Ongoing Review of DS Purchasing

Greetings to those considering a build from DS:

I just recently ordered a gaming rig from DS and wanted to share my experiences of the process for the benefit of those considering doing the same.

RESEARCHING DS

I always wanted to build my own computer (and when I retire I will).  I decided the next best thing is to custom design one and have someone else build it. I spent a few months researching ‘boutique integrators.’  In the process it became clear that there were four criteria to consider 1) Quality of the build, 2) Reputation of builder (as defined by professionals in the IT world), 3) customer service, and 4) Cost.  After looking at a variety of companies –Falcon, Alienware, Puget Systems, ******** – it became apparent to me that Digital Storm had the best overall product/experience to offer. 

PLANNING RIG

I began reading these forms and putting designs together about 3 weeks ago.  I eventually took the step of posting them and got some detailed and knowledgeable advice from the experts on the forms.  This was very useful, and caused me to do even more research on my own, and learn a great deal more about computer components, best practices in LC, processer/board compatibility, etc.  I learned a great deal and each time posted my design and got comments.

I called DS a few times, and as others have posted had a hard time getting someone in customer service; HOWEVER, when I did speak with someone I was given unlimited time to ask my questions, was given detailed answers, and competent design advice that was not based on ‘selling’ but on meeting my design expectations. This more than made up for having to wait on the phone for a few minutes; really!  I spoke with James, Randy, and Eric.  Design advice was consistent, from rep to rep, and their knowledge of components and how they would work together was impressive.

ORDERING

On Friday, October 9^th, I ordered the rig!  In the process I spoke with Eric about some customizations he recommended.  He took the time to take me the websites to show me the custom components I would be adding. We spend about 45 minutes finalizing the design and completing the order - most of which was used to answer my questions.   I am shipping to my work address so I had to fill out a credit card authorization and fax it back – no problem, this took about 5 minutes. Again, I received superior customer service. 

I want to mention to anyone who is thinking of buying from DS to consider this - DS is not McDonalds, this is not about fast, mass produced products.  It’s like dining at a fine restaurant – the meal is carefully planned and executed to ensure a remarkable culinary experience. Ergo, DS. These guys are craftsmen (women) who take pride in their work and that takes time.  If you’re in a hurry consider one of their ‘Special Deals’ which appear to have the same quality as a custom design without the personization.

I am receiving regular emails detailing the status of the build – this is a nice added touch; it makes me feel like I’m involved in the process

DESIGN

Here’s a summary of my final design (339618) follows:

 
Chassis Model: Digital Storm HailStorm

EXTRAS –

-Triple RAD Radiator

-EK Waterblock on Motherboard

-Change out fans to Coolermaster Blue LED

-Add additional UVs

-add blue lighting with on/off switch

The entire rig came in at around $4,900 with extras.  Display will be a 26 inch Planar, with an upgrade to a 30 inch planned for Jan.

I will update this post as the process continues.

 

PS this post is in the wrong category, but I was unable to post to customer reviews .  DS administrator please move it tp the appropriate category.

Order Update

My build has reached stage 5 – phase II stress testing.  So far so good. 

I had one minor communication issue – on Tuesday I noticed that DS has begun offering Windows 7, and I decided I wanted to go with the ‘ultimate’ version as opposed to the Vista which I had originally ordered.  (Ultimate because I need the VT capabilities only available on Professional and Ultimate). I sent an email (through the link in one of the stage updates) and left a message on the customer service line.  As of Wednesday afternoon, I  hadn't heard anything from DS, so I again sent a message on Wednesday, cc’ed another email address I had, and left another message.  Later in the day I had a second so I called again, and got Sarah who informed me the upgrade had indeed been processed the day before. Later that day, I then got a phone message from Eric confirming this. 

I am very pleased that DS was able to execute on the upgrade to Win7 Ultimate without any difficulties; I had concerns that in may be an issue considering what stage the build was in.  Ultimately the most important thing is that the order was executed.

On a personal note - In the past year I had two friends whose wife’s were having babies.  They were constantly sending me pics of ultrasounds with emails expressing great joy and pride…I wonder if DS could send me any pics of the progress of my build…I'd like to return the favor to them?

Order Update – Delay in Progress x2

Well I thought I was in the clear when I reached Stage 5, and that I would be gaming by this weekend…but alas I received a “Delay in Progress” email on Monday 10/19.  Today 10/22 I got another “Delay in Progress” email. 

Oh well maybe by next weekend.  I just hope I don’t get a third one next week!

Thanks for the advice Alex.  I sent the following email this AM...  (Wow stage 5 for almost two weeks)

I'm trying to get a sense of where you are in this build.  Do you know when it will ship?

It started "Stage 5" on the 15th of October, and has been there since.

Thanks for the info.

They are fine tuning the overclock.

More Review...

So as you can see my computer arrived on Friday 11/6.  Some minor issues (see below) that I know DS will help me resolve, but for the most part I'm pretty satisfied.  

Packaging

I had some real concerns when I say the outside of the box...it looked like it had been thrown around a bit.  However when I got it home I saw that the computer was in a second box that was  actually 'floating' on a plastic stretcher, a great design  that acts as a shock absorber seems to negate the challenges of cross-country shipping.

First Glance

There are only a few issues, but they were surprising.  I unboxed the computer and put  it on the living room floor...it's huge.  I took off the side panel as instructed and removed the internal packaging.  I made my way to the front of the chassis, and opened the door for the removable hard-drives...and it literally fell off...there were a bunch of small pieces, part of a spring, a hinge kind of stuck inside.  I just don't see how this got missed in a quality control inspection...this is definitely bigger then a dime!  I am not going to even speculate on how this happened, but am confident it will be remedied.

Next, I was surprised to see that DS put the Windows 7 and DS serial number labels on the side of the chassis.  Yes I got them off with a bit of 'goo-be-gone' but I really feel that there is an ascetic to a beautifully crafted computer...sticking a mailing label on the side of the case seems...out of place...almost Dell-like.

Finally, there is no DS emblem on the chassis anywhere (other than the mailing label mentioned above). This purchase represents a lot of research and time on my part, and I want anyone who sees this computer to know that is was built by an elite custom integrator - Digital Storm.  I guess I just have to wear my new DS tee-shirt when every anybody comes over.