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NFT: PC parts or pc builder - any good leads on cpu/gpu?

glowrider : 1/21/2021 11:04 am
I haven’t built or bought a computer in years but I decided it’s time to upgrade.

For the life of me, I can’t track down the cpu and gpu combo I want (AMD Ryzen 9 5900x and RTX 3080 gpu). It seems there is a major shortage of these components. I picked these specifically for data crunching, content editing and some VR games. I can’t justify a 3090 card, though 3080+markup is right about there on eBay.

I’ve almost been convinced in order to get what I want I can: 1) wait and rush a store if/when stock maybe comes in, 2) buy marked up off of eBay, or 3) get a prebuilt. I found a company called Digital Storm and they’re offering a good deal on what I want, but not timely enough for my taste.

Can anyone offer some advice on obtaining these components, or maybe have a good pc builder to recommend who can do the job reasonably quickly? Wouldn’t mind keeping business local.

Thanks!
Dude, if you can find a card/combo  
Deacon : 1/21/2021 11:29 am : link
at a decent price you should jump all over it. Scalpers have the market right now due to demand/supply.

I read a recent article, not sure where but I think on Tom's Guide, that the only way to get what you're looking for today at a good price is to go pre-built. It may not be timely, but you'll save the cash.
Not sure you could have picked a worse time  
AnnapolisMike : 1/21/2021 11:47 am : link
If you will go an older generation, Microcenter has the 8 core AMD 3700x on sale for $300. And you could pick up a used GPU on EBAY and upgrade the CPU and GPU down the line when supply starts meeting demand. At least you can pick up the rest of your parts and build the main system out and swap out later.
That is what it is looking like. I can get the gpu but not the cpu  
glowrider : 1/21/2021 11:48 am : link
With pre built, but can get it customized and will take approx 6 weeks.

I should’ve been more clear. If I find a pre-built with those exact specs, I’d jump on it. Seems the CPU’s are either intel or last gen amd
So it seems!  
glowrider : 1/21/2021 11:50 am : link
I can’t believe how difficult it is to get components for a computer. I suppose supply chains are crimped.

That’s why I’m looking for alternatives. I thought I just got a purchase in at amd site but didn’t work out.
I used pcpartpicker.com  
Whirlybird : 1/21/2021 12:14 pm : link
To create a build list back in October. First time building a desktop pc, and I enjoyed it. You can select parts on that site, and it will provide current prices and links to purchase the components. I used their links to purchase most of the parts. You won't be able to find the latest CPU's and GPU's unless you are prepared to pay through the nose. I used the previous generation AMD Ryzen 7 3700x CPU and Radeon RX5700 XT GPU. They perform really well. I can render a 4 minute 4K FPV drone video with color grading and effects in about 5-6 minutes. Gaming performs well too, but I don't do VR.
Yep - I’m all specd out on pcpartpicker  
glowrider : 1/21/2021 12:22 pm : link
But can’t get the gpu or cpu. I thought I had the cpu and an amd gpu purchased but the order didn’t seem to go through their site. I’m pretty resigned to a pc builder but if they can’t get the parts...
problem with prebuilt  
AnnapolisMike : 1/21/2021 12:24 pm : link
is you lose control over the MB, RAM, Power supply where corners can be cut. If you have a functional computer...i'd just start acquiring the parts you want and grab the CPU and GPU when you can. In two months you may be able to grab the parts.
I purchased a pre-built  
Jim in Scranton : 1/21/2021 12:34 pm : link
with a 3070 from microcenter. No proprietary parts. I would like to replace the psu down the road, but its very quiet and runs cool when I'm playing Cyberpunk.
Best guess on when the stock normalizes is Summer  
Whirlybird : 1/21/2021 12:34 pm : link
You might want to consider lower end, available CPU/GPU for now so that you have a working computer right away, then upgrade after the summer.
If I find a pre-built I intend to part out the components I don’t want  
glowrider : 1/21/2021 12:34 pm : link
I think I may just get custom built and let someone else deal with it and warranty it.

Any suggestions? I’ve heard of Digital Storm and Falcon
Stay away from to good to be true deals  
Jim in Scranton : 1/21/2021 12:36 pm : link
especially with cyberpowerpc and ibuypower.
Cyberpower PC was immediately crossed off  
glowrider : 1/21/2021 12:42 pm : link
I called them up for so,e assistance and they couldn’t be bothered.

I’d they don’t want to take some time to make a sale, they won’t be around for support.
There are a few really boutique makers, but you'll pay:  
Deacon : 1/21/2021 1:04 pm : link
VelocityMicro - I had one of their systems about 15 years ago, was awesome. (www.velocitymicro.com)
Falcon Northwest is another, a buddy of mine ran one of their laptops which was amazing (www.falcon-nw.com)

I've heard good things about Digital Storm over the years but have no first hand experience there.
RE: Best guess on when the stock normalizes is Summer  
Mattman : 1/21/2021 1:43 pm : link
In comment 15129894 Whirlybird said:
Quote:
You might want to consider lower end, available CPU/GPU for now so that you have a working computer right away, then upgrade after the summer.


This is what I am doing. Going x570 board with a ryzen 3 3100 (99 bucks for cpu) for now. I have an rx390 that will work for now. I will first upgrade to a ryzen 5600x first and then gpu when they become available
Reddit is a great resource.  
Jim in Scranton : 1/21/2021 1:57 pm : link
They steered me away from cyberpower and companies like it. They don't wire properly and use some junk parts, just to save a buck at your expense.

I wanted to build my own, but gpu's are impossible to find. Convinced me to get a Powerspec from Microcenter. Not cheap, but it's very upgradable.
I cannot believe what is going on with these parts. I’m seeing that  
glowrider : 1/21/2021 4:10 pm : link
people have been camping outside their local Microcenters and Best Buys, and there are literally tens of thousands of people or more on these stock bots and sites waiting with bated breath...all day...for computer parts. Not even a full system! Not the latest phone or console. Just a part.

Forget it. I thought this would be a fun project for the weekend to upgrade my old tower, but it is evident that if you’re not dedicated to waiting for the glorious opportunity to purchase a cpu or gpu within two seconds of its release, you’re stuck with scalpers or nada.

I called Dell Business and found they will build what I want under their Alienware branding. I did a build on their site, they *drastically* cut the price, upgraded all the options I left at default to purchase later from Newegg, extended the warranty and service period for 24 additional months, and tossed in expedited shipping. Done. Sold.

I have to wait two to four weeks, which seemed preposterous this morning, but this is probably the best outcome, and certainly the least expensive. Looking at ebay, I could sell the cpu/gpu combo from this Dell and it would pay for the entire purchase. Maybe I should order two...

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