Bulk Ordering

[casualbuilder]

Does anyone know where to get bulk cd keys for windows 7 that are legit for new customer builds?

 

[COLGeek]

Correct about the original PC only. What I was suggesting was that instead of building brand new PCs thus needing to buy a pricy new license, the OP get some used computers that already have an OEM key assigned to them, and build those out using the original OS, just as a fresh setup.

I do this all the time for craigslist and friends. I pick up a bunch of decent 3 gig P4 systems, stick 2 gig of RAM in them, maybe use a newer drive if needed, re-install the OS and drivers, and the thing runs as good as many newer computers.

Undestood, my friend. Recycles the tech and fun ripping into the guts of those old rigs!

 

[hang-the-9]

definately not. mobo has to be the same. and the ORIGINAL POST was just that, new builds. OEM's, then, are good for 1 mobo, with maybe the exception of a bad mobo that burns out, and a LOT of sympathy from MS. Retail allows a single user to reinstall multiple times, active for 1 pc at a time. Bulk or Volume Pricing is near negligable. And if you want to compete with big companies legally, you need to be sleeping with someone from MS.

That pretty much sums it up, the cheapest way to go is an OEM license for a new system. I was just offerning an alternate way to that, but then you can't use new systems. Don't forget the hardware they buy is probably sourced directly from the manufacturer where a regular purchaser (you) will need to go through resellers which also adds more cost.

Back in the day when Dell, Gateway, HP got started all this was just getting going, so they were all pretty much at equal footing. Now that the big makers can buy 100,000 drives at one time, it's a lot harder to break into new PC sales unless it's a local thing.

 

[COLGeek]

<<snip>>.... it's a lot harder to break into new PC sales unless it's a local thing.

Or, you go the boutique computer route.....and offer something the big boys can't. Even that is VERY hard to break into. Many have tried and failed. I wish you, casualbuilder, the very best of luck!

 

[hang-the-9]

Or, you go the boutique computer route.....and offer something the big boys can't. Even that is VERY hard to break into. Many have tried and failed. I wish you, casualbuilder, the very best of luck!

Then the problem with THAT is that people would say it's over-priced junk that you can build yourself for cheaper. Alienware and such as an example. And people like us on this forum are the ones that call it over-priced junk that you can build yourself cheaper hehe.

Forget PCs, start raising Llamas or something Now that we turned this thread into at least a 40% angle from what it started at.

Actually I think going the used PC route is the best way for a low-volume guy to work on. Then you can work on getting the people you sell to upgrades, even used upgrades. You can pick up cheap dual-cores now also. So you get a P4 system for 20-30 in bulk, build it out, sell for $80, then a bit down the line you contact your mailing list of customers and ask "so I got this dual-core PC in, do you want to upgrade your system with a partial trade-in?". I have sold at least 4 upgrades this way, and working on getting two newer laptops currently into the hands of some of my contacts. Plus if you offer good service and value, and explain things well, you have tons of references which can lead to more sales as they tell friends and relatives about this greath cheap PC they got from you.

 

[COLGeek]

Then the problem with THAT is that people would say it's over-priced junk that you can build yourself for cheaper. Alienware and such as an example. And people like us on this forum are the ones that call it over-priced junk that you can build yourself cheaper hehe.

Forget PCs, start raising Llamas or something Now that we turned this thread into at least a 40% angle from what it started at.

Actually I think going the used PC route is the best way for a low-volume guy to work on. Then you can work on getting the people you sell to upgrades, even used upgrades. You can pick up cheap dual-cores now also. So you get a P4 system for 20-30 in bulk, build it out, sell for $80, then a bit down the line you contact your mailing list of customers and ask "so I got this dual-core PC in, do you want to upgrade your system with a partial trade-in?". I have sold at least 4 upgrades this way, and working on getting two newer laptops currently into the hands of some of my contacts. Plus if you offer good service and value, and explain things well, you have tons of references which can lead to more sales as they tell friends and relatives about this greath cheap PC they got from you.

I have an old friend that would say the same thing about used cars. Way more money to be made with used cars (buy cheap, clean up, and sell for a profit) than with new cars (no depreciation to take advantage of yet).

Seems appripo here....

 

[casualbuilder]

wow...great insights guys. sorry i wasnt on last night to through fuel on the fire. Looks like i have stepped into a large pile of coorporate competition. Just starting off, i am gonna look into doing mostly system upgrades and hdd cleaning, get my name out there, as well as new builds for people who are interested in getting a solid built pc. I know that market is very hard to break, but the other fact of the matter is, factory installed hardware usually breaks faster (from my experience). I dont know how many people buy a new "walmart" computer every 1-3 years, where as a personally build pc could potentially last up to 10 years if taken care of. Not that you guys DONT know this, but its a playing chip i intend to use very regularly. That is one thing DELL and bigger companies cannot compete with. Close, personal, customer service and quality. Anyways, thanks for some ideas guys, this has been one of the funnest forum threads i've started/interacted with.

I will, however, turn our thread to a different angle if you guys are willing to hang on. I have recently undated Adobe FLASH, and now some if not all my facebook apps will not load appropriately. the adobe sign is in the top left of the app screen, but everything else is pure white. is there something i am missing? Kinda happened out of the blue, not sure why...

 

[COLGeek]

Specs? OS version? Browser?

