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Show HN: I built a tool that prices a prebuilt PC part by part

I've missed out on an awesome computer that I could use for a project because figuring out value took too long. Users paste a listing and receive a value grade, dated component estimates and a shareable report. AI reads the listing but my custom built price engine determines the grade (updated every day). Self financed and working now. Looking for feedback re: scoring, interface, and if its helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpft--x3WlI

48 points by adlep - 18 comments

18 Comments

chrisgarand [3 hidden]5 mins ago
I like the idea, I tried using it, however it gave me the following error: New photo and listing checks are currently available in the United States. More regions coming soon. You can still view saved reports.

At first I tried with a Canadian website, so I tried with a US url (the message confused me), but it still gave me the error, I checked the response and got the following:

{ "error": "New photo and listing checks are currently available in the United States. More regions coming soon. You can still view saved reports.", "code": "read_region_unavailable", "recovery": "region" }

I figur it checks the requester's ip location.

adlep [3 hidden]5 mins ago
I have to be stingy on usage/bots. But we will open it up to Canada and Euro markets next. But it will require some traction and use and feedback. I am limited with api calls for pricing data.
embedding-shape [3 hidden]5 mins ago
> I am limited with api calls for pricing data.

You'd only need to make one request per component per week or something, how limited are you here? Sounds like a harsh limit.

adlep [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Forgot to specify: US market only: Canadian market will come next. Basically up to 20 biggest retailers will be supported - the usual suspects.
contingencies [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Laptop support would be nice, even if it's just a desktop comparison. Australia support too please! I would like to send this to a school who are about to waste a lot of money buying garbage.
adlep [3 hidden]5 mins ago
It would be nice but it will be difficult to figure out the value of components other than RAM and SSD - CPU and GPU if present are "built in". Also: what is the value of RTX 5070 mobile vs desktop? I know that there is a big diff in performance due to physics (cooling/wattage). Canada and Australia coming next. I will need to get some traction going first and other markets will be opened for sure. Thank you for your thoughts.
adlep [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Thank you for nice comments. This is just a self financed prototype that will get better with use! I appreciate your time with testing/using the site. Lets not get ripped off! I expect the supply to get even tighter and prices going higher unfortunately. Local AI models, GIS/digital twins uses, robot training, VR, of course gamers, content creators, casual users, and of course people overseas all will be competing for similar hardware.
fhn [3 hidden]5 mins ago
I thought about building this a long time ago. Can you add used prices as well - perhaps source from ebay, craigslist, facebook marketplace.
adlep [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Would love to add FB marketplace but it won't happen without serious discussions about api access. Price checks have to stay automated. I'd love to reach out someone at Meta about access.
creativeSlumber [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Hey, cool project. Whenever I've seen a deal on a pre-built PC I've always wondered, hey, how much would this cost if I built it myself from parts.

Some feedback on your website. I would suggest moving the "try it" from the bottom of the page towards the top of the page so that visitors don't have to look for it.

adlep [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Cool beans! Thanks for your comment and pointers. Ill move it down a bit to make it easier to "try"... And btw: please, try it yourself and keep on checking deals! Let me know what you think. The price engine/scoring will change most likely as this is just a prototype that I want to have discussion about. And I hope the service will be helpful! Lets not get ripped off! I check prices every day at around 8:00am
robinpie [3 hidden]5 mins ago
I really appreciate the lightweight website!
adlep [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Thank you please bookmark and use. Drop us a line in case of any issues!
SirFatty [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Very cool... appreciate the work put into this!
adlep [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Thank you, feel free to bookmark and use as at least some point of reference.
BatFastard [3 hidden]5 mins ago
Great site! Nicely laid out, clear results.

I was disappointed to see Costco selling high margin PCs.

BatFastard [3 hidden]5 mins ago
One more thought, as you build up links and get an idea of who is selling lower margin PCs, you could recommend those sites. Perhaps even earning a small commission. Doing a service and making a little cash, win win.
adlep [3 hidden]5 mins ago
that is the intent as well as paid for deal alerts for B and A rated offers. Please use the site and let me know if youll get any problems! We will get much better with use and feedback! Lets not get ripped off! I expect more demand as local llm users buy out more.