Computer Hardware Retailers

September 25, 2005 6:41 PM

Any suggestions for the best hardcore computer (and related) hardware retailer with online ordering and US-based?

And by "hardcore", what I mean is not the usual, but stuff like miscellaneous wiring, screws, hard drive cages, temperature sensors, stand-offs, whatever. You see where I'm going with this? This is why I'm asking. The more common stuff is easy to find. My dream would be something as extensive as McMaster-Carr but limited to computer stuff. Thanks.

posted by Ethereal Bligh to Computers & Internet (20 answers total)

http://www.pricewatch.com/ has a ton of different wires, cases, etc. Not a huge selection though.
posted by frankie_stubbs at 6:47 PM on September 25, 2005

Newegg should have most of this. Just look around a bit. HD cages are case-specific, as are mobo standoffs, in my experience, and I don't think you can find them on newegg. The rest is there, though.
posted by devilsbrigade at 6:55 PM on September 25, 2005

I second newegg, I love newegg. Excellent prices, quick shippers, and superb RMA policy.
posted by riffola at 6:56 PM on September 25, 2005

Third for Newegg! Almost always the best deals, amazing customer service/RMA, low cost shipping, etc.
posted by dhammala at 6:58 PM on September 25, 2005

tigerdirect.com seems allright - i've heard good things about them - but only purchased memory from them.
posted by specialk420 at 7:07 PM on September 25, 2005

Cyberguys is where I usually look first for stuff like fans or cables.
posted by octothorpe at 7:15 PM on September 25, 2005

Fourth for newegg.com - excellent prices, fast shipping, no problems. I built my last computer from parts and bought all of them from Newegg. I've also returned items before, and as the other posters suggest, it's a remarkably painless process.

I don't recommend Tigerdirect, as they have something of a history for messing people about, particularly with refunds.
posted by selfnoise at 7:22 PM on September 25, 2005

Best answer: For major components, yeah, NewEgg is great, I bought my last system's parts from them.

For little tiny hardware stuff, you need to discover your local whitebox supplier. Nothing beats looking at it with your own eyes before buying it. Standoffs? Come on, those are a few pennies, who cares about getting the absolute best price. For that kind of stuff, you're only saving money by buying online if your time is worthless.

In Atlanta it's GIM Computers -- best in town and you don't have to drive out to the freaking burbs. You'll be amazed A) how they have everything in stock and at OK prices and B) how smart they are. No Radio Shack blank stares.
posted by intermod at 7:38 PM on September 25, 2005

Gotta give it to NewEgg. Good prices, variety, and customer support. The one time I had to RMA something, they didn't give me any sh*t about it. I love those guys.
posted by afroblanca at 7:48 PM on September 25, 2005

Newegg, and I also like Directron because they're down the street from me and UPS Ground means "next day delivery".

(Why don't I just go down there and buy stuff? I work during the day when their storefront is open)
posted by mrbill at 7:52 PM on September 25, 2005

Best answer: Newegg is great when it comes to main stream stuff... however here are some companies to look at when buying the weird stuff... I have bought from all 3 of these guys and I have been pleased...

Crazy PC
Frozen CPU
Xoxide
posted by kashmir772 at 8:21 PM on September 25, 2005

newegg
posted by nickerbocker at 8:24 PM on September 25, 2005

Nth to NewEgg, at least for most parts and components. They aren't really the incredibly rare or obscure piece, for that as intermod noted you're better served finding a relatively close wholesaler that you can buy from in-person.

Funny how having a good web site (easily navigable with lots of pictures), quick shipping, good prices, and good customer service can make your business popular and reputable. :)
posted by hincandenza at 8:25 PM on September 25, 2005

I agree with intermod totally. You do know about froogle.google.com, right? If I have trouble finding something I just type it in there and always get something.
posted by geoff. at 8:59 PM on September 25, 2005

New Egg. No question.
posted by scarabic at 9:19 PM on September 25, 2005

There's this place called NewEgg... perhaps you've heard of it.
posted by I Love Tacos at 9:24 PM on September 25, 2005

Definitely Newegg. I always check pricewatch, slickdeals, and fatwallet, but I'll go Newegg unless I can get a substantial price cut somewhere else.
posted by Manjusri at 10:15 PM on September 25, 2005

Okay, so you've heard of NewEgg, now :) I'm not sure they're exactly the McMaster-Carr of the computer world you're looking for. You probably can't buy case screws by thread size and length and material AND slotted/phillips head there, like you could for thousands of types of screws at McMC. My suggestion for that is to hit Froogle or Shopping.com with some search queries for specific part names that would be hard to find at most places (I'll leave it at that since I'm not sure exactly what stuff you are looking for) and see what stores they turn up.
posted by scarabic at 1:01 AM on September 26, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks for the answers. Scarabic understands what I'm looking for, but doesn't really provide any help. :) I picked kashmir's answer as something a bit closer to what I was looking for than newegg. Also intermod is correct, although I really do want something onlince since it's especially hard for me to get out and about. Newegg is good, but it's mostly mainstream retail stuff. What'd be really good is if Fry's actually had an online presence.
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 6:51 AM on September 26, 2005

Response by poster: By the way, in this case I was specifically looking for any 2.5" drive cage assemblies. I know they are usually specific to the case, but still. I've built my pc into my computer desk and I'm looking for a good way to mount my drives in it keeping them horizontal but spaced with cooling. Mounting a drive cage to a wall of the cabinet in which the components are installed seemed like a good solution. By the way, I've got the MB mounted on the cabinet door, which works well for access. I had originally thought of a sliding drawer-like shelf with holes drilled for vertical ventilation but that was a lot more trouble and this solution gives me good cooling and excellent access.
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 7:02 AM on September 26, 2005