Build To Order in Japan: cannot choose graphic card model

[David Taquet]

Hi!

For once, I am not asking a question but sharing something and hope to hear some similar stories.

I live in Japan and am looking for a customized PC, through a system called BTO (built to order). They basically offer typical builds for office, or gaming PCs, to which you add, remove, or modify parts. I am thinking about a core i5 based system, with a GTX 1070, with a price of roughly 1100$. (Japan is quite expensive).

I found some decent sets but most of them do not mention the brand or model of the graphic cards, just the Nivdia 1070 chipset.

Until now, I assumed it was the reference Nvidia founders edition, until I saw a friend with such PC which sported a MSI card.

I called several stores to confirm, and they basically told me they use whatever brand and model they have on hands to build the PC. You cannot pick a specific brand, (unless you buy it separately, which defeats the purpose). I imagine that any brand and model is going to be better (at least for the cooling) than the founder edition, but I am not sure I like the random aspect of the whole thing.

Some stores offer the option to pick a specific model, usually the MSI gaming X or Strix ones for an extra 120$.

Have you ever heard of such practices in your country?

David

 

[jpe1701]

I've seen similar setups offered by some companies in the US. Companies like cyberpowerpc will give some limited choices for extra money but usually core components like the Psu are crappy choices and just what ever they bought cheap in bulk.

 

[dontlistentome]

I've seen this with other things, not just computers. The idea is that they pick the most cost effective supplier, then pass that savings on to you. The supplier and/or model of item may change at any time, so that's why they can't allow you to pick a specific brand.

If picking out specific items is a priority with you, then that's when you build it yourself or pay extra for your choices. It's unreasonable to think you can have the best of both worlds, you get to be picky about what you want but also get the low prices.

 

[jpe1701]

I've seen this with other things, not just computers. The idea is that they pick the most cost effective supplier, then pass that savings on to you. The supplier and/or model of item may change at any time, so that's why they can't allow you to pick a specific brand.

If picking out specific items is a priority with you, then that's when you build it yourself or pay extra for your choices. It's unreasonable to think you can have the best of both worlds, you get to be picky about what you want but also get the low prices.

Oh don't get me wrong I know that. That's why I build my own. But specifically the psus that some companies use and the choices are usually not the most reliable units and even though the customer may be willing to pay extra for a top quality one.

 

[jimthenagual]

I'm in Japan too. Tokyo to be exact. I used to do the BTO orders from a company called Faith (great company, still like them), but that was a long time ago. Now I just order my parts from Amazon.co.jp and build my own. If you are in the Tokyo area (I'm near Shibuya) I could even come over and show you how to build one after your parts are delivered.

 

[David Taquet]

THanks for the tip. I live up North. Building the PC myself is not an issue. Let's just say that if I wan the PC, I cannot order parts by parts.

I'm in Japan too. Tokyo to be exact. I used to do the BTO orders from a company called Faith (great company, still like them), but that was a long time ago. Now I just order my parts from Amazon.co.jp and build my own. If you are in the Tokyo area (I'm near Shibuya) I could even come over and show you how to build one after your parts are delivered.

 

[David Taquet]

PSU is indeed very important. On the sites though, the maker and specs of the PSU are very clear. MOst are obscure brands but some are Antec for example. GPU is the only component with an unknown maker.

I've seen this with other things, not just computers. The idea is that they pick the most cost effective supplier, then pass that savings on to you. The supplier and/or model of item may change at any time, so that's why they can't allow you to pick a specific brand.

If picking out specific items is a priority with you, then that's when you build it yourself or pay extra for your choices. It's unreasonable to think you can have the best of both worlds, you get to be picky about what you want but also get the low prices.

Oh don't get me wrong I know that. That's why I build my own. But specifically the psus that some companies use and the choices are usually not the most reliable units and even though the customer may be willing to pay extra for a top quality one.