How to shop for parts

From TheBestCaseScenario

[edit] Intro

Now that you have a rough guide on what you would like, and im also assuming that like most people, you have a budget to stick to.

Ok then, lets get down to business

[edit] Where to look

When your shopping always look at sevral places, the online market it good for getting items cheaper, but going into a computer store does have its advantages, IE you can take an item back if faulty rather than requesting an RMA, and you can see the items in the flesh so to speak and the best bonus is that you will have the items there an then rather than waiting for delivery.

Some of the best places to look is for the US New Egg and for the UK EBUYER. For everyone else google your local country for online computer stores, some companys will deliver outside there operating country so check this also but check the delivery cost £££$$$.

Always buy from a reliable re-seller, on another note related to delivery try to buy from one store as this can save on delivery and also help if something goes wrong. Cheaper isn't always better, some stores might be a fraction cheaper, but they might have rubbish after sales care.

[edit] What to look for

When you load a site, always check on the site for a security check Here you can see it is secured by Visa, Mastercard and various other services, the biggie to check is when you come to enter your payment details, Check the page your viewing, it should start HTTPS:// note the S on the end of http, also there will be a padlock in the address bar if using IE7, or at the bottom status bar if using IE6

Check what your ordering in your checkout 3 times before clicking submit, check more than one site for a price comparisian.

[edit] Buying instore

If you decide to purchace goods from a store, always note what you want before you leave, take all tech details you think you might need, for example if you wanted an Nvidia 8800 GTX @ 750MHz, take that info and check it instore, if in question ask an attendent. Never buy somthing if it looks damaged. As a rule of thumb bargin bins are called bargin bins for a reason, there normally returns or faulty goods and are hit and miss, there normally non returnable.

If you can see if the item in question has a display model that is working, IE Mac shops have various MAC setups for customers to browse and use before buying.

[edit] Ordering online

As mentioned above, always check your order 3 times before clicking submit, check the site is secure, and check what there delivery terms are, Check there terms and conditions before ordering.

This may seem tedius but i can save you ALOT of hassle if somthing goes horribly wrong.