Buying PC Components from the US to use in the UK?

Question

Hi,
I want to buy, from the US, a new Graphics Card to SLI it with my current (UK version) 7600GT and a 1GB memory stick (PC3200 400Mhz 184-pin DIMM) to combine it with my other stick in the UK........because it is cheaper.

I would like to know if there will be any problems in combining US and UK components on in a PC and if the make of the memory stick I want to buy has to be the same as the one I currently have, similarly with the Graphics Card.

Thanks

Answer 1

All the same. Only problems will be with the higher shipping costs especially if you have to return it due to it being DOA or incompatible as the shipping costs will come out of your pocket either way.

Answer 2

The only problems might be if the graphics card has a TV out it will be NTSC in the US rather than PAL.

As for the memory it should be no problem. The only caveat is if you are going to use it for dual-channel with your existing stick. Dual channel generally requires good matching between the two memory sticks, ideally bought as a matched pair.

Answer 3

There will be no difference in the manufacture or design when buying from the USA. The motherboard will make sure the voltages to get everything to work is sorted out.

That said, it might be cheaper but you often have to pay import duties (currently 3.7% of the item and carriage) which may not make it as cheap as you think it would.

Answer 4

PAL or NTSc will be driver controlled via the drivers for your vid card..so dont worry too much about that....