PDA

View Full Version : Golfman's Awesome Prelude



golfman560
02-23-2008, 08:54 PM
Ok so I got this over a month ago but still haven't had time to separate myself from the work I have or games, but now I'm spending some time to spread the word of the awesome experience.


I was trying to spend about $1300 which seems like so little, but it went up to $1500 once I did a bit of research. Now with what Maingear did I wish I had spent $2500


This is what is inside (And out):

Silver Brushed Aluminum Finish
750W MAINGEAR Ultra Quiet Power Supply
Asus P5N-E SLI nForce 650i SLI
E6750 Core 2 (2.66GHz x 2)
Intel Quiet CPU Cooler
4GB Corsair XMS2 PC2 6400
Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache - SATA II
20X Dual Layer DVD RW Drive w/ LightScribe Technology - Black
NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT 512MB DDR3
Onboard 8-Channel High Definition Audio
Dual Gigabit LAN
Logitech X-230 Speakers
FREE! Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
1 Year Maingear Warranty


What was great:

How well built and flawless the interior setup is, after a month there is absolutely no dust inside it. Some cat hair does get caught on the outside sometimes but thats my problem. I also loved the support/customer service. I got emails each time something happened, when it was sent out to be shipped, when it was started, and when FedEx actually shipped it (I wasn't expecting that email from Maingear). I also asked many questions to the technician who built it and he was very knowledgeable (Thanks again Diego).

I wasn't really expecting the excellent craftsmanship of the inside but it is spectacular. From my old computers that I've had its ten times better. DELL just throws everything inside and puts the cover on and ships it out, but Maingear made sure everything is perfect and correctly placed. And if I want I have a box of extra parts for when I want to expand. They made sure everything is built to last for 20 years if need be and they gave me what I need when I buy a second graphics card and a bigger hard drive (If I need it.)


The Bad:

The wait. Thats basically it since my old computer had hit the bed and could barely run Notepad. It was much quicker then I expected, but it was still unbearable. There's a post on the forums somewhere that said expect 5-6 weeks but it was about 2 and 1/2.

Other then the wait there was one problem that the computer pulled off on its own. Windows Update had a setting on that allowed it to install updates for non Windows hardware/software and it screwed up the graphics driver. I called Maingear and they helped me out and we got it fixed in a few hours.

Small Things (Good and Bad)

Fans are loud at startup.

The USB and Audio/Mic jacks on the top, my old computer had them practically underneath it.

The CD drive is black, except Maingear put on a silver cover-up device that I wish I had a second of in case I get a second disk drive

Double sided case- Both sides of the case open up, not just one side

Support and Warranty- I can send the computer in if I want it upgraded, they'll bill me for the hardware, but not for labor. And if I call in I'll get the technician that built my computer, not some guy that doesn't even know what country I'm in. (Not to be harmful but I hate Dell support)

Customization- So much you can do with one computer, and I can expand so much with the extra parts.




Other then having issues with my graphics driver I loved what Maingear does. The craftsmanship, the support, and the things that other companies wouldn't do. I got extra parts, gloves that won't get me shocked or harm the parts for when I dive into the case and other things that I've probably missed. And the T-Shirt... Kinda weird that I'm writing this while wearing it.




If someone could look this over, I read it over but I want it to be perfect (Like my computer)

blindem
02-25-2008, 10:49 AM
Congrats, Golfman, and glad to hear it's worked out so well for you!

golfman560
02-25-2008, 02:36 PM
I would have pictures but I haven't been able to find my computer since New Years

Everett
02-25-2008, 05:19 PM
Excellent review, Golfman

While I was reading this review, it felt I owned a Maingear PC myself and was telling off the review to everyone. Your writing standpoint gave off this projected visualization.

Some key points I did enjoy reading was the fact the PC's interior is dust free and the build is excellent in the sense of perfecting wires and secure compoents.

I've liked the bit of the technician bit of how Diego was able to provide you assistance in helping you out. Giovanni helped me out with a question also.

I think majority of people go though the wait, while some have a more easier time of the location distance. For me, it will be a while but when it comes the wait will be over and worth it for the PC.

Although 2 weeks seems short, it does feel long for the customer anticipating that new purchase he/she has been wanting for a while.

Never heard of that of the Windows Update error and the graphics card messed up bit but glad things have got resolved for you.

What concerned me was the fans are loud at startup bit but it's probably common of that to happen. I like my PC clean on the inside and quiet.

Maingear has a top notch rep of being reliable with support and ensuring a positive experience.

I'm looking forward to the free goodies included but not so much as the PC itself. :P

golfman560
02-25-2008, 06:14 PM
I think loud fans at the startup is normal for most computers because it doesn't know speed to set it at until it has loaded.

And waiting for me was way too hard, my old computer had practically died so I basiclly had nothing (good) to do.

XBarbarian
02-26-2008, 01:45 AM
Right on Golfman! Welcome to the Proud Maingear Family!

RottynDawg
02-26-2008, 02:47 AM
Thank you for taking the time to post a review golfman. I am very happy that you are enjoying your system!