Need help deciding on a vendor

[cverret]

I am in the market for a new gaming computer, and have thus far (after exhaustive research) find myself completely unable to pull the trigger and make a decision. These forums in particular have been an oustanding knowledge resource, from which I have narrowed my vendor list to Velocity Micro, ABS, and AvaDirect. I should also say that my buget is $2,800 before shipping, so that is why companies like Maingear and OPC aren't on the list. With the components that I want, they just don't fit the budget. What I've done below is list the builds that I'm looking at from each of the three vendors along with my thoughts about each one.

Velocity Micro - Gamers Edge PCX Custom Gaming PC
Case: LX-W Silver - Velocty Micro Signature Case
PSU: 750 Watt Velocity Micro Power Supply SLI Ready
MOBO: EVGA nForce 680i SLI, Socket 775, PCI-E, DDR2
Proc: Intel Core 2 Duo processor E6600, dual 2.4 GHz cores, 4MB L2 Cache
Mem: Corsair 2GB DDR2 PC5300 DDR667
Video: EVGA GeForce 8800 GTX
Audio: Create Labs SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeAudio
HD1: 250GB Western Digital 7200rpm SATA/150, 8MB Cache
HD2: 250GB Western Digital 7200rpm SATA/150, 8MB Cache
RAID: No RAID config
DVD1: 16x Lite On DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Dual Layer
DVD2: 16x Lite On DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner with LightScribe Labeling Technology
OS: Windows XP Professional
Price: $2795

Thoughts: Almost everything I've heard about VM regarding their build quality and especially customer service has been really good. Of the three vendors on my list, I'd have to say that VM feels like the "least risky" choice. The fact that their CEO and Customer Care Manager post in these forums is very impressive and not something I've seen any other vendor do. If they weren't a bit more expensive, my decision would probably be a no-brainer, but as you'll see in the other builds I've listed below, I'm having to compromise on a few of the components in the VM build to keep within my budget. For example, in the VM build I'm going with slower memory (667), a less powerful PSU (not by much), and also a slower primary HD (7200).


ABS - Ultimate X8
Case: GIGABYTE GZ-FA1CA-ASS Silver 1.0 mm Aluminum body ATX Full Tower Computer Case
PSU: Thermaltake 850 Watt
MOBO: NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
Proc: Intel Core 2 Duo processor E6600, dual 2.4 GHz cores, 4MB L2 Cache
Cool: GIGABYTE GH-WIU02 3D Galaxy II Liquid Cooling
Mem: Corsair XMS2 2GB DDR2 (PC2 6400) DDR2 800
Video: NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX
Audio: Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
HD1: Wester Digital Rapter 150GB 10000 RPM 16MB CACHE SATA
HD2: Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache SATA
RAID: No RAID config
DVD1: SONY Black 16X IDE DVD-ROM Drive
DVD2: SAMSUNG 18 X SuperMulti Dual Layer DVD Burner with LightScribe
OS: Windows XP Professional
Price: $2792

Thoughts: Of all three of the vendors on the list, it seems like my $$$ goes the farthest with ABS. I'm able to get just about everything that I want, including the faster memory, faster HD, liquid cooling, and bigger PSU. The downside with ABS from my perspective is that of the three vendors they feel like the riskiest decision. Now I've done my homework, and I'm definitely not comparing them to IBUYPOWER or CyberPowerPC. ABS doesn't appear to be anything like that. But they also don't seem to have the same level of customer service/support that you'll find with VM or AvaDirect.


