, this also means that in order to reuse old key, the old pc must be dead or at least reformatted and Windows not activated.. Also, now MS still offer free upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 so I now can upgrade to Windows 11, but I like Windows 10 so will keep that for now..

As some others has stated, those RM5 keys from Shoppe also works.. I used that on all of my pc build for for friends, and no issue.. The Windows was installed using official ISO downloaded from MS website so it is clean, those Shoppe seller normally just chat u on Shoppe with the keys(some seller also gives link to official MS website)..

I bought my fully assembled custom PC (without monitor) 2 years ago from PCByte, reasonable prices and they deliver interstate to the house. Was very professionally packed, casing/components didn't come loose or get damaged.

You can look at their FaceBook page GTX Solution by PCByte and contact them for a quote, ask for parts availability etc. I paid by bank transfer.

Idealtech has some package deals if you're interested:

https://idealtech.com.my/gaming-pcs/

Actually custom build PCs can be the best value per performance is because we actually buy the best price per performance(among all shops) parts and build ourselves.

It is not really a good value if you buy custom-built PCs as they tend to mark up the price a little, keep the extra cables/freebies for themselves and resell them, or selling near obsolete or low performance models and/or parts to you guys. (Not all shops though but 99%)

Just two cents from a guy who have built more than 20 PCs.

Not necessarily. Spec by spec, prebuilt sometimes can be worth it, it's the upgrade path that you lose out, upgradability like proprietary PSU or motherboard.

Example this Dell, selling 5.3k

https://www.dell.com/en-my/shop/pcs-desktop...=configurations

You go online spec this pc up yourself see can be cheaper than 5.3k or not. I7-12700, 3060ti, 2x8gb ddr5, 512ssd 1tb hdd, plus windows 11.

Cpu - i7 12700f - 1400 (jz get f = no igpu)
Mobo - msi pro b660m d5 -670
Gpu -gainward 3060ti - 1730
1 stick 16gb ddr5 4800mhz kingston fury -290
Crucial p5 plus 500gb ssd - 285
Psu adata core reactor 650w - 410

rm4785
Win11 rm5

Rm510 remain for casing and spare hdd/ssd/cpu cooler

Bad is, almost all from separate shop and cpu low stock amount.
Good is if u can self assemble, buy during laz promo can save around few hundred more

That xps system using 460w psu only kek.

Means if you get 12700 proper, exactly like in the dell its another 150.
1tb hdd another 190
Dual channel 2x8gb instead of single stick another 80?

4785+150+190+80=5205

Still need case, Windows (I didnt count), keyboard+mouse (Dell got give), cooler (use stock)

So expensive dell pc give 460w psu
My recent HP desktop it give 500w psu
So still got some room to upgrade GPU

Why u need igpu? If really need gpu for troubleshoot jz grab a cheap used.
Drive is up to ur flexibility, u want grab 1-2tb nvme oso can, still save some money if u buy during promo

1 stick 16gb is sufficient, ddr5 1 or 2 stick now make no significant difference unlike ddr4. If u want 2 stick instead jz + rm10 for fury.

Windows already mention alot time , u only pay premium if ur using environment need it (business/company always got ppl come check). Bruh i can get pro edition for rm5, dell charge rm300 .

I can further cut the cost by downgrading the ssd n psu to other model but still better quality than dell one.

But the dell one is good deal if ur company/boss paying for it la

This post has been edited by lawliet88: Mar 17 2023, 11:58 AM

I din c msia dell can upgrade to 750w (US can)
It wont be a hazard jz that u get less performance for what u pay for

if pucheong area, unker recommend Rextech

https://www.facebook.com/r3xtech/

Chris byk baik org nya

plug and play, screw here and there. waste money for manpower for setup.

unless dell uses a proprietary connection, or different shape PSU, power issue does not arise.

Now most branded pc use proprietary PSU
Dell, acer, asus, HP, lenovo
I worry that my HP PSU will last how many year

If not wrong some is use new type 12v0 psu, more smaller that normal psu

This post has been edited by PJng: Mar 17 2023, 04:33 PM

i don't want "orang baik", need an honest person who would give me my monies worth

from my XPS8910, i can see that Dell uses a proprietary PSU hence which is why i cannot upgrade my PC so if they are doing this all the back in 2016, i'm sure their current line ups are the same.

I got mine from brightstar lowyat last year. Just look up on their fb page and look for their latest promo and set. You can just pm them and ask to switch specific part out if you have something in mind.

https://www.facebook.com/brightstarcomp

this is their FB page?

Why don't just go lowyat one afternoon and buy, easy and simple.

i could but no preference to do that at the moment. in any event, i'll first need to try and gather as much information that i could before i can make any purchase - otherwise, i think i'll most probably get ripped to shreds.

Do what I did. Search for shops FB in your area. Read the reviews. Them pm your budget and requirements. Let them send a quote and then you decide.

last time brought fren to lowyat sri komputer, tick-tick price list, pay and wait 1hr, but no window. if got time ts can ask for their price list & compare w other shop

Haiya go forum lowyat's rig suggestion thread , ask chocobo for recommendations (ur budget, use for)

He will give a good suggestion but price is refer online shop, so if u walk in physical shop might not get better deal. If u nt sure with the shop's rig offered, post the rig list there n tristan will bash it gaogao