Korean Job Discussion Forums

kirya · Joined: 14 Apr 2008

Hey everyone, I am about to leave for South Korea and I had a question. I am a big gamer and I was wondering if it was cheaper to build the computer in America(minus case/monitor/peripherals) and bring it over in my carry-on. I would be mostly bringing CPU/GPU/PSU/MB/Ram/HDD/DVD with me.

I've heard there can be some pretty cheap prices for hardware in GMart and TechnoMart but I have read the the quality can be a bit shoddy.

Oh and are monitor prices really that expensive in SKorea? I was thinking of buying it in SKorea because of the weight/size, but paying $150+ more for the same item is making me think again.

Thanks!

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

The quality is the same for brand-name parts. So, an ASUS card here is equal to an ASUS card anywhere else.

Some people think that the Korean manufactured cards are inferior, but I, and many others, can attest to that being untrue.

Costs are probably better stateside.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

Why don't u compare the best prices within both countries? Whatever's cheaper in America just buy it there and haul it on over here. Probably get the cpu, gpu and MBO in America. DON'T forget to buy a 4g set of some corsair ram while in the states. Expensive here for corsair and the selection is limited.

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

Depends which part of America you're in. If you're in Nicaragua it will be cheaper in Korea. If you're in the states it will be cheaper in the states. Wink

However, a lot of components may be priced similarly. It's up to you to decide if the hassle of bringing parts over is worth it. Oh and you're not going to pay 150 more for a monitor unless it's a 34" or something.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

If you're looking for a budget laptop, then buy in the USA.

If you're building a machine, just do it in Korea. Weight requirements for luggage are at a premium.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

Here's a thread that will help, look at cubanlord's suggestions at the bottom. I suggest u get that ultra PSU and just carry it onboard luggage. U won't find ultra here at that price even if u could find ultra.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=129227

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

If you're going to bring anything in your suitcase then bring the GPU. Korean prices for GPU's are ridiculous. The cheapest HD4870 in Yongsan at the moment seems to be 344,000. That's $340! $50 more than Newegg.

CPU's and HDD's are pretty much the same here.

Normal RAM is much the same price but the high-end RAM is really hard to find in Korea at reasonable prices.

Monitor prices aren't so bad. Samsung and LG are overpriced because Koreans are brainwashed into thinking they are the best brands in the world.

The Zalman 600/700/850 watt PSU's are cheaper here in Korea than on Newegg.

kirya · Joined: 14 Apr 2008

Thanks for your help!

Temporary · Joined: 13 Jan 2008

Sorry Zalman is over priced garbage. Thats made in Korea, get an Enermax. I have dealt with Zalman on many occasions and their stufff is just pure trash compared to whats out there. Just like all other Korean made shit its overpriced here.