PcPartPicker

[staffsMike]

I used to spend my life in here recommending this that and the other. Is it that people go to relevant section (CPU/GFX/memory etc...) To ask their many questions or has PCPartPicker kinda killed all the fun?

I must admit I used it to get myself back up to speed quickly but I was always going to come here for advice first.. Hoping there was some trusty CAT around for final guidance.

Not that I didn't get a response but I feel like its not what it was and that is a bit of a shame.

[jag272]

While I'm quite new here, a lot of people (including me originally) go to PCPartPicker first to pick out their setups and then they come to forums like here to ask for feedback, possible replacements for more bang for buck or to check if the parts are reliable etc.

[Tyrannosaur]

I think you need a bit of both to be honest. PCPartPicker is good to get a general outline of the system you want to meet your budget. But an automated system can't tell you the quality of components or how difficult they may be to install etc. So then a place like this is very helpful, where people can tell you their views and experiences. Whether you take them on board is then up to you.

In the short time I've been on here most of the advice has been great and in the end saved me money.

[Shordes]

PCPartPicker is good to get a general outline of the system you want to meet your budget. But an automated system can't tell you the quality of components or how difficult they may be to install etc.

Agreed. Hence why I search on forums like these or reddit!

[peterb]

And sites like that are fine when it all comes together as planned. But when it doesn't...

There are a lot of people in the HEXUS community with a wealth of experience which they freely give on a voluntary basis. It's a bit like your own free consultancy service!

[staffsMike]

And sites like that are fine when it all comes together as planned. But when it doesn't...

There are a lot of people in the HEXUS community with a wealth of experience which they freely give on a voluntary basis. It's a bit like your own free consultancy service!

I was just a bit drunk/tired and getting nostalgic when I started this. It just seems like the the advice traffic is lighter than times gone by but I can see the benefit of pcpartpicker simply down to the price updates. Having said that.. That is the sole reason I used so many different suppliers and ended up regretting it especially aria

[jim]

Yeah, with my previous experiences I'd always go to a single retailer for my parts where possible.

[peterb]

I was just a bit drunk/tired and getting nostalgic when I started this. It just seems like the the advice traffic is lighter than times gone by but I can see the benefit of pcpartpicker simply down to the price updates. Having said that.. That is the sole reason I used so many different suppliers and ended up regretting it especially aria

You are right, to some extent. Windows has become more reliable with recent releases, and IP networking has been de-mystified to some extent, so the requests for help in those area have diminished.

There are still requests for advice on what to buy for specific applications, where Ian individuals experience can be usefulness and helpful.

[staffsMike]

Yeah, with my previous experiences I'd always go to a single retailer for my parts where possible.

Yep won't make that mistake again. However there were some positives to the experience. For instance I have never used more computers or novatech before and although the novatech item had to go back they were brilliant, and more computers delivery was super fast and free which I liked.

Even still it would have been nice (and more satisfying as a buying experience) if it all had all turned up in one go.

[Biscuit]

I had a look at the thread and didn't say anything because it looked like everything was already dealt with pretty swiftly

[jag272]

Yep pretty much. To add a bit of personal experience about the whole retailer selection thing, I suggest going into account settings and unticking any that dont seem to have good deals/havent heard of. In the end I went with Amazon, Scan and the GPU had a great deal going from Novatech, all worked fine and arrived quickly in one piece. PCPartPicker does initially offer you a bunch though but most of them end up being more expensive because of postage cost, compared to Novatech which offers free delivery IIRC and the Scan/Hexus delivery deal.

[CathalM]

Don't take everything you see on PCPartPicker as fact, but it is definitely a good starting point for builds.

[chrisFletcher]

It has killed the fun somewhat, but its empowered users and made the process a lot more convenient. I'm all for it