A little research from a prospective customer

[bigjohann]

Hi,

First, I sent an email with most of this info to sales@maingear.com. I haven't received a response yet... so I thought I would post here.

You guys have a great rep for making a tight, well built system. Some of your reviews are unbelievable. That's why I'm looking to buy my next system from you. Keep up the good work, especially when your building my system!

I'm looking to build a solid, expandable PC, that'll last 4+ years with upgrades and TLC. I'll be ordering in June, when VISTA is sorted out a bit better and I have a little more free time.

Here's the specs. Quad processor, 2 Gigs of RAM, 750 Gig HD and a DX10 graphics card (probably nvidia 8800, but ATI might have something in the market by then). It'll probably be a Prelude - I don't need the flash.

I play some games, but I predominately use my system for Digital Photography (over 60 Gigs of pictures to date) and Video editing.

A couple of questions:

1) You guys list Office 2003 as your "Productivity" software. Is Office Vista available?

2) Is there any advantage to upgrading the RAM to 6400 XMS2 when I don't plan to overclock the system?

3) Is the Zalman cooling option quieter than the stock cooling?

4) Any thoughts on the Barracuda as the Main HD on a system? Any problems so far?

5) Does your flash card reader support SDHC standard?

6) Any reason to upgrade to a 680i MB if I'm not going to use SLI?

7) Since I work in Woodbridge, any advantage in picking up the system directly from you... seems like alot of problems stem from shipping.

Good work Maingear, I've had 8 PCs since my first TRS-80 Model 1... I figure it's finally time to upgrade to a work of art.

-john

[theDreamer]

:welcome:

By the time you want to order I am sure ATi will have something, and hopefully a new Quad processor will be out.

If you are doing photoshop, I would think picking up a raptor to run the software & OS off with a good solid 7200 drive for storage might give you the best results.

Other questions I can not really say, since those are very direct to MG.
Also, if you can pick it up two reasons:
~Saves you shipping money.
~You get a chance to meet the MG staff, and such which would be a great experience to meet the people who build your custom PC.

[bigjohann]

Thanks for the input. Maingear's location was a really surprise for me. Union NJ is not exactly silicon valley... but I really want to support the hometown boys.

They only thing that is a bummer is that NJ has a 7% sales tax... it's a killer. Doesn't effect internet sales though.

[Plan1x]

Hey Bigjohann,

Welcome to the boards.....

I want to answer all of your questions but I would advise to call into MAINGEAR at 888-maingear and get someone on the line. You will get a quicker and more detailed response there then you will on here. Plus if any additional questions come to mind you can have them answered quickly.

[bigjohann]

Thanks for the response.

I'll give you guys a call soon. I was just looking through the options on your ordering page and had some questions.

[RottynDawg]

Welcome to the boards bigjohann. I can't wait to see which system you end up going with.

[bigjohann]

Just looking to assemble a kick-butt stealth system. Neon, windows and watercooling is just too much of a temptation for a geek with a 2 and 3 year ol running around the house.

If there was a way of making it waterproof and little finger proof, I would add that too!

I'll be around for a while until I buy!

[theDreamer]

The one thing I have come to say when buying high price items in your life.
Do not settle for less than what you feel is acceptable for you.

[bigjohann]

I agree ... I've always regretted not getting that b*tchin stereo in my car when I ordered.

I'm looking for Maximum Muscle, Minimum Bling.

[bigjohann]

How up to date is the ordering page? Are there options that are not listed? (Yes, I will order over the phone, sounds like you guys have a great ordering dept!)

1) Is the QX6600 available? (can it be?)

2) Is the most recent version of OFFICE available? (I can get that through deal through work, but like the idea of the system coming ready to rock and roll)

Thanks for the time,

-j