Any tips on sites for PC parts?

[Highlander]

I'm currently studying to take the comptia A+ exams in late march. Been a PC tech for years but not at this level. I'd like to build a pc or 2 for grins, but looking at parts online (neww egg, tiger direct etc) I can buy one a lot cheaper already built. Any techs out there know where you can get all the parts at or near wholesale?

 

[cartisdm]

A few years ago I was going to throw together a computer for my grandmother. Nothing crazy but just a simple desktop that would run solid. I ended up buying a Intel Pentium 4 in a compact desktop case and a few other decent things for like $110. It really wasn't any cheaper for me to get each part because you're paying for shipping each time.

Maybe you can break even when you start buying high-end parts vs something you buy as a packaged deal?

 

[Highlander]

I've been looking at individual high end parts. I've just now started looking at bundled package deals and it looks better. I just need to sit down and make a list of what I want, and see what matches or comes close.

 

[BrandonP]

Check out zipzoomfly.com. They are usually the cheapest but I don't know if it will be any cheaper then buying a pre-built one. Years ago it was but that market has come closer to price in recent years.

 

[theribdoctor]

Newegg, zipzoomfly...

Any questions I'll be glad to assist.

 

[strife]

I build a dozen or so systems a year and use all of the vendors listed so far and more. Generally I start with a bare bones system which consists of a case, power supply, MB, memory and processor based on the type of system I want to build. Then I'll add whatever specifics to the system that I need, HD, sound card, more memory, burners etc. Just make sure you dig into the details of the parts in the BB system.

 

[kockroach]

Newegg...nuff said.

 

[GoingPostal]

Newegg and zipzoomfly are the best deals your going to get. It used to be true that it was always cheaper to build your own but not so much. The benifit of doing your own build is you get build what you need.

I used to cruse garage sales and every now and then you'll come across people trying to get rid of old computer. most of the time just a simple fix like new powersupply and it's up and running and if not just gut it for parts.

 

[cyclerr]

I have gone to pricewatch.com, worth a look.

 

[gibbleguts]

Occasionally check your local shop. In Jan I picked up a new CPU mobo and 8 gigs of RAM for $309 and newegg wanted close to 475.

 

[Mickeymorris626]

I'll throw my lot in with newegg.com if you want to do a custom build. It might not save you money to build it yourself, it will just allow you to have what you want/need and nothing more. Plus they have FANTASTIC customer service