As part of our recent switch to our new online storefront, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes on a feature we get asked about a lot; custom PC configuration via our website.
After popular demand, say hello to our all new Creative Configurator!
Available on select Arena and Studio machines, the configurator puts your choice at the heart of the system. Want a certain case to fit an aesthetic? Choose from a vast range of case options that suit your style. Need more storage or RAM? Simply add more or replace your existing option with the click of a button. We’re constantly adding new options and plan to role the configurator out to all of our builds.
For those who want a classic experience, worry not, as we’ll still be rolling out staff curated configurations across the year to cover new app and game releases. As an example you can check out our new Arena FC, a PC built to play the latest sports games including EA Sports FC 25, which was built using the Arena Royale Pro Configurator. You can check out both in the links below:
When we first started, we wanted to help people with computers. We think we’re pretty good at it, as do you…
Broken Windows
Vince had a problem with his computer, it was struggling to boot up and he wanted a few things checking: “Phoned Creative to book in my PC and they took the PC in the same day. Everything ready next Day. GREAT WORK. The staff at Creative Computing are Excellent. THANKS 5 STAR SERVICE EVERYTIME.”
Paper jam
Ms MM had a paper jam in their printer. “I had a paper jam in my printer which I couldn’t just fix myself. I took it to Creative Computing and for a small fee they got all the paper out and I was able to collect it the same day. I’ve used them for many years both for purchases and repairs and have never had a bad experience. The staff are all helpful and very knowledgeable and I always feel I’m getting good unbiased advice.”
Upgraded MacBook Pro
Marianne brought their MacBook Pro in for an upgrade and wanted as seamless a job as possible. One of our Mac technicians cloned the data from the old drive onto a new SSD.
“We had a problem with our old Macbook Pro’s hard drive. The team at Creative Computing solved the issue thus ensuring we do not need to replace the laptop just yet. It’s so much faster now and all important “stuff” was saved. We know nothing about technology so all our basic questions were handled with patience and good humour. We were never made to feel stupid. We were impressed with the prompt service and would recommend Creative Computing unreservedly.”
New gaming PC
Ms McGuire let us know her son is very happy with his new gaming PC build!
IT Support Company of the Year
During the creation of this post, we received another award, this time for IT Support Company of the Year from the CorprateLiveWire Global Awards 2023 / 2024!
A huge thank you to all our customers and partners who made this possible and to the team behind the scenes who put in an enourmous effort each and every day.
We asked our team what they’d advise a customer if they could only say one thing.
Windows 10
Just a heads up—Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, meaning no more updates from Microsoft. Computers over 6 years old won’t work with Windows 11 due to its new security features. You’ll need to upgrade, and we offer both new and refurbished devices that are compatible. Reach out for details!
Scott
Backup
Always remember the golden rule of data protection: keep three copies! We have many data recovery methods, but it’s best to prevent data loss. Use cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive, or local solutions like Acronis for automatic backups. Consider adding an extra drive to desktop PCs or using cheap, large USB drives to back up your backups!
Chris
Solid State Drives
When it’s time to rejuvenate your aging computer, upgrading from a slow hard drive to a fast solid state drive is a brilliant idea. We’ll meticulously transfer everything from your old drive—including Windows and all your programs—to the new one. Your system will operate just like before, but with enhanced speed and responsiveness, invigorating your computing experience.
Craig
Network extension methods
Are you experiencing poor WIFI reception in your home? Fortunately, there are numerous solutions available to enhance your internet connectivity. Options such as WIFI extenders, internet-capable wall sockets, and technologies designed to eliminate dead zones can be highly effective. Installing modern network equipment like signal boosters, powerline adapter kits, or mesh WIFI systems can significantly improve your reception in a straightforward and swift manner.
William
Babysteps
Upgrading and building your own PC can be as exciting as binge-watching your favorite comedy show, except when it turns into a horror flick! You see, a lot of folks dive into this techy pool after being inspired by influencers who make it look easier than baking a cake. Here’s a tip: if you’ve never wielded a screwdriver on a PC, maybe don’t start by trying to assemble a digital Frankenstein. Begin with simple heart transplants like RAM or storage, or maybe get adventurous with a GPU upgrade. Hold off on buying the whole tech store until you’re sure you can get more than just a very expensive paperweight out of your efforts!