AvaDirect - Custom Gaming PC
Case: LIAN LI, V Series PC-V2000 Silver Full-Tower Case, EATX, Aluminum
PSU: OCZ, GameXStream 850 Watt, 24-pin ATX EPS12V, SLI Ready
MOBO: EVGA nForce 680i SLI, Socket 775, PCI-E, DDR2
Proc: Intel Core 2 Duo processor E6600, dual 2.4 GHz cores, 4MB L2 Cache
Mem: OCZ, 2GB Special Ops Edition PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz
Video: BFG TECH, GeForce 8800 GTX
Audio: Create Labs SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeAudio
HD1: Wester Digital Rapter 150GB 10000 RPM 16MB CACHE SATA
HD2: Wester Digital 320 GB WD Caviar SE16, SATA II 300MB/s, 7200-RPM, 16MB cache
RAID: No RAID config
DVD1: Sony, 16x DVD-ROM Drive
DVD2: Samsung, Super-WriteMaster 18x Dual Layer Burning w/ Lightscribe
OS: Windows XP Professional
Price: $2801

Thoughts: As with VM, most of what I've heard about AvaDirect has been positive. I've read many posts on this forum that have gone into some detail on how well Misha in particular will take care of customers. I haven't spoken with him yet, but he definitely sounds like he knows his stuff. I also like the vast array of component choices that AvaDirect offers its customers. Though I do think that the wide variety can be both a blessing and a curse. One concern that I have is around how AvaDirect can possibly provide the same level of quality assurance for newly built machines (e.g. before they are shipped) as a company like VM can (since they have less choices and therefore fewer build permuations to have to be prepared to test). I've also read a couple recent posts on these forums that have described less than favorable experiences with AvaDirect in the last couple weeks. To be fair, the posters have also stated that Misha phoned them personally to guarantee that the problem(s) would be fixed, but it still makes me worry about their testing procedures.


Conclusion: Well, no conclusion yet, or I wouldn't be posting. I guess I'm just looking for the "voice of reason" from this forum community. I think that all of these vendors are most likely good choices, but for almost 3 g's I want to make sure that I make the best choice. Any thoughts and ideas that you have that may help me make a decision would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[storz]

I'm also in the market for a new computer, budget around 3K, I have looked at all three company, right now I'm holding out for VM and AVA direct. ABS is out, since I'm from CA, so it will charge me sales tax, which will add to the final cost.

AVAdirect is cheaper, but like the OP said, I'm also wondering how they keep the quality assurance for new built given they have so much components to choose from. But with that many choices, I can build a really nice computer for $3K.

As for VM, I wonder why VM don't offer Corsair XMS2 PC6400 memory anymore on their Gamer Edge PCX machines, since the top of the line Corsair memory is really expansive, and I really don't like to get the slower memory if I have a choice.

 

[kodan]

I personally wont ever look at an ABS system again. I felt they were trying to price gouge right around the holidays and I dont like that kind of treatment.

I bought a system from AVAdirect and I assume you are referencing me in your post somewhat. I would still knowing all I know now recommend them to anyone looking for a computer. Sure they made a few mistakes sure its costing me the loss of my computer but who here hasnt made mistakes before? Heck I dropped the knight on a 500$ chess set and shattered it at my job and while the boss wasnt happy it was just something that happened. Not like I intended to ruin the set. I know Misha and company are really concerned about my situation and making it right and that means alot to me.

As far as Velocity Micro I dont have any personal experience with them but they do seem to be willing to make things right too. If you look lately they seem to have been having some quality issues as well BUT the key here is like AVAdirect they are standing behind their work and making it right.

If you are really concerned about quality issues I might suggest you hold off buying for another few weeks. I really think that all the people trying to buy a computer for chistmas or after christmas is whats causing some of the issues we are seeing. I think all the builders got a back log of orders they are deperately tryin to fill as fast as possible. Its causing some mishaps and mistakes sure but in the end these two companies are commited to their customers and are taking steps to fix their mistakes.

 

[XcaliberZ]

I'm also in the market for a new computer, budget around 3K, I have looked at all three company, right now I'm holding out for VM and AVA direct. ABS is out, since I'm from CA, so it will charge me sales tax, which will add to the final cost.

AVAdirect is cheaper, but like the OP said, I'm also wondering how they keep the quality assurance for new built given they have so much components to choose from. But with that many choices, I can build a really nice computer for $3K.

