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[broadstairs]

Anyone here used a UK supplier for a custom built PC? I am thinking of updating my current desktop and have looked at component prices but seems like they have gone up somewhat! The issue I have with custom build suppliers I've found so far is they all want to supply an OS and I don't want that since I run Linux. I'm looking at another AMD processor probably a Ryzen 5 and either integrated graphics or an AMD card (wont touch Nvidia with the proverbial barge pole!).

So has anyone here had successful dealings with any UK company, either custom build or component supplier (as I am quite capable of building it myself if required)?

Stuart

[vic0239]

Have you looked at Ebuyer? I've bought a few components from them recently including an Intel NUC (which came sans OS), memory etc. They do next day delivery and their returns service is very easy to use (and works). I also found their customer service responsive.

Andy.

[licquorice]

Second that, I've always used Ebuyer to build PCs. Get a bare bones system as a starter and add whatever you need.

[petef]

Have a look at PC Specialist. I have just bought a second computer from them. This was entry entry level. The gaming machine I bought four years ago is still going strong though I upgraded the HDD to a bigger hybrid a little while back.

They have a good range of configuration options including no OS (saving ~£70).

Pete

[parkdale]

www.Novatech.co.uk will supply hardware with or without a Windows license, prices are pretty keen as well

[banger]

I've gone for novatech barebones twice. Reasonably priced my first lasted 11 years and is still going.

[broadstairs]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The problem with all these is that its not a true custom build, they all start from a base and so far none of them allow for an AMD processor with integrated graphics, some don't allow for mid or full towers either. None of the barebones are suitable starting places either. I do have fairly specific requirements as I need space for 5 3.5 HDDs and 1 DVD writer internally, plus firewire would be good as I need that to connect one video camera in order to edit some old videos. Not bothered about high end graphics as I never play games.

I'm starting to think I need to go the complete self build route.

Stuart

[Alex Atkin UK]

Sounds like you wont have much choice but to build yourself with such specific requirements.  Even finding a case that can fit an optical drive can be a chore these days.  I wanted one myself but settled for running it externally over USB instead as I hated the cases I could find with one.

Firewire is almost certainly a no-go without an addon card, its an outdated technology.

[broadstairs]

I can find cases which will work and have 5.25 bay(s) but not as part of most of the customised builds and those which do don't have CPUs with integrated graphics!

Stuart

[Ronski]

My own PCs I've always self built, much better choice and you can take advantage of the much better hardware warranty, most PC builders only offer one year on hardware, subsequent years are labour only, but a lot of hardware comes with much longer warranties.

I've used all the above mentioned companies, along with many others, this website is an excellent resource for spec-ing a system and checking compatibility.

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/

Just double check prices separately as it does occasionally get it wrong.

I may also have a firewire card you can have, although I suspect it may be PCI and therefore not compatible with recent motherboards, I'll have look if I remember when I get home.

[parkdale]

https://www.awd-it.co.uk/amd-ryzen-5-3400g-quad-core-4.2ghz-vega-11-graphics-asus-a320m-k-motherboard-cpu-bundle.html £
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/amd-ryzen-3-3200g-quad-core-4.0ghz-vega-8-graphics-asus-rog-strix-b550-e-gaming-motherboard-cpu-bundle.html £££ but more sata sockets

I have this case https://www.novatech.co.uk/products/phanteks-enthoo-pro-m-tempered-glass-mid-tower/ph-es515ptg_swt.html it can hold 5x 3.5" hd plus 2x ssd/2.5" hd and 1x 5.25 DVD drive
case is great to work on as it all modular, easy to keep clean.

[broadstairs]

Thanks Ronski but I do have a couple of Firewire cards but as you say they are PCI  my current m/b has it on anyway .

I'll take a look at that stuff Parkdale - thanks.

Stuart

[parkdale]

The case can hold 11 hd in total but I think you would struggle to get it off the floor

[Alex Atkin UK]

https://www.awd-it.co.uk/amd-ryzen-5-3400g-quad-core-4.2ghz-vega-11-graphics-asus-a320m-k-motherboard-cpu-bundle.html £
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/amd-ryzen-3-3200g-quad-core-4.0ghz-vega-8-graphics-asus-rog-strix-b550-e-gaming-motherboard-cpu-bundle.html £££ but more sata sockets

I have this case https://www.novatech.co.uk/products/phanteks-enthoo-pro-m-tempered-glass-mid-tower/ph-es515ptg_swt.html it can hold 5x 3.5" hd plus 2x ssd/2.5" hd and 1x 5.25 DVD drive
case is great to work on as it all modular, easy to keep clean.

Seems there's a full tower version with even more drive bays which strangely is cheaper:
https://www.ebuyer.com/819527-phanteks-enthoo-pro-mid-tower-case-with-window-ph-es614p-bk

The midi can also be found for less (£106.09 inc shipping):
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/phanteks-enthoo-pro-m-glass-midi-tower-case-black-ca-063-pt.html

[broadstairs]

Well finally I've got there, the build is complete and I'm very happy with it - and its fast! The hardware I got was:-

Corsair Carbide Series 200R ATX Case Black w/ USB 3.0
MSI AMD Ryzen B450-A PRO MAX AM4 ATX Motherboard
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G AM4 Processor with Radeon RX Vega 11 Graphics including AMD cooler (a PWM mode fan)
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3200MHz C16 Memory Kit - Black (might add another 16GB later)
Kingston 250GB A2000 M2 NVMe SSD
StarTech 120x25mm Computer Case Fan with PWM Pulse Width Modulation Connector x2
Startech 2 Port Pci Express Sata 6 Gbps Esata Controller Card - Dual Port Pcie Sata Iii Card (needed as the SSD disables 2 of the Sata ports on MB)
Adata XPG CORE REACTOR 650W Modular 80+ Gold PSU

In the end I used EBuyer for all of this.

I used my existing 4 SATA HDDs and SATA DVD/RW. The whole thing runs quite quiet as well as fast. I have yet to correctly identify the sensor ports but looks like the processor runs around 28°C at idle, I've yet to wind it up doing video editing etc but so far I'm happy with the PWM fans as they are managed in auto mode by the motherboard and currently are very quiet. I have the system installed on the SSD (Linux openSUSE Tumbleweed) and the home directory etc on one of the HDDs.

Stuart