Canadian Computer Stores

[TotalEclipse]

Hey all -

I'm a student just starting university in Toronto, and I'm looking to build a powerful computer system at the best price possible. I have no real objections to buying online if I'll save money that way, but from what I've seen I'm thinking I can do just as well going down to a store...

I'm hoping that a few people here might have some experience with stores in the GTA, and thereby be able to point me in the right direction. (Apologies for cross-posting a similar message to the CPU forum - I just discovered this one... I'm a newbie, and I'm still not completely sure of the protocols I need to follow.)

So far I'm thinking of buying at the Compusmart downtown - the sales guy impressed me by going out to extra suppliers when he didn't like the first price (~$2100-2200 for the system described below - in line with the better prices I had gotten). He also warned me about some impending price drops, which I generally knew about but appreciated anyway... Anybody else had good experiences there?

Other possibilities include the College & Spadina area stores, but I've heard some of their parts are sketchy, and warranties non-existant. Are any stores worth looking at? Is there anything I especially need to look out for there? Can I trust their OEM components (same question applies to all stores, actually...) Low price is good, but having a system that still works in 6 months is better...

Any other suggestions? I've looked at ncix and pccanada and other websites, but prices weren't spectacular. I've heard something about a "pricematch" service on ncix, though?

And, finally, the system I'm looking at - I guess I'm wondering if my prices (in rather worthless CAD, without tax) are decent, and I'll take any suggestions on parts too.

AMD Athlon 1.4 GHz CPU
Gigabyte GA-7DXR motherboard
512 MB PC-2100 DDR Ram
40 GB 7200 RPM Maxtor (or similar) ATA100 hard drive
ATI Radeon 64 DDR w VIVO (Retail)
16x Toshiba or Pioneer DVD
16x10x40 Yamaha 2100 series burner
1.44" Toshiba FDD
Phillips AcousticEdge soundcard
Samsung 955DF 19" Flat monitor (possibly upgrade to a Viewsonic)
Logitech Optical mouse
DLink NIC
"Appropriate" cooling (i.e. good quality CPU + case fans)

(already own speakers, scanner, spare keyboard, etc.)

Thanks very much to all those who reply!

*As the username implies, I'm generally in the dark*

 

[Guest]

Try this site. If nothing else it will supply you with links to stores in Ontario and Toronto.
http://www.computers-canada.com/index.html

Good luck


/Please God... Change the Sig O' the Week/

 

[Guest]

I'ed go for an asus a7v mobo - gigabyte has some probs with transitors right now - inside info.

If it ain't broke don't fix it
Hardware Central Rules
<A HREF="mailto: techie2000@supanet.com "> techie2000@supanet.com </A>

 

[TotalEclipse]

*sigh* comes a little late, unfortunately. I put my order through on NCIX the other day. They offered a very good price, and no provincial sales tax because they're in BC I have to say I was impressed...

How bad are these issues with the gigabyte boards?

*As the username implies, I'm generally in the dark*

 

[Guest]

It's only a few boards. And they tend to crash/overheat. You probably will be fine like a said just a few small select boards.

If it ain't broke don't fix it

<A HREF="mailto: techie2000@supanet.com "> techie2000@supanet.com </A>