As for VM, I wonder why VM don't offer Corsair XMS2 PC6400 memory anymore on their Gamer Edge PCX machines, since the top of the line Corsair memory is really expansive, and I really don't like to get the slower memory if I have a choice.

Same reason I ruled out all CA companies , I'm a cheap bastard!

 

[AndonSage]

I think that all of these vendors are most likely good choices, but for almost 3 g's I want to make sure that I make the best choice. Any thoughts and ideas that you have that may help me make a decision would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

First, let me say you've chosen three good vendors That being said, my choice is AVA Direct. Reasons are:

* Based on what I've read in these forums, and the fact that both AVA and VM respond in these forums, I think that gives them an edge over ABS, even though all three vendors scored 9.5/10 or better (AVA got 10/10) on their latest system reviews.
* Both VM and AVA have had recent issues regarding systems that people on these forums have purchased, and both vendors are doing their utmost to take care of their customers, so I'd say neither one has the upper hand. If anyone is buying ABS, I haven't seen them post here lately.
* Since both AVA and VM seem to be equal in regards to their customer support, I would go with the system that gives you the most bang for the buck, in this case that would be AVA Direct. Since you're getting an SLI motherboard, it looks like you might get another video card in the future, so having an 850W power supply could be important. I don't know which games you play, but having the 10k rpm drive and the 800MHz memory might be important also, for speed.

Oh, for you cheap b*******, I live in Ohio, and I'm still planning on buying from AVA Direct even though I'll have to pay sales tax, hehe.

 

[AndonSage]

I forgot to mention that all three of those vendors will overclock your CPU, so be sure to ask them to do it, if you are interested in that.

I should also mention that when I actually buy my new computer, I will be pricing everything out again, and assuming AVA Direct is still lowest, and their customer support is still as good, I will be buying from them.

 

[cverret]

Thanks to all for the comments thus far. Let me respond to a few below:

Originally Posted by kodan
I bought a system from AVAdirect and I assume you are referencing me in your post somewhat.

Yep, I think I was referring to your post....I recognize your username.

Originally Posted by kodan
If you are really concerned about quality issues I might suggest you hold off buying for another few weeks. I really think that all the people trying to buy a computer for chistmas or after christmas is whats causing some of the issues we are seeing. I think all the builders got a back log of orders they are deperately tryin to fill as fast as possible. Its causing some mishaps and mistakes sure but in the end these two companies are commited to their customers and are taking steps to fix their mistakes.

You know, I hadn't thought of that, but that makes sense. Thanks for the tip.

Originally Posted by AndonSage
First, let me say you've chosen three good vendors That being said, my choice is AVA Direct.

Thanks. Yeah, I think I'm going to knock ABS out of the running. Their reputation just isn't in the same league as AvaDirect and Velocity Micro. So I'm pretty sure I'll go with one of them.

Originally Posted by AndonSage
Based on what I've read in these forums, and the fact that both AVA and VM respond in these forums

I know I've seen VM post here, but you're saying that AvaDirect does too? I haven't run across their posts before.

Originally Posted by AndonSage
Since you're getting an SLI motherboard, it looks like you might get another video card in the future, so having an 850W power supply could be important.

Good catch, I hadn't thought of that yet. The problem with VM is they don't offer an 850 PSU. They've got the 750, and the next step up is the 1000 watt PSU, which is considerably more expensive. I guess I could choose the 8800 GTS instead of the GTX, and then the 750 would be powerful enough to handle a second GTS in the future.

Again - thanks for all the comments. I'll let you know what direction I end up going, but I think I'm going to wait at least another week or two when Vista comes out.

 

[Velocity_Micro]

You are making some excellent choices for components, and this decision is sometimes tough. I did want to point out that we do offer Corsair's new Dominator memory on this system, their top of the line product.

