Now that i am on the hunt for computer parts to build myself a new computer, I am wondering if anyone out there has any hidden sources or connections.. Anyone have a certain website that they order from?
Here in ye ole UK www.dabs.com is a winner in my opinion. They always seem to have the lowest prices on pretty much everything compared to the competition. www.scan.co.uk and www.ebuyer.com (they have a US store too I think) are decent but the prices aren't quite as low, also their site isn't as simple to navigate as dabs.
I have a shop close to me too that does prices similar to dabs where I get smaller orders from too.
RAM - Crucial.com
Other hardware, I usually check Pricewatch.com but more often than not the best prices on there for what I'm looking for ends up being at Newegg.com.
Random stuff, eBay.com.
I also love scanning the local sale papers (entire papers of classified ads, the papers around here are free) for people getting rid of any hardware. More recently I've also started checking out Craigslist.com for this same stuff.
I often buy parts online from mWave, PC Connection, PC Mall, NewEgg and ZipZoomFly. I use price comparison engines like Froogle, PriceWatch and TechBargains to find the lowest price, then start sorting by reputation, as I do not mind paying extra for the security of buying from a more highly-rated site. I will also check eBay, although, I tend to use them more for parts for older computers that may not be readily available anymore.
For small things where it might not make sense to worry too much about pricing (case fans for non-critical machines, wiring management, et cetera) I may go with a computer surplus store.
For retail shopping, I like Central Computers, Frys and Micro Center in San Francisco Bay Area.