1.    Can you help me select my PC?
2.    How can I pay?
3.    How secure are my details?
4.    How quick can you turn my order around?
5.    Do you sell software?
6.    Do you insure the goods in transit?
7.    Will everything I choose work together?
8.    Can I use a different case to those shown?
9.    Do you stock other components?
10.  Do you haggle on price?
11.  What warranty do you provide?
12.  How much is Delivery?
13.  Do you provide a VAT Receipt?
14.  Vista or XP ?
15.  32 bit or 64 bit Operating System?
16.  What is the best Processor?
17.  Do you make Quiet PCs?
18.  Do you make DAW systems?
19.  Do you make Small PCs?
20.  How competitive are your prices?
21.  Can I install my own hardware?
22.  Do you make Water Cooled machines?
23.  Do you use branded components?
24.  Will the system have adequate cooling?
25.  Will you include the original Windows CD?
26.  Is your software legitimate?
27.  Why are your prices so low?

1. Can you help me select my PC? Yes, we assist a number of people each day. Some are specialists in their field looking for specific solutions, whilst others may simply be looking for reassurance that what they have selected is right for them.  All machines are checked for compatibility before your payment is processed, so don't worry on that front.   Back to top
2. How can I pay?  There are numerous payment options, just pick the one that suits you best. Remember, a machine cannot enter the build queue until the payment has 'cleared' ie the Bank has confirmed the money is there.  So if the machine is urgent, avoid sending a Cheque or BACS payment. Back to top
3. How secure are my details? 100% secure. Personal information is collected within a secure area of the website which cannot be intercepted or viewed by anyone other than yourself. We do not sell your details onto third parties.  All we retain are details of the purchases made and your contact details for warranty support. Back to top
4. How quick can you turn my order around?  The current build to despatch time is indicated on the left. This is the average turnaround time.  Some machines will take longer if the components you want us to use are out of stock (you would be advised in such a case) or if the testing identifies problem parts in which case they will be replaced, not repaired, and retested. Back to top
5. Do you sell software? We sell a limited amount of software that you can purchase at preferential rates when bought concurrently with the purchase of a new Custom PC. See here for current offers. Back to top
6. Do you insure the goods in transit? Yes. Despite the exhaustive steps that we take to ensure that your new system arrives in perfect order, it could get lost or badly damaged.  Should that happen, rest assured you are covered.  As with any insurance claim, it can take a little while for the insurance company to investigate and pay up. Back to top
7. Will everything I choose work together?  The options available for each machine have been specially chosen because we know that they work well with each other.  If you were to ask for components that are not listed, then we would check compatibility before taking your money. Back to top
8. Can I use a different case to those shown? Yes. We have an extensive selection of cases to choose from see here.  If this isn't enough and you have a different case in mind, then Contact Us as we are sure we can accommodate you. Back to top
9. Do you stock other components?  Yes, these, like the software mentioned above, can be bought concurrently with the purchase of your new Custom PC. Full options can be seen here. Back to top
10. Do you haggle on price? Sorry, no.  Unlike most businesses, the Computer Industry is extremely competitive and there isn't room to reduce profits further. We could save money by using cheaper components, but reliability issues arise, our reputation would suffer and you would quickly learn that it was a false economy because repairs would become an issue. Back to top
11. What warranty do you provide? All machines come with a Return to Base Warranty which covers all Hardware issues and pays for the Labour and Parts required should a problem occur in the first 12 months. It does not cover postage to or from us, neither does it cover software issues that may arise. All monitors and printers come with their own warranty; please see the manufacturers own website for details. Back to top
12. How much is Delivery? Delivery is based on weight and where you live.  Prices start from £6.50 + VAT.  On average the cost of shipping a custom pc within the UK mainland is about £20-25 + VAT.  You can easily check by adding a PC you want to the Shopping Cart.  It will present you with delivery options at that time.  Highlands and Islands attract surcharges. Back to top
13. Do you provide a VAT Receipt?  All good we sell come with a formal Invoice which provides a detailed breakdown of the VAT paid.  It also  provides a full breakdown of the goods purchased and  doubles as your Warranty evidence. Back to top
14. Vista or XP ? A tough call. Windows XP Home is being phased out soon and no patches or support will be provided by Microsoft.  Windows XP Pro will continue to be supported (allegedly) until 2013 'ish.  XP has been around a long time and it is without a doubt the most stable operating system out there.  Vista on the other hand is the future... any new issue will struggle in its infancy, but this will improve with the passage of time. One of the main issues is compatibility with your existing software and other peripherals you may attach to your machine.  In that respect, we recommend that you use the Microsoft Update Advisor to check your existing system.  It will identify most of the possible issues that could arise and help you decide on the best course of action. Back to top
