What are your experiences with making custom PCs for clients?

[Bobert152]

I am currently interested in creating small-scale custom computers for people in my school, as they want to get into PC gaming, but don't have the knowledge to know what products have good value. Many of these people are familiar with the concept that many custom computer vendors online charge much more than the sum total of the parts. Many of them simply don't want to be involved with the process of building a custom PC, but also want to save money by having a custom PC built. If any of the people who are reading this have any experience with creating custom computers, I would find it helpful to hear from you. Any experiences with creating either custom computers for clients, or general modding tips are appreciated.

 

[Darkbreeze]

All I can say is be prepared for hours and hours of unpaid time spent either correcting issues with the system that they themselves have created or that are the result of faulty hardware, which is more common than you might think. Also keep in mind when doing this to include the best PSU you can financially account for. This one thing will drastically decrease the number and frequency of comebacks related to hardware issues. In fact, I'd certainly be sure to install a Tier 2B or higher PSU in every build I was planning to sell or assemble for a client, even if it means cutting corners someplace else.



PSU Tier list: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html


Most failed computer part: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/302132-31-most-failed-computer-part


Don't be surprised when your cheap PSU blows up: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/low-cost-psu-pc-power-supply,2862.html


Why we don't use cheap PSUs (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezk9OA7aKOE

 

[Bobert152]

All I can say is be prepared for hours and hours of unpaid time spent either correcting issues with the system that they themselves have created or that are the result of faulty hardware, which is more common than you might think. Also keep in mind when doing this to include the best PSU you can financially account for. This one thing will drastically decrease the number and frequency of comebacks related to hardware issues. In fact, I'd certainly be sure to install a Tier 2B or higher PSU in every build I was planning to sell or assemble for a client, even if it means cutting corners someplace else.



PSU Tier list: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html


Most failed computer part: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/302132-31-most-failed-computer-part


Don't be surprised when your cheap PSU blows up: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/low-cost-psu-pc-power-supply,2862.html


Why we don't use cheap PSUs (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezk9OA7aKOE

Thanks for sharing your experiences, and thank you for the advice especially. I currently only buy components that have been reviewed by people that are trustworthy, and I make sure that the product is reputable. I also only purchase from reliable vendors, like Amazon or Newegg. I will definitely keep this in mind in the future.

 

[Darkbreeze]

No problem.

In general, I usually charge a hundred bucks to order, assemble, install the OS (And setup necessary drivers or additional requested applications), stabilize any desired overclock and test the final product. Seems fair for a half day to a days worth of my time and it's much cheaper than what is charged by online vendors and most local facilities. I also provide a 30 day warranty on the labor. Any failures due to hardware or customer "fiddling" with the OS or settings is a no-fault comeback and not covered. Anything over thirty days is not covered, period. Pretty much the same as state merchantability laws. Just as an idea.