 

[casualbuilder]

Windows7
Explorer & Mozilla

Specs:
Phenom IIx4 955BE (4.0GHz)
ASUS Sabertooth 990fx
Kingston HYPER X Black Edition 8GB (2x4)
Hitachi 1.5Tb HDD 7200RPM 64Mb Cache
ASUS GTX 560 (950MHz)
Zalman 9900s hsf
Cooler Master HAF X
Corsair HX750W PSU

 

[COLGeek]

Go into Control Panel/Programs and Features and uninstall Flash Player. Restart system afterward. Then to Adobe.com and download and install the latest Flash Player. Good luck!

 

[casualbuilder]

ok. ty very much.

While i have you on here, are you good with OC procedures and possibly temp troubleshooting?

 

[COLGeek]

I am OK in terms of OC stuff. But, I recommend you start here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/258573-29-black-edition-overclock-guide-raising-multiplier

 

[casualbuilder]

question about OC'ing this 955BE. I recently purchased it, but my temps are getting to a very hot level, where i can't even see it cap out before i close Prime95. I hav eno idea why, as my aftermarket cooler is a Zalman 9900. Idle temps are hovering around 36c...not great imo either, but i would think that it should keep my cpu temps running well within its means of 62c or less. i have this cpu OC'd to 4.0GHz, and can't see why i am having a problem. Previously ran a 555BE at 4.35GHz and it was running 48c at load. I know there is a huge difference with watts used, but am i silly in thinking my cooler should have troubles keeping this cpu under control?

 

[COLGeek]

Your HSF, if mounted properly, should have no problem colling your CPU. Keep in ming that OCing is a bit of a crap shoot and not all CPUs are created equally. SOme will crank it up to almost obscene levels, while others don't do so well. Also, there are lots of system specific issues to take into account (heat, power, airflow, etc) that are unique to each situation.

Your idle temps are actually ok. Depends on the heat/humidity of your room and airflow.

BTW, are you OCing your memory? If so, I suggest you drop your memory back to stock speeds and only mess with OCing your CPU and GPU. OCing memory is of questionable value anyway and can lead to all sorts of system stability problems. Just something to think about.

 

[casualbuilder]

thanks. the RAM is measured for 1600 (although it is said that 1333 is the actual speed). i have it running at 1444. i can drop it to 1063 (i think), and a side note, my GPU is MASSIVELY OC'd. stock speeds are 810MHz on my ASUS card...950 is stable right now. I would hate to say that this card is a lemon in terms of OC'ing, but if that is what you are saying, then i will need to downclock it. bummer. Also, i am using Arctic Silver MX-2 thermal grease. not the most expensive, but what i prefer for performancerice comparison. Im not sure why my cpu is getting so hot still, as they are approaching 90c at full load. just doesnt seem right to me. Ill do some more research and see what i find. could be something stupid i missed.

 

[COLGeek]

1333 is fine (that is the "standard" speed. Rating and speed are not the same things. I would consider clocking back my GPU to stock to see how that affects the overall system (like the heat generated by the CPU).

You could also have a faulty temp sensor for your CPU.

 

[casualbuilder]

ok, faulty temp sensor would explain it not registering a "max" temp under load? i can see if the cpu is as hot as it is saying by placing my hand near it correct? and i dont believe the gpu is causing any issues with the cpu, as it runs under max load at 53c.

 

[COLGeek]

Sure, you can touch it. Keep in mind that 100C is 212F and that is when water boils. 90C will be HOT! Be careful.

 

[casualbuilder]

yeah, ill do the whole "close to" scan first, and if it seems like there isnt a lot of hot air coming off of it, i will try to touch it. I am hoping it is either a faulty cpu, or just a mis-reading from CoreTemp. Prime95 didn't seem to have any issues running, nor did anything happen as far as bsod or a restart...i would think that something like that would have happened if the cpu was actually that hot, no?

 

[COLGeek]

Also, if the system gets too hot (like to unsafe levels), it will throttle back (or even shut down). I assume you are running Cool and Quiet (enabled in BIOS). If not, you should.

Sounds to me that you are actually ok, as is.

 

[casualbuilder]

i am not running cool and quiet, but i will enable it. i think that was causing my hsf to run at lower rpm's though

 

[COLGeek]

That isn't a problem. The PWM function on the fan will spin up/down as needed to keep things safely cooled. CnQ is a good thing in the vast majority of cases....

 

[Corrytonapple]

Ok, so thats what i was looking at originally. for the WINE program, i believe it supports itunes correct? i have a person that might need a clean wipe, i would recommend ubuntu. as i said before, i need to update myself on at least the basics of linux for proper use recommendations. Also, i believe that ubunu looks appealing enough that most people wont complain unless they are hardcore gamers. Thank you COLGeek.

HANG**

So i think what you are saying is that i would have to use the same system? or is there a way to "refresh" the OS and re-use it again? idk, seems very technical and "illegit". Might not be illegal, but what exactly would you be doing to get the OS to run on new equipment?

I did not see anybody answer this, but in Wine for any Linux distro, you cannot use iTunes. It has been attempted and won't work. The thing about going mainstream with Linux like this is that people have to adapt. They have to change and learn to use their new OS. Then there is the "I just saw this app my friend recommended, but it won't work on Linux!" deal.
No hating on Linux there though. It is good for personal use or someone who wants to see it and use it. Currently, Ubuntu Linux is all that I use, and I have never had one reason to go over to Windows which can be run on the mac (15 feet away; it is just for school too, so no documents from my computer have to go over to the mac).
Good Luck

 

[casualbuilder]

thanks corry

 

[Mousemonkey]

Best answer selected by mousemonkey.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey