Build A PC
A custom PC configuration guide.
© 2000,2001,2002 by Jef Poskanzer.
Assembly
Finally, when you've got your design all figured out, you get to
put the whole thing together.
Except actually, you don't have to!
You can get someone to do it for you.
There are a bunch of companies called screwdriver shops
which will assemble a system to your specifications and ship it to you.
This is great if you're a hardware klutz like me, or a hermit, or just lazy.
Here's a list of some good ones.
- Acme Micro Systems
-
They are my current favorite, and not just because of the name.
They have good prices and a reasonably up-to-date parts catalog.
Also they know PCs, and have twice caught design errors I made such
as using ECC memory with a motherboard that doesn't implement ECC.
- Central Computer Systems
-
Prices about as good as Acme's.
- Fine Tec Computer
-
Based in San Jose CA, they get good reviews.
Not much of a web site though.
- A2Z Computers
-
These folks are in Ohio.
Their web site is well done, and their prices are good.
- new egg
-
Excellent prices.
- PCs for Everyone
-
Boston-based.
- PCUSA
-
Based in Georgia (the state).
Their prices look good but they don't seem to carry Maxtor hard drives.
Also, they put a "breaking seal woids warranty" sticker on the CASE,
so if you open it up to install, say, an ethernet card, no more warranty.
- CityCom
-
?
- AT2K
-
?
- Amcom
-
?
- California PC Doctor
-
?
- SF Computer
-
?
- LJ Systems
-
?
- CCI At Home
-
?
- Northern California Computers
-
?
- Computer Rage
-
?
- Email PC
-
?
- Spartan Technologies
-
These folks are in Illinois.
They get good reviews.
- CompuVest
-
These folks are in Washington.
- Motherboard Express
-
These folks are in Illinois.
Also they seem to like SuperMicro boards, as I do.
- Axis Systems
-
?
- Tom's Computer Warehouse
-
Their prices are higher than they ought to be, but they are walking
distance from my house.
- Googlegear
-
?
- MWave
-
?
- Techbargains
-
?
Note: unless otherwise noted,
these companies are local to the San Francisco Bay Area.
I'd like to add some good shops in other states, so California
people can save on sales tax.
If you've got some good ones local to you, with a web presence,
send them in.
If you actually do want to assemble the thing yourself, check out this
step by step illustrated tutorial
from
Tom's Hardware.
It's quite good.
Of course, you could also enlist some
LEGO minifigs
to assemble it for you.
[Intro]
[CPUs]
[Sockets]
[Bandwidth]
[Chipsets]
[Motherboards]
[Motherboard Forms]
[Memory]
[PCI Types]
[Disks]
[Other Components]
[Examples]
[Links]
Back to ACME Labs.