15. 32 bit or 64 bit Operating System?  The 32 bit environment is well supported, with tried and tested performance ensuring excellent reliability and extensive software support.  The 64 bit environment on the other hand is twice as fast, but only when running 100% 64 bit applications, which are short on the ground.  Driver issues aren't supported so well and this can lead to reliability issues.  It will be some months before its truly the Operating System of choice.  32 bit applications run in an emulator mode within Vista 64 bit.  This limits RAM usage to 2GB (irrespective of the fact that you may have a lot more) and speeds will likely be fractionally less than on a 32 bit system.  64 bit systems support masses of RAM, but motherboards tend to max out at 8GB so the motherboard will be the limiting factor there.  A 32 bit system on the other hand, works best with 2GB of RAM.  You can install more, up to 4GB, but the system cannot use it all effectively, so you may as well save your money until you have a 64 bit system. Back to top
16. What is the best Processor? The processor market is primarily dominated by Intel and AMD.  without getting into the complexities of it all, Intel is the CPU of choice when it comes to performance, with AMD propping up the budget end. Back to top
17. Do you make Quiet PCs? Yes, its very much a specialist area and one we are heavily involved in. Most of the systems offered on the site offer quiet alternatives, but if you want a very quiet PC, choose a system that offers a silent graphics card, better CPU cooling options a decent case and a high quality quiet Power Supply.  All the Optical Drives we use (CD/DVD Players/writers) are Quiet Trak units too! Back to top
18. Do you make DAW systems? Indeed.  If you don't see something that fits the bill, drop us a line.  We do a lot of work for the Music and Sound Industry, so rest assured you are in good hands. Back to top
19. Do you make Small PCs?  Yes.  The motherboard is the driving factor, and from a performance point of view, using anything less than Micro-ATX size isn't recommended.  However, we do make Mini and Nano ITX machines.  Simply drop us a line and let us know what you want us to make. Back to top
20. How competitive are your prices? Extremely.  It has to be said that we refuse to use some of the really cheap components that our competitors do because we don't want anything tarnishing our reputation; neither do we want to spend hours repairing machines. We use top quality components. We don't believe in saving a few pounds here and there when the reliability of the system will be seriously compromised. Back to top
21. Can I install my own Hardware & Operating System? We have no qualms about you installing your own PCI cards or updating the RAM since these are easy to do if you take the proper precautions (anti-Static wrist strap, machine disconnected from the wall) but if you damage the machine in the process it will Void the warranty - something that cannot be hidden since we run well over 30 tests on each machine and its easy to determine how a problem arose. If you plan to install your own Operating System, then ensure its a genuine copy and that you are not in breach of any licence agreement - to do so would void your warranty.  Install the Operating System First, then the motherboard drivers, then the VGA drivers.  Create a restore point or image of your system whilst its in perfect condition in case other software corrupts the installation. Back to top
22. Do you make Water Cooled machines? Yes, but we prefer not to because of carriage issues and the number of clients that don't realise what they are getting themselves into.  Noise is often still a factor, you will need to give it regular maintenance, and moving such a system can be problematic to say the least.  We prefer to limit the water cooled machines to Company's for Exhibition purposes. Back to top
23. Do you use branded components? We only use quality branded components to ensure performance and reliability.  Please don't ask us to build systems with poor quality components. Back to top
24. Will the system have adequate cooling?  Absolutely.  All systems are tested before despatch to ensure that they run at a comfortable temperature.  Case fans will automatically be installed where appropriate. Back to top
25. Will you include the original Windows CD? Unlike other company's, we do things properly and will provide the Original Windows CD.  This ensures that problems can easily be resolved without the need to loose all your data. Back to top
26. Is your software legitimate? 100% guaranteed.  We are  Microsoft Partner and firmly support the fight against piracy.  Microsoft licences us to install OEM software on your system.  This is the full product, but the licence is for that machine only.  You cant uninstall it and transfer it to another machine. Back to top
27. Why are your prices so low? being an Internet Company helps, but we don't believe in large glossy magazine spreads or massive amounts of advertising, instead we survive by our reputation.  If you are happy with the goods and services we provide, please recommend us to your friends and family etc.  Over 93% of our business is repeat or referal customers - to us there can be no better testimonial. Back to top
28. What do people tend to overlook the most?  Connectivity with their existing home components especially printers. Check the motherboard specifications against your existing peripherals and satisfy yourself that it will be the right solution.  If its not, then inserting a PCI card may be a way to solve it... drop us a line should that be the case and we'll give you a price.    Back to top