For tech support, I still see plenty of people posting about our quality issues, but please remember we sell between (estimated) 20 to 30 times the number of systems that the other brands you mention do, we have a tech support staff of 12 senior techs that operates right inside our 34,000 square foot factory in Richmond, and we are the only one with in house 24x7 support. Also, we have a full time R&D team that validates new parts, custom designs our cases, PSUs, and many other components, and our craftsmanship is meticulous for a 2500+ unit per month company. Regretfully, these issues make our systems a bit more expensive, but after 16 years, we have proven we will be around for the long haul.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[FadedSpark]

http://www.velocitymicro.com/cart-d...3,17302,90659,59824,93836&custom_cost=2790.00

includes dominator ram, xp home instead of pro (just install youre current copy if windows if pro means that much to you, then it should be pro now )

one DVD RW, dont need two... second is a DVD/CD-RW combo

2 250gb WD's in raid...


Randy, any chance you guys can start providing this ram? cheaper than the dominator, and would fill a good gap between it, and DDR2-667 choices (has EPP as well )

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...6 2010170147&Subcategory=147&Manufactory=1666

 

[cverret]

Originally Posted by Velocity_Micro
we are the only one with in house 24x7 support.

...which is a very big plus in my book.

Originally Posted by Velocity_Micro
Regretfully, these issues make our systems a bit more expensive

Yep, I know - but the old adage "you get what you pay for" rings as true with custom gaming computers as with anything else.

Both my research and my gut are telling me to go with Velocity Micro. I've convinced myself that the extra few dollars is money well spent in order to benefit from the high quality craftmanship and excellent customer service. I want to thank you Randy for responding to my post and for your active participation in these forums. Your personal attention to detail is reassuring and has definitely made my decision to go with Velocity Micro even easier. Quick question for you: When will you start offering Vista as an option on your website? Probably just another couple days, right?

Thanks again to all that have responded to my initial post.

 

[cverret]

Originally Posted by 0mega
http://www.velocitymicro.com/cart-di...m_cost=2790.00

includes dominator ram, xp home instead of pro (just install youre current copy if windows if pro means that much to you, then it should be pro now )

one DVD RW, dont need two... second is a DVD/CD-RW combo

2 250gb WD's in raid...

Thanks for bringing these points to my attention. I completely missed that fact that I had two DVD RW drives in my configuration. Regarding the 2 X 250 GB HDs in RAID 0: I've considered this, but I worry about the potential for data loss. I've never had a RAID setup before on my previous computers. Isn't it true that if your motherboard goes out (which means your RAID controller does too) that your HDs are hosed?

 

[donster]

I for one, think that you have made a very wise choice! I hope you can get Vista, the coupons for Vista are really a pain in the butt to redeem. VM makes excellent computers and they do stand behind there products. Wise very Wise!

 

[avadirect]

I do join in occasionally to help clear the "air" on certain questions, problems or concerns and one thing I will not do is disrespect VM since I do think that they are a respectable organization with a proven track record.

Where AVADirect rules:
A. Flexibility by providing a wide variety of top components as well as extreme modding.
B. Lowest pricing!
C. Individual attention to each customer. This is where we really win our customers by building true custom gaming pcs designed specifically to fit your needs. Even to the smallest details like where the tower is going to be located to make sure it fits under your desk although after we're done with your rig, it usually goes on the top of the desk as an "eye candy".
D. Unparallel dedication and I hate to sound like a "sales man", but we do support our customers even on weekends if need be. At this point 24x7 support makes a little difference for us because even if we need to replace any parts, nothing is done until Monday morning since ALL distribution channels operate on Monday-Friday basis.

Ultimately it is your choice even with all the great advise you've been getting, however if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Regards,
Misha Troshin
Sales Manager, CEO
888.363.1051 direct
216.503.6355 fax

 

[Velocity_Micro]

I want to thank you Randy for responding to my post and for your active participation in these forums. Your personal attention to detail is reassuring and has definitely made my decision to go with Velocity Micro even easier. Quick question for you: When will you start offering Vista as an option on your website? Probably just another couple days, right?

Thanks again to all that have responded to my initial post.

Sorry to have left you for a couple of days. Crazy time with the Vista launch. It's a bit late to answer that we've already launched. Thanks for your support!