A little look at the team who make your IT dreams happen
The team behind the scenes
Most of you will be familiar with the man in the middle of the picture above, William has been greeting you all at the front counter for the past six years now, giving you the benefit of his very broad range of knowledge in IT, especially in networking, and his primary passion, computer gaming! As our technical team are busy beavering away, working to help get your computer systems working, you don’t get the opportunity to meet some of the rest of the team. Like our Piotr…
Piotr joined us in 2020 as our apprentice after having completed an HNC in Technical Support after having realised that he was spending more and more time on his computer at home, usually playing games! Piotr is in charge of overseeing the construction, configuration and testing of all of our new computers and really enjoys working on the latest equipment, learning something new every day.
Piotr also ensures all of our phone and tablet repairs are completed which gives him an enormous amount of satisfaction as Piotr loves problem solving and fixing broken devices.
When Piotr isn’t working, he spends a lot of time playing computer games, and plays in goals for his five aside team. Given the chance he’d love a pet chimpanzee; no surprise as he loves monkeying around!
Craig has been doing his job for a while, he started with us over twenty-five years ago having previously worked for IBM, and has kept studying throughout that time, gaining qualifications from CompTIA. Craig is also our main Apple technician and is known to answer to “Macman” on occasion!
Craig isn’t limited to Apple products, and can turn his attention to desktops and laptops, hardware and software faults and gets a lot of pleasure from successfully fixing problems. When he’s not working Craig is often found playing Football Manager, or fishing, but most of all loves walking his dog.
We’re extremely grateful and humbled that so many of you have trusted us with your custom for so long, but even some of our long-standing customers don’t realise just how long a journey it has been. We thought we’d take the time to tell a little of who we are and where we’ve come from.
The beginning
Our story started in 1997 in a corner of our store in Shawlands, Glasgow. Creative Computing quickly gained a reputation for building computer systems from top-quality components at very competitive prices. With a thriving reputation built on knowledge, integrity and quality, the first few years saw rapid growth and expansion leading to the difficult question of whether to open several shops in different locations, or to expand the existing location. After many sleepless nights and discussions, we took the opportunities to expand the existing location and give a “Centre of Excellence” rather than dilute the company’s skill base by spreading the talent over many locations. In 1999 Creative Computing took over the old Job Club, which had occupied the upper floor, and then expanded sideway in 2003 acquiring the former takeaway premises and developing it into our new technical centre.
The vision
Since the beginning the company has focused on both quality and value, and this continues to set us apart from other retailers today. Customer satisfaction is Creative Computing’s highest priority: it’s not enough to provide our customers with well-designed computer systems, components and accessories, but it needs to be done with a professional and friendly service backed by a fully qualified, experienced and knowledgeable technical support team.
Validation
Working efficiently and in a structured manner, Creative has gained many awards and certification through the years, including “Investors in people” and “Scottish enterprise award” to name but a few, and the company played a prominent role at the first Glasgow computer gaming show “Resonate” held at the SECC in 2016.
Creative has invested in training to keep ahead of emerging technologies; over the years we have developed a full repair system for almost every computer related item, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, desktop PC’s and printers. Content creation and gaming systems have long been an in-house speciality and we continue to provide bespoke support in these areas, whether it’s upgrading, repairing or providing custom systems. Creative understands that data is often more important to our customers than the computer itself so we have invested in hardware data recovery systems, giving us the ability to help our customers in the event of a device failure or accidental deletion.
Staying the course
Today, we are a muti-award winning company who still stands by its original principals, working within and alongside the local community, supporting many local charities, schools and groups. As a leading and well-established company, we offer a more focused and specialised approach to our product range with the expertise gained from many years of experience, and the knowledge gained from a genuine passion and enthusiasm for our work.
