Buying US PC s & products ?

[melon]

I've been thinking of buying a custom built rig that looks " alright " with one of those findish cosair cases ( thankfully not white one ) anyhoo given my relative ignorance , I wanted to ask if I could simply buy something like this on the cheap and simply replace the power adapter witha uk one , or whether theres a lot more too it than that ?


thanks

m
,

[jim]

Some power supplies have 230V and 115V switches on the back, but I haven't seen one for a while now. I think some of them are automatic.

If you plug a 230V supply into a 115V-only PSU it won't work, so that's what you need to check.

[TAKTAK]

Most PSU's are auto switching now AFAIK

[Bagnaj97]

Some are auto switching, some have a manual switch and some are only designed for one voltage. A manual switch on the wrong setting or a non-switching psu will more than likely release the magic smoke

[melon]

Some are auto switching, some have a manual switch and some are only designed for one voltage. A manual switch on the wrong setting or a non-switching psu will more than likely release the magic smoke

hmm

I guess bit of risk then , eh ?

Is there any other , " blimps " like this to be aware of if ordering or using anything from over there ?

i.e. I take graphic cards are pretty safe ?

thanks,

melon

[mrt9888]

Its just the PSU as that handles power for the whole PC the rest of the parts work in all countires.

[no_numb]

I'm guessing the myus thing is a way to get round import tax? whats the shipping going to be like on a full system I imagine it'll be pretty massive?

[Saracen]

....

Is there any other , " blimps " like this to be aware of if ordering or using anything from over there ?

Not too much else technically, but in practicality?

- high cost of transportation
- potential for import duty and VAT
- lack of usual consumer protections, like Distance Selling regs
- potential for getting US state sales tax added to order cost (not usually shown in price)
- cost of returning goods to the US for warranty work if needed

All told, I think it's a very questionable proposition these days. It used to be worth it, but not typically these days.

[Hawker1986]

TBH Ive done this a few times with components in the past when the exchange rate made this a more favourable option and in general its fine, saved a load of money. But that was when I was physically there to bring the things back myself. I wouldnt do it with the exchange rate as it is now since the risks with warranty and things IMO outweigh the small price benefits. Few manufacturers offer international warranty standard, and if not then your relying on their good will to get things sorted. That said Razer did with me when a keyboard was faulty and they were excellent.

Hawker

[shaithis]

hmm

I guess bit of risk then , eh ?

No, it's not a risk at all, as long as you observe some common sense and read the label on the PSU before plugging it in...

[jim]

It would be a risk if you bought it without checking first, on the basis that you would've wasted your money

[Dareos]

Graphics cards are definitely ok, the power exchange is all done by the time it hits the mobo. I brought one back a few years back (and am now on 2nd warranty replacement) from BFG.

[Pob255]

Yes the components will be the same, PSU can have potential issues (mainly effects OEM units, where they cost cut by not bothering with components required to convert ether voltage, although that happens more in the other direction ie psu's which only run on 230v mains) however the biggest issues are the ones Saracen listed.

Not too much else technically, but in practicality?

- high cost of transportation
- potential for import duty and VAT
- lack of usual consumer protections, like Distance Selling regs
- potential for getting US state sales tax added to order cost (not usually shown in price)
- cost of returning goods to the US for warranty work if needed

All told, I think it's a very questionable proposition these days. It used to be worth it, but not typically these days.

Trying to calculate import tax is a near arcane art, it's between 0% and 14% (of material value +shipping +Insurance ) then another 20% (VAT) ontop.
So you can assume to add around 34% to the total as a very rough estimate.

[melon]

Yes the components will be the same, PSU can have potential issues (mainly effects OEM units, where they cost cut by not bothering with components required to convert ether voltage, although that happens more in the other direction ie psu's which only run on 230v mains) however the biggest issues are the ones Saracen listed.

Trying to calculate import tax is a near arcane art, it's between 0% and 14% (of material value +shipping +Insurance ) then another 20% (VAT) ontop.
So you can assume to add around 34% to the total as a very rough estimate.

WIth my us you can choose to have things sent gifts , and I try to make sure its under $40.00 if I can.

usually its not bad, though it depends i suppose on the item , you can also tweak the value which helps a lot too .

The day i pay that much - unless its somthing i desperately need , then its bye bye myus

m

[melon]

Yes the components will be the same, PSU can have potential issues (mainly effects OEM units, where they cost cut by not bothering with components required to convert ether voltage, although that happens more in the other direction ie psu's which only run on 230v mains) however the biggest issues are the ones Saracen listed.

Trying to calculate import tax is a near arcane art, it's between 0% and 14% (of material value +shipping +Insurance ) then another 20% (VAT) ontop.
So you can assume to add around 34% to the total as a very rough estimate.

So what happens if the item is gift and there is no evidence that I bought it ( other than on ebay ? )
How can customs estimate the cost of something ( regardless of how expensive ) that is sent as gift with no proof or purchase to say otherwise ?

m

[Flibb]

Customs will look online to get an idea, and will then levy the relavent fee. It will then be down to you to dispute the charge and provide exidence. Some couriers will deliver the goods and invoice you later, but most will hold onto the goods until they get the cash (including a handling fee).