Buying/configuring PC online?

[450125]

I'm trying to buy a new desktop (probably Win10, but same principle applies).

Years ago the Dell website made it very easy to configure a computer, from a "standard" base. I don't see that as an option on their site, or on newegg, Tiger Direct, anywhere.

"All" I want is a second HDD (separate for data) and a wireless card, but these are not standard, maybe not even common, in most PCs.

Any web sites that allow the kind of configuration/customization I'm discussing?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi
This option not working ?
Build It Yourself | Dell

Although Dell is not my preference but they do like all brands have low end machines too.

What do use the machine for gaming.... ?
What is your price range ?
Best Gaming Desktop - Aventum 3 by Digital Storm PC

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yea ran into this possibly scroll through them in your price range
Dell Factory Outlet

 

[450125]

Hi
This option not working ?
Build It Yourself | Dell

Although Dell is not my preference but they do like all brands have low end machines too.

What do use the machine for gaming.... ?
What is your price range ?
Best Gaming Desktop - Aventum 3 by Digital Storm PC

I will check that option - thanks!

It's not for gaming per se, nothing intense, although some non-taxing games are played on it. Basically internet access and schoolwork using MS Office type programs.

Wanting to get something to replace a 2008 Systemax model running XP - that is still doing great, on, yes, the original hard drives - but not exactly the fastest thoroughbred in our family computer stable!

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yea this is the other sites lowest end one here
Gaming PC - Vanquish 5 | Digital Storm

 

[Eric3742]

Maybe you could indicate where are staying so that those around your location may able to provide.

Some Online stores do not send to some countries, due to regulation, if there is.
I am not sure about this, as when i want to send oversea a mobile handset, couriers refuse to handle.

 

[450125]

I am in the US, so any of the online places I'd look at would ship any configuration I'd reasonably expect to me.

This is frustrating - in the past, I have purchased computers online, and it was easy and routine to customize things like adding a second HD.

Personally, I like the "suspenders and a belt" security of some segmentation of the storage. My own computer has a C drive for OS and software, and I image it monthly after Patch Tuesday; and the data is on software-mirrored D/F drives.

That's probably overkill for a computer for one of my kids, but let me ask this way:

1. If I wanted to easily "build" (configure) a computer this way - to include, as I said, a second HDD and a wireless card - where would I go online to do this? The Dell option in #2 above looked good, but I'd have to select a base computer, then click one or two screens away, only to find that the second HDD was not an option.
2. If the world has changed and left me in the dust - sadly, a distinct possibility - what's a good option for me? Fast and reliable computer (can't beat the 8 1/2 years we've gotten with the one I'm looking to replace), and capable of handling fairly simple tasks like internet usage and MS Office programs.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Dell's configurator isn't what it used to be.

No doubt on purpose. Not sure why. Possibly because of declining margins per sale and declining interest in PCs generally--in favor of laptops, tablets, and "smart phones", you should excuse the expression. They want to maintain and be responsible for as few configurations as possible (to reduce costs) and charge you a pretty penny if you insist on anything else (to recoup costs).

Here's my ideas:

Call Dell and talk to a human and explain what you want. They may well be able to fix you up, albeit possibly for more money than you had planned on. They typically overcharge for add-ons and deviations from standard stuff.

If budget is not a big factor, go to an outright online boutique builder like Puget Systems.

If budget is a consideration, look for a local builder who will build it the way you want. These places were very common 10 or 15 years ago, but not so much anymore--due to declining interest and declining margins.

Take a standard Dell and add what you need to it after it arrives.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Indeed hard drives are fairly cheap to buy separately and pretty easy to install on your own
There are a heck of a lot of youtube videos

 

[BorisTheAnimal]

I would use this one for just checking if there are compatibility issues and it's a nice website which is very straightforward:

PCPartPicker

Cheers, Boris

 

[chrishammond]

I've suggested to someone before the site pcspecialist - their laptops are even custom built and they are actually quite well built and sturdy