If you want to find out about the technical details inside your computer try these two downloads for a comprehensive listing.

http://www.lavalys.com/products/overview.php?pid=1&lang=en

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Alternatively, build the computer yourself, then you know exactly what went into it without needing any software to tell you.

and when you have built it test it with this www.pcpitstop.com (http://)

Originally posted by steevie/d
and when you have built it test it with this www.pcpitstop.com (http://) :rolleyes: whats it meant to do? cause it don't do it :)

Originally posted by slh73
Alternatively, build the computer yourself, then you know exactly what went into it without needing any software to tell you.
Not true! I built my previous computer myself, and I could never remember what I put inside it. Was forever having to dig out various invoices to tell me.

Plus anyone who knows enough to build their own computer is bound to have a friend or relative ask them to fix theirs at some point - and will they know what's in it? :)

Originally posted by rich951
Plus anyone who knows enough to build their own computer is bound to have a friend or relative ask them to fix theirs at some point - and will they know what's in it? :) You can always open the case and look inside... aLways works for me ! Or even better, look in the device list ;)

You've obviously never had to cope with much unbranded OEM hardware! ;)

Originally posted by slh73
Alternatively, build the computer yourself, then you know exactly what went into it without needing any software to tell you.

Building is the way forward, IMO.

This summer, I'll be building my first computer, and I will take great delight in burning that Crapard Bell.

Originally posted by amhudson119
Building is the way forward, IMO.
I dunno, like I said I built my last-but-one computer, it was OK but I forever had the feeling that I'd picked components that weren't ideal together, or accidentally frazzled a couple of chips with static while putting it together. It was good but a little bit... cranky - would reboot every once in a while, just to keep me on my toes.

This time around I've gone from a custom-built machine from Scan (http://3xs.scan.co.uk/). Very happy with it, although it's not quite as quiet as I'd have liked (last time around I got all my cooling parts from QuietPC (http://www.quietpc.com/)), and it seems you can get a pre-built machine these days virtually as cheap, if not cheaper, than building it yourself (certainly cheaper once you factor in the cost of your own time).

My mum recently bought a PC from Dell and my partner, who repairs Pc's for a living, said that you couldn't build one much cheaper these days. It needed some extra memory but its so cheap at the moment that its almost not worth self-building anymore IMO.

i aint no partner of yours :love:

whilst it is very difficult to build a machine around a similar spec to the special dell offers... when self building you get the added advantage in which the posts in this thread points to:

a) knowing what bits are in it
b) knowing how far you can upgrade the bits in future
c) knowing the quality of the bits you put in


machines like dell are becoming increasingly more attractive, but arent ideal for the bespoke user. (gamers/overclockers etc)

try telling dell youve ripped their kit to bits and installed it in a prometia or vapo. they'd:

- laugh, as there kit wouldnt benefit
- shout, as they tell you their warranty has been voided

ive gone off into a rant, and my points proabbly not come accross very well. but i know what i mean :)

heck i worked for an online etailer specialising in bespoke/performance, so i should know what i mean!

Heh, yes we are going slightly off topic here, Dell are cheap but not ideal if you have specific ideas about what you want, but there are plenty out there (the likes of Scan etc) who are a lot more flexible and good for overclockers etc.

I dunno about building a computer. I like to be able to phone a man if it breaks and they will turn up the next day, and fix it. Best money I ever spent.

Originally posted by Phanerothyme
I dunno about building a computer. I like to be able to phone a man if it breaks and they will turn up the next day, and fix it. Best money I ever spent.

if you build a computer, you dont usually need to phone anyone as you ususally know whats what.

or

if you pay to get one built privately, make sure you get someone who can provide the service to go with it :)

or buy prebuilt.

Originally posted by rich951
You've obviously never had to cope with much unbranded OEM hardware! ;) I have a lot of it, and serial numbers are very useful for that