New computer/windows optimisation service

Anarchy Rules!

I've picked a new PC for myself - Palicomp Alpha Fury (feel free to give an opinion!)

I have a question - I've seen this on a number of these custom PC sites - 'Windows optimisation'. Does anyone know what this entails, whether it's worth paying for or if it can just be done easily at home?

Alecthar

Generally "optimizing" Windows consists of not installing stupid crap and wasting time and disk space. My guess is that their basic strategy is to install bloatware (software trials, Google/Yahoo toolbar, Norton trial, etc.) by default, and then charge you 20 pounds to prevent them from doing so. The only way to really be sure is to ask them. Without exact details, though, I'd be inclined to say it's not worth it.

I'd also really recommend an SSD (at least ~120GB, I'd recommend the Crucial M4, which is listed). They're a huge quality of life improvement on any PC, new or old, and it's worth the expense.

SmokeStacks

Yeah, you can "optimize" on your own just by uninstalling all of the bloatware when you set your new rig up and changing your power usage settings from the Windows default, but the site says you can order it without an OS at all and pay £50.00 less, which comes out to around $80 in Freedomdollars.

I don't know how it is there, but in America you can generally find copies of Windows 7 at a significant discount (like, $20-$30) if you are a student, in the tech industry, or even just have access to an .edu email address. If any of these apply to you, you might be able to get a copy of Windows for less than £50.00, then you could order your PC without an OS, install it yourself, not have to worry about bloatware at all, and save a few bucks in the process.

You could then drop the money you saved into upgrading your PSU or getting a better HSF if you want to run it overclocked, or paying the company for their dead pixel check/warranty.

Also, they list cable management as a £25 upgrade, but it'll be a lot cheaper for you to just get some velcro strips or zip ties and do it yourself once your rig gets to you. The people in the Build Thread are always eager to help out if you have any questions as well.

Anarchy Rules!

Thanks for the advice. I was already planning to remove the OS (I get Windows free from uni) but was just planning on saving the £50! Upgrading the PSU and HFU seems like a good shout as a result!

I posted the spec on Tom's hardware, their criticism is that the gaming card is particularly weak. Is the upgrade to the GTX760 or 770 they recommend (+£90) worth it in your opinions?

Quantux

You'll see a good increase going to either, the 770 quite a bit more. Whether they're worth the extra £200-£300, that's up to you. Just going by the numbers the 7850 looks like it'll be fine for most everything. I say use it for a bit and see if you're really wanting more. I'd be more concerned about that overclock, but then I like to play it safe...

Anarchy Rules!

I'll be using the computer for the usual stuff (internet, watching films, office etc) but also for playing games. I had in mind Civ5, EU4 and perhaps the odd FPS. I'm not sure I really need an amazing graphics card for this, but would the overclocking but necessary/needed?

Donovan Puppyfucker

The jump from the 760 to the 770 probably isn't worth the amount of money it costs. The 7850 isn't a bad card, but if you are worried, slap the 760 in and you'll be good to go for a couple of years at 1080p.