29. Do I need to keep all your packaging!?  Yes... There is a lot but you really should keep it in case you need to return the custom pc for warranty or upgrade work.  The good news is that the box folds flat - simply slit the tape - and slide it under the bed or pop it in the loft.  The packaging itself is very special and should be bagged up and placed in a cupboard or shed Back to top
30. What Anti-Virus do you recommend? We recommend F-Secure Internet Security 2008.  its less invasive than some we can name and is the choice of our corporate clients. We have negotiated special rates for our clients should you be interested.  The package includes Anti-Virus and a number of other features too, including Anti-Spam, Firewall etc.  Norton is also available on request.  Free Anti-Virus is available from AVG by clicking here Back to top
31. What sort of configuration do you suggest? That really depends on the amount of money you have and the intended use.  If you are looking to use your custom pc for gaming, then you need to focus on a decent processor and gaming graphics card. If you are into high end graphic manipulation such as CAD or Animation etc, then you will need a FireGL or Quadro graphics card, not a gaming card.  For businesses, reliability will be a key factor, so consider an ASUS motherboard and quality Power Supply Unit to reduce the likelihood of downtime.  For those that are irregular users, then a budget system will suffice. If you are not sure, ask, its what we are here for. Back to top
32. Should I allow Automatic Updates? Yes.  Occasionally you get the odd rogue one, but on the whole they are well tested before release and improve performance and security loopholes which have been uncovered. If you get a problem, simply go back to the last Restore Point. Back to top
33. Can I open the case to clean out dust?  Ideally you don't want to be opening your machine up if you can help it, but an accumulation of dust can be problematic and cause overheating.  Prevention is the best cure, avoid placing the Base Unit on the carpet or any floor since that is where dust is most prevalent. Simply lifting the unit a few inches off the floor will reduce the frequency that you have to clean it. Don't put it on a desk either if you can avoid it, since work surfaces attract dust just as much as the floor. If the machine does get clogged, then by all means, unplug it from the wall and use an Air Duster (Maplins stock them) to blast the dust out of the machine - sometimes propellant will come out; it dries very quickly, but be sure that its dried before switching the machine back on.  Back to top
34. How can I backup my Data?  Ideally image your hard drive once you have it like you want it.  Norton Ghost or Acronis are excellent for this especially when coupled to an external USB hard drive.  If you don't want to image the hard drive, simply use a DVD.  The Machines we offer can include a DVD/CD Writer.  They are Dual Layer capable and can record up to 8.5GB of data per disc. That tends to be more than most people need.  For small backups, consider USB Memory Sticks, or even floppy discs or the latest SD cards. As for the software, Windows includes some basic support for burning to a disc, whilst NERO provides more advanced support and is recommended (the burning application only). Back to top
35. Is there a factory reset option? No, we provide you with the original Windows CD & licence allowing you to repair your existing installation without having to wipe the whole disc and risk loosing your data. Back to top
36. Can I take an exact image of my hard drive? Indeed you can and we recommend it.  Use Norton Ghost or Acronis.  Ideally transfer the image to a removable external hard drive of the same or greater capacity than your own hard drive.  As with all backups, don't keep it in the same place, take it to a different location. Alternatively, you can back up over the Internet to a specialist 3rd party storage company. Back to top
37. Can I overclock my system?  We don't recommend it because it will invalidate your warranty.  Why? because it places much higher demands on the system and the with the usual safety margins eroded, components are much more likely to fail.  With over 40 tests to check component failure, its immediately obvious when someone has overclocked their system!  If you are insistent on overclocking, then there are a few factors worth considering.  Use a top end motherboard together with, ideally, an Intel processor and ensure you have a good quality Power Supply. Back to top
38. My system seems slow, what can I do? If its just been delivered and we preinstalled the Operating System, then it will be working in peak condition.  However there will be times when you install your own software and this is often the cause of the problem.  If you are installing your own Operating System, remember to install the OS first, then the Motherboard Drivers (ideally the latest ones) then the VGA drivers.  This will result in significant speed improvement.  If however you are experiencing a slow down after owning the machine say 6-12 months, then its usually caused by a number of broken links ie when programs are installed and uninstalled, leaving remnants of programs dotted around here and there. You might also have a lot of programs starting at Start Up.  Check the Start Up file (programs >> Start Menu) and remove Start Up programs you dont need.  Also type 'msconfig' in the Search box if Vista or in the Run box in Windows.  Choose Start Up menu and work down it, unticking programs you don't want to use any more.  If you dont know what a program does, check it on www.google.co.uk. Run a decent anti-virus and spyware program, such as F-Secure.  If problems persist, repairing the installation with the Original CD is often the best option.  Download the latest Motherboard & VGA Drivers before starting and then Boot from the CD and follow the instructions to repair your installation, once that's done, install the latest drivers you downloaded. Back to top
