I thought I'd start a thread so new (or regular!) members who are looking for a new system and requesting advice can get the most out of us forumites.
Getting help speccing a new PC
Firstly, welcome to the New Build Advice forum! To get the best advice out of us, have a read through this. The two most important things we consider before making a spec for you are;
1. Your budget
This will define most people's builds. The vast majority of people will want to include VAT and non-free delivery in this, so if you do have free delivery or don't pay VAT, please make this clear.
2. Planned uses of the new build
If you are visiting these forums, chances are you are an enthusiast and probably want a machine capable of gaming or video-encoding or something equally demanding. That's not to say simple office PCs aren't welcome in here though! Some popular requirements include simple office work/web browsing, photo editing, browser-based gaming, music production, video editing, enthusiast gaming, overclocking and benchmarking. However, some people just want a general, all-round system that's upgradeable too - but if you have an idea of what you'll be doing, list it as between us we usually know what the best components are for your particular uses.
Initial Build Requirements
Though not everyone will be in this position, some people will come in here with a rough idea of what they want. This might include particular brand preferences for CPUs/GPUs/PSUs, all the way up to an almost-finalised build which just needs checking over.
If this is you, you might find the template below useful... Feel free to copy and paste and either add in URLs to components from Aria [Disclaimer: please note the forum rule that you must not link to competitor's products] you wish to include, or if not a brief note about what you'd prefer... e.g.
Here's the list:
Again, if you have no idea what you want and just want to see what we come up with for a spec, just leave this out.
Other information/Next steps
There's several things worth knowing about before proceeding with your order.
1. You can also call up Aria's excellent sales team, if you'd prefer order by talking to someone. Their number is 0844 999 2499.
2. Aria can build your PC too. You'll find that in almost all cases, a PC built by Aria is far better value than the absolutely massive computer builders. You can call them on the above number, or we can alert an appropriate member of staff to your thread if this is something you would like.
3. Aria do a price matching service! If you have seen a product cheaper elsewhere, mention this in your thread (don't link to competitor's products in the threads, however), or PM one of the following;
4. If it doesn't turn on first time, don't panic. Grab a cuppa, put your feet up for 10 minutes, and come back to it. This thread has some very useful information. However, if something is DOA (Dead On Arrival), you might find Aftersales useful to call up: 0844 999 8 999. We can also usually help diagnose problems on here too, though if you call up a member of the Aria team, their advice takes priority.
5. If everything does go well, feel free to show off your handiwork in the "Show us yours" forum... many frequenters of this forum don't mind spending time speccing you a system and helping out, and our reward is usually in hearing if you are pleased with it and seeing the final product!
6. If you have anything else you need to know about, just ask! There's always someone who will know how to help you out.
Hope this has helped!
[Mods: Feel free to edit as appropriate]
Getting help speccing a new PC
Firstly, welcome to the New Build Advice forum! To get the best advice out of us, have a read through this. The two most important things we consider before making a spec for you are;
1. Your budget
This will define most people's builds. The vast majority of people will want to include VAT and non-free delivery in this, so if you do have free delivery or don't pay VAT, please make this clear.
2. Planned uses of the new build
If you are visiting these forums, chances are you are an enthusiast and probably want a machine capable of gaming or video-encoding or something equally demanding. That's not to say simple office PCs aren't welcome in here though! Some popular requirements include simple office work/web browsing, photo editing, browser-based gaming, music production, video editing, enthusiast gaming, overclocking and benchmarking. However, some people just want a general, all-round system that's upgradeable too - but if you have an idea of what you'll be doing, list it as between us we usually know what the best components are for your particular uses.
Initial Build Requirements
Though not everyone will be in this position, some people will come in here with a rough idea of what they want. This might include particular brand preferences for CPUs/GPUs/PSUs, all the way up to an almost-finalised build which just needs checking over.
If this is you, you might find the template below useful... Feel free to copy and paste and either add in URLs to components from Aria [Disclaimer: please note the forum rule that you must not link to competitor's products] you wish to include, or if not a brief note about what you'd prefer... e.g.
[CPU]I've heard good things about Intel's Extreme Edition range, and would like one of them in my build!
Code:
[CPU] [Mobo] [CPU HSF] [RAM] [GPU] [HDD] [SSD] [PSU] [Case] [OS] [Extras]
Other information/Next steps
There's several things worth knowing about before proceeding with your order.
1. You can also call up Aria's excellent sales team, if you'd prefer order by talking to someone. Their number is 0844 999 2499.
2. Aria can build your PC too. You'll find that in almost all cases, a PC built by Aria is far better value than the absolutely massive computer builders. You can call them on the above number, or we can alert an appropriate member of staff to your thread if this is something you would like.
3. Aria do a price matching service! If you have seen a product cheaper elsewhere, mention this in your thread (don't link to competitor's products in the threads, however), or PM one of the following;
4. If it doesn't turn on first time, don't panic. Grab a cuppa, put your feet up for 10 minutes, and come back to it. This thread has some very useful information. However, if something is DOA (Dead On Arrival), you might find Aftersales useful to call up: 0844 999 8 999. We can also usually help diagnose problems on here too, though if you call up a member of the Aria team, their advice takes priority.
5. If everything does go well, feel free to show off your handiwork in the "Show us yours" forum... many frequenters of this forum don't mind spending time speccing you a system and helping out, and our reward is usually in hearing if you are pleased with it and seeing the final product!
6. If you have anything else you need to know about, just ask! There's always someone who will know how to help you out.
Hope this has helped!
[Mods: Feel free to edit as appropriate]
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