Buying computer components internationally

**The End** · 27th February 2013, 21:44

So we all know technology prices in NZ are overpriced, and there's not a whole lot we can do about it...

I'm looking at building a gaming computer, and would like to get it for the best deal possible. I've compiled this build on pricespy, but looking on international websites I could still get it much cheaper even with the cost of shipping.

Does anyone have experience with purchasing computer parts and having them shipped to NZ? What is the deal with warranties? What websites are best?

I have some family going to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks and have considered getting them to purchase parts overseas and bringing them back. Would they be stung with custom/duty fees?

**imdying** · 28th February 2013, 08:32

At only $1500, it's not worth the hassle for me. The only parts I bother buying overseas are ones I can't get here, like some cooling components or high end peripherals.

Your family will be able to bring back anything you like... I've had all sorts of electronics and motorcycle parts as hang luggage.

**SMOKEU** · 28th February 2013, 08:54

Don't buy components internationally. Buy them locally, as when it shits itself (which it will) you'll have a bitch of a time sorting out warranty replacements.

You should also look at buying a 7950 instead of a 7870 since the 7950 will overclock very high (1100MHz is easily achievable with most), and you only need another 50MHz to match 7970 speeds to make up for the fewer shaders. In other words, a 1GHz 7970 will be matched by a 1.050GHz 7950 most of the time.

**Scuba_Steve** · 28th February 2013, 08:58

I've only brought HDD's from overseas & they came with international warranties, most components tho in my experience will never need warranties (tho you just know the 1 time you don't have it will be the 1 time Murphy shows up)
Side note: I would also hold off building any gaming PC till at-least next year also

**imdying** · 28th February 2013, 09:06

Fook that, what will he do for the next 10 months!

**Scuba_Steve** · 28th February 2013, 09:09

Originally Posted by imdying

Fook that, what will he do for the next 10 months!

Experience the interwebs of course

**bogan** · 28th February 2013, 09:34

How much cheaper is it from international sources? And did you shop around a bit on pricespy to make sure you were getting common items? Sometimes NZ just doesn't get in much of some stuff, so its super expensive compared to basically the same thing which we do get in quantity.

Also, don't wait 10 months, PC hardware prices will go up once consumers realise just how shit next gen consoles are going to be.

And get an SSD in there.

**zique** · 19th March 2013, 01:11

I built a gaming computer late last year.The only thing I bought from overseas (Ebay) was the new Sabertooth motherboard which was a whole lot more here.The rest was bought here.But it's a good idea to buy stuff from overseas if you got someone going there and coming back.Shipping from the US is nasty!

**jim.cox** · 19th March 2013, 07:42

I have had really good service from tastech.co.nz

Prices are as low as anywhere in NZ , and no issues with returns and warranties

Highly recommended

**Gremlin** · 19th March 2013, 16:48

Most of the time, warranty is back to the country of purchase.

Prices are competitive here, between the suppliers. Anyone creaming it basically wouldn't sell, because someone else would do it cheaper.

Only time we've bought components overseas is because they are not available here.

With a gaming PC, it's going to be out of date shortly after you build it, don't go top spec, and expect to be in a constant upgrade cycle, as gaming is the primary reason for needing more resources.

**Erelyes** · 19th March 2013, 18:16

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Most of the time, warranty is back to the country of purchase.

Prices are competitive here, between the suppliers. Anyone creaming it basically wouldn't sell, because someone else would do it cheaper.

Only time we've bought components overseas is because they are not available here.

With a gaming PC, it's going to be out of date shortly after you build it, don't go top spec, and expect to be in a constant upgrade cycle, as gaming is the primary reason for needing more resources.

This. I've had several components fail on me, and having to RMA stuff to the states etc would be a PITA. You are paying for the Consumer Guarantees Act, basically.

I buy everything from ComputerLounge (best I've found for mobo/gpu etc), playtech (very competitive with CL and good for monitors) and Ascent (good for bits and bobs/peripherals).

**bogan** · 20th March 2013, 13:27

Originally Posted by Gremlin

With a gaming PC, it's going to be out of date shortly after you build it, don't go top spec, and expect to be in a constant upgrade cycle, as gaming is the primary reason for needing more resources.

Its not so bad these days, top spec will probably last about a year before there is something significantly better (the biggest change in latest gen CPUs was to add a better iGP ffs), and then after that you've probably still got another year until you would actually notice the difference between the better stuff. And gaming with only a fullHD screen makes it easier on the components too.