39. Can I upgrade my system?  Yes, but follow some simple rules. Unplug the PC from the wall.  Wear an anti-static wrist strap and attach it to the PC Case.  Ideally work at an anti-static workstation, but that's in the ideal world!  touch the PC case regularly to reduce the likelihood of static damaging the components.  Only touch the components around their edges, never touch the circuitry. Basic upgrades that involve installing a new Card or perhaps some RAM will not invalidate your warranty.  Anything else though will.  In cases like this simply box the PC up and return it to us for upgrading.  A fee will obviously apply to cover any parts and labour, but your warranty will remain intact. Back to top
40. Do you offer software support? No. With so many third party applications out there we cannot be expected to know how each one works let alone how it interacts with Windows.  The software company that wrote the software will have their own dedicated hotline.  Please call them accordingly. Back to top
41. If i get a fault, what do I do? Try and determine when it happened. Did it occur after you did something? If you get a fault, simply reboot the machine.  The chances are it's just tripped over itself and this is all it will take to get it running again.  The best way to track a fault down is to make a note of any error codes that the machine produces on the screen, or to have a look in the Control Panel >> Admin Tools >> Event Viewer.  All errors and problems are logged in here.  Have a look in System and see what happened just before you noticed the machine behaving erratically.  Open the incident it recorded and follow the advice and links provided. Google is also an excellent place to track down advice from alleged experts.  More often than not, someone elsewhere in the world will have had the same problem and found the cure.  Persistent problems are usually best dealt with by us.  Simply box the unit up securely - we are not liable for any damage in transit for goods sent to us - and call us for a returns number (RMA) Back to top
42. Case light flashes when Vista off? Good, its meant to.  This allows for a quick restart when you next need to use it.  it will benefit from the occasional proper turn off, say once a week or fortnight... Back to top
43. Vista Ready Boost - any good? Worth it if you have less than 1Gb of RAM as it improves Boot times. Back to top
44. What is the best graphics card? It depends what you propose to use the machine for.  If gaming then consider the latest cards (easy to spot because they cost a fortune).  If its Professional Video Editing, CAD, Graphics, Animation etc then use a FireGL or Quadro graphics card. If its low level Video Editing, CAD etc, then a general mid range graphic card will suffice.  For people using the computer just for e-mail, internet browsing and perhaps DVD movie playback, then you could get away with a basic, integrated solution if the motherboard supports it - or the cheapest card on offer. Back to top
45. Where can I get the latest drivers? The manufacturers websites.  They are always improving on the drivers.  Links for the motherboard drivers can be found under the motherboard details link on the right, and the video drivers under Graphics Cards. Back to top
46. How can I speed games up?  The best way is to reduce the screen resolution and extra features such as Anti-Aliasing, shadows etc. Keep trying it out until you can achieve the ideal frame rate which tends to be 30+ frames a second.  Don't be disappointed with your system if it fails to achieve the highest possible settings, most machines can't! Back to top
47. Do you do media remote controls?  Yes.  Most TV cards come with a TV remote control, but we also do the Microsoft Media Remotes that control a number of PC features too. Back to top
48. Do you do a mouse like the Wii Remote? Yes... pricey but impressive!  Contact us for details. Back to top
49. What Office Application do you suggest? Open Office is free and very good.  However, Microsoft Office is superb; It's professionally supported and as a result is recommended.  We can provide the original for a lot less than normal, but it must be bought with your new PC >> click here Back to top
50.  Will you make a machine for a Linux user?  Certainly. Just let us know what you want. Contact us Back to top
51. Is SLi or Crossfire good value?  To be honest, no.  The money you spend on buying the second graphics card would be better spent on a faster processor, better motherboard or perhaps more RAM.  Why? well, you'd expect to double the processing power if you installed a second card, but unfortunately it only results in an increase of about 5-10% on average.  True there are a few applications that see a higher percentage increase, circa 40%, but they are the exception.  So, if planning on SLi, investigate whether your application will benefit from it. Back to top
52. DDR3, is it worth it?  It is now that the price has come down.  Back to top
53. Do you spray paint cases?  Yes.  Any colour any theme.  It takes a number of hours though and its not cheap as a result.  with prices starting at £150 + VAT, its best that you Contact us first.  Back to top
54. Do you have end of line machines?  Yes, we always have end of line machines. We don't advertise them on the site because demand would outstrip supply! These always represent good value. So if you want a bargain, drop us a line and ask for an end of line quote - tell us how much you are willing to spend. Contact us Back to top