suggestions

[keynes]

If I were to place a new order with PCS I'd like to see a greater range of cases,motherboards, cpu coolers, option for optional cable management/braided cables (at an additional price) and the option to have liquid cooling GPUs. I do agree that one disadvantage of adding more options is that it may create more confusion with some customers. What are your thoughts?

 

[DeadEyeDuk]

Never mind the confusion, it also adds complexity to stock etc, and at the end of the day most components do the same job, just wrapped in a different wrapper

I am sure there was a thread on Liquid Cooled GPUs last year and I seem to recall something about them being a tad risky? mebs? I unno

Not say more isn't good, but there has to be a demand for it (which am sure PCS look at constantly )

 

[tom_gr7]

For those of us that like out pc's to look in a certain way, such as colour theme, I think it would be worth having more components to choose from, ie different air coolers. Although like you say ded is does add complexity to the stock, however, surely a few extra components wouldn't cause a problem?

 

[keynes]

Never mind the confusion, it also adds complexity to stock etc, and at the end of the day most components do the same job, just wrapped in a different wrapper

Well it depends, if you wish to overclock the choice of a case and CPU cooler would make a difference to keep temperatures down. I agree with the comment of sufficient demand needed for some components to be added but how could that be determined?

 

[lady0sheep]

I think more monitors would be good, I got mine elsewhere because I wanted a 120hz one without having to pay for a 27" monitor. I thought there was a nice range of cases though, was happy picking with the range there and the send in your own case option is there if people want.

 

[Narcotics]

They should list the corsair ax series as you can buy sleeved cables
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/cors...for-the-professional-series-ax850-ax750-ax650

They definitely should have more choice & maybe the option to fill the case with fans & a LED kit.

 

[Maestro]

Err, we do list the corsair AX series, well the 1200w one anyway.

With regards to adding extra components and options, it is something we are accutely aware off. We do add new stuff every week, whether it be new motherboards, or processors etc. We could list an endless amount of stuff, like an e-tailer does such as ebuyer etc., but the last thing we want is for the drop down box on the configurators to contain and massive list of options. It would simply confuse and be overwhelming to a lot of customers. If we see something that looks popular or a few people ask for something in particular then we would generally check it out and probably add it.

Also, please note that if you dilute your buying power, so instead of buying 100 of this case, and 500 of that cooler, you start buying lots of different cases in smaller quantities from various manufacturers, then you increase the cost, which we would have to pass on.

And the biggest issue off all is compatibility. The more options you have the more issues of compatibility arise. It is already a minefield, and would be a real headache. Everything we do decide to add, is tested and checked for compatibility and quality etc. before we actually add it to the site. It is also a nightmare for the purchasers. There are always items in constraint, and if we added lots more products this would simply cause more delays. Generally, because we are bulk purchasers we get priority and can guarantee stock most of the time. If we were a small fish because we were buying lots of small quantities of different items from different manufacturers, then we wouldn’t be at the top of the pile for stock.

That being said there is always a case for more value adding services etc. such as superior cable management, and other modding options.

 

[keynes]

Thanks for the feedback Maestro. I didn't consider the buying power/bulk buying discount when I made the comment, I am hoping some of requests above are available when I am ready to purchase a new PC.

 

[Narcotics]

*** have a good selection 14 motherboards & 17 CPU coolers

 

[keynes]

*** have a good selection 14 motherboards & 17 CPU coolers

But limited warranty, only 1 year for parts and too many options like a physx dedicated card that may not be needed.

 

[tom_gr7]

I think those cables look good, but I wouldnt want to pay 50-60 quid for a pack of red braided cables, when its likely ya gonna only use a few of them, Plus you would still need to buy more if you wanted matching sata cables.I have a 1050w psu and still got loads of cables left in my spares pack.

If you want braided cables, i'd suggest buying bitfenix alchemy cables, and only buying the ones you actually need to save money. clicky

 

[captcha]

Spot on Maestro.
Quickest way to go bust in any business is to offer customers every variety of everything in every colour,size,price bracket,etc.
Economies of scale come in very quickly,though I suppose you could offer a tailor made system build where rather than us using drop downs, a customer could do their research,provide you with a wish list, and you quote a price ( no bulk discounts) and delivery schedule. Not sure you would want added complexity to your systems,and considering the possible combinations of system we can order you do a pretty good job.

 

[Everon]

Im currently looking at ordering a new computer.

I have been deciding between PCS or Cybertech for a week or so now and have come to the conclusion that i prefer the PCS layout, and here is why:

While Cybertech has alot more components it is far more confusing for the average buyer, i do not need 10 different motherboards, 6 different fan cooling options, more lights than the local nightclub. What I want is a good choice of quality components but not so many as to confuse my choice.

PCS seem to have the available choice about right in my opinion. They have enough to allow you to customise your choice of PC without making it daunting and overwhelming for the average buyer. Sure if you are a total whizkid and know how to build a rig from the ground up cybertech may be better, but then if you are that tech savvy why would you not just order every component from the likes of scan and build it totally yourself as it is far cheaper (in some cases)

If PCS were to go down this route i would advise making a different section perhaps for the PC building aficionado so that the general customisation pages does not start to look like the complicated mess that is cybertech.

Just my two cents on this, Jay.

 

[marwoo578]

^^^^^ Agree totally
Whilst not a complete noob havent looked at anything pc component related for a long time so a lil out the loop

Found the PCS configurator real easy with just enough choices so as not to be overwhelmed

Throughout the forum there are plenty of links to braided cables and the like to be able to customize your new rig

 

[Narcotics]

All the sites are noob friendly they will not let you configure a PC that will not work. I only put *** because they do stuff like this but i don't think you can go wrong with pcspecialist.

 

[chrcar59]

I was a complete newbie about a week ago and still probably am compared to alot of you guys. I did struggle at first because I had no idea what i was going to choose, it was only because of this forum I could become customed to each and every component.

I definitely understand the more experienced will want more and im sure PCS would allow more components to come in should the demand go up.

Maybe post some forum/site polls up and ask what people want, then if it shows popular, maybe add it in?

But the system in place at the moment, for me, was good enough.

 

[SimonG]

Would it not be a possibility to have a "Novice/Advanced User"-switch. Advanced enabling more components/customizations etc.
That'd solve the whole confusion part!

Btw (sorry for minor thread hijack), why do you not disable/remove incompatible components from the dropdowns on the fly?
The "Sorry you've picked some stuff that don't go well together!"-screen is kinda... "". I expected the builder to work
that out for me(as it has done on other sites I've been to).

 

[keynes]

Btw (sorry for minor thread hijack), why do you not disable/remove incompatible components from the dropdowns on the fly?
The "Sorry you've picked some stuff that don't go well together!"-screen is kinda... "". I expected the builder to work
that out for me(as it has done on other sites I've been to).

I'd assume that since there are a lot of components and different possible combinations it would be difficult to do that (cases with or without a fan controller, motherboards that have limited slots for additional GPUs or wireless card), I get the same warning when ordering from other retailers as well.

 

[SimonG]

I'd assume that since there are a lot of components and different possible combinations it would be difficult to do that (cases with or without a fan controller, motherboards that have limited slots for additional GPUs or wireless card), I get the same warning when ordering from other retailers as well.

But surely if they're able to check that when you click Proceed, they should be able to do it in real-time?

 

[Wolvo7]

Would it not be a possibility to have a "Novice/Advanced User"-switch. Advanced enabling more components/customizations etc.

That sounds like a very good idea

I also agree with Tom it would be nice to have some customization options (ie lights, colored cables, LED fans etc) to make the PC look a bit more personal. Maybe in a separate section at the end of the configurator.