US to UK Hardware?

[Ascadia]

I have finally convinced my friend who lives in the UK to upgrade his computer, but unfortunately buying hardware in the UK, the manufacturers and distributors are pretty much bending him over and having their way with him, so I was wondering:

If he buys a Video card from Newegg, and has it shipped to me in the US, and then I mail it to him in the UK... will it work in his machine?

I know that the UK does funky things with Power and compatibility at times, but I would imagine with PC parts being a standard, while the plug he would connect to the wall would be different, the 6 pin connector that comes off it would be the same voltage for the card, but I wanted to run it over with "The experts" before giving him the green light.

Anyone have any experience with shipping hardware to the UK?

 

[ohiou_grad_06]

I don't have experience with that, but I think the main thing is on the back of the power supply, he needs to make sure he's using the correct voltage setting. Unsure other than that.

 

[closed_deal]

Luckily for us pc consumers the pc hardware standard is one and only one unlike console owners. The minor differences would be as ohiou_grad_06 mentioned about the PSU maybe being incompatible other than that everything else is pretty much the same bar keyboards .

Although are you aware he may have to pay import duty on the package, so it maybe best for him to buy it from a regular UK e-tailor...

 

[mactronix]

The shipping, Insurance and Tax issues usually offset the benefits.

Mactronix

 

[dagger]

The shipping, Insurance and Tax issues usually offset the benefits.

Mactronix

Shipping isn't that expensive if you package everything at once, insurance comes with shipping. Do you plan to pay taxes?

 

[mactronix]

I'm sure that kind of thing does go on but we couldn't possibly condone such activities on a public forum now could we dagger.

Mactronix

 

[dagger]

I'm sure that kind of thing does go on but we couldn't possibly condone such activities on a public forum now could we dagger.

Mactronix

It's for private use, not sales. Sales tax is already paid. Do you pay tariffs on the shirt you wear every time you travel abroad?

 

[mactronix]

Your still supposed to pay import tax on it. I have a friend who imports a lot of classic vinyl and the rules regarding insurance and declarations are very clear, even if its declared as a gift its liable to import tax if its above a certain value.
I'm not saying it doesn't go on and technically as far as the hardware goes it would be compatible, so in theory someone could buy X in the USA and send it to the UK, just be aware that you may get an extra invoice for it.
Bottom line, allowing for the chance of damage or it going missing in transit, being held up at customs and then you getting a tax invoice for it, its just easier not to bother.
Thats just my opinion though
Mactronix

 

[bobbknight]

A video card will work in his computer if the slot is proper.
When sending the card declare the value amount at a low dollar price.

 

[idrinkevian]

Using any components should be fine as long as it's not a psu you're shipping over. When my brother goes to Hong Kong he always buys parts while he's out there. Only problem has already been mentioned, which is import tax. I believe anything over x amount is liable for duties even if it's declared a gift, I learnt that the hard way. Best thing is to declare the value something like a hundred dollars, the risk being that if the package is lost you won't be able to claim back the full amount of what it's truly worth, unless the parts are actually worth a hundred dollars.