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New Computer Purchase

zman1974

Weaksauce
Joined
Sep 2, 2006
Messages
81
Yes, I know, not another "New Computer Purchase" thread. :)

First, some background. I have never owned a "gaming" PC, nor have I ever built a computer (or have the time to). I have always been a gamer, though, and now that my financial resources have increased it's time to replace my long-in-the-tooth HP a-series desktop. That computer was bought at CompUSA about two years ago.

It can actually run some modern games (HOMM V is one example) with the help of a Visiontek x1300 and a gig of memory. Still, on games like COD 2, this system is just SSLLOOWW.

So, my wife has honored my request for an early Christmas present. I have pretty much decided on all of my major components:

Core 2 Duo 6600 or 6700
2 GB of RAM
150 GB Raptor HD
X1950 Video Card (haven't decided on Crossfire yet)

What I need help on is the company. Here are the finalists in no particular order:

Velocity Micro
Maingear
Overdrive PC
Falcon Northwest

All of these company's builds come in at about the same price point so it really boils down to build quality and long term customer care/tech support.

Give me some feedback on who you think is best at this point in time.

Thanks,

Jim
 
You're going to be exceedingly, exceedingly pleased with all of those companies. However, I have a lot of trouble believing that all of them are around the same price. I would think that VM has them undercut by at least $500.

If money is no object, I would probably go with Maingear. They're a small operation that has the best support we've come across yet and has excellent build quality. If support is your main concern, I'd go with them.

For build quality, I'd go with Overdrive. They do some amazing stuff. They also overclock everything so that you're getting a jump in performance out of your CPU and GPU. However, they're probably the most expensive out of the bunch because of that. They also have very good support.

If you're concerned about bang for buck, go with VM. Very good build quality, good support (our bad luck in our last eval not withstanding), and they're by far the largest company out of the mix you've named.
 
Jason,

Thanks for the info. Here are some of my builds from the company's various websites. I tried to get them as close as possible:

Velocity Micro

Modified Raptor DCX
Case: LX-W Silver w/o wheel kit
PSU: Enermax 600W
Case Lighting: Blue
Motherboard: D975XBX
CPU: 6700 Duo
CPU Cooling: Arctic Cooling Freezer
Memory: 2 GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 w/ heat spreader
GPU: X1950XTX Crossfire
GPU Other: Advanced Tuning
Audio: X-Fi Extreme
Hard Drive: Raptor 150 GB
Optical Drive 1: Plextor Burner
Optical Drive 2: DVD-ROM/CD-RW
Media Reader: 8-in-1
Operating System: XP Pro
Keyboard: None
Mouse: Razer Diamondback
Warranty: 3 Yr parts and labor, 2 Yr 24/7 support and on-site service

Total: $4,539 (w/o Crossfire $4,044)

Overdrive PC

Build #55682
Case: Cooler Master CM Stacker 830
PSU: Ultra X-Connect 550W
Case Lighting: Blue
Motherboard: D975XBX
CPU: 6700 Duo
CPU Cooling: SureCool (Air)
Memory: 2 GB DDR Custom
GPU: X1950XTX Crossfire
Audio: X-Fi Extreme
Hard Drive: Raptor 150 GB
Optical Drive 1: Plextor Burner
Optical Drive 2: DVD-ROM/CD-RW
Media Reader: 13-in-1
Operating System: XP Pro
Keyboard: None
Mouse: Logitech G7
Warranty: 2 Year Platinum (Parts, Labor, Shipping)
Other: Hyperclocking

Total: $4,879 (w/o Crossfire $4,117)

Maingear

Case: F131 Custom
PSU: Seasonic 600W
Motherboard: Asus P5W DH Deluxe
CPU: 6700 Duo
CPU Cooling: Zalman UltraQuiet
Memory: 2 GB Mushkin PC6400 DDR2 w/ heat spreaders
GPU: X1900XTX Crossfire (not currently offering X1950XTX on website)
Audio: X-Fi Extreme
Hard Drive: Raptor 150 GB
Optical Drive 1: Plextor Burner
Optical Drive 2: DVD-ROM
Media Reader: 7-in-1
Operating System: XP Pro
Keyboard: Saitek Eclipse (matching paint)
Mouse: Logitech G7 (matching paint)
Warranty: 3 Yr parts and labor (shipping one way after first 30 days)
Other: Overclocked CPU and GPU

Total: $4,787.02 ($4,072.52 w/o Crossfire)

Falcon NW

Mach V
Case: ICON Aluminum
Side Panel: Yes
Case Lighting: Blue
PSU: Silverstone 600W
Motherboard: D975XBX
CPU: 6700 Duo
CPU Cooling: ICON Watercooling Kit
Memory: 2 GB Corsair TwinX DDR2-8500 w/ EPP
GPU: X1950XTX Crossfire
Audio: X-Fi Extreme*
Hard Drive: Raptor 150 GB
Optical Drive 1: Plextor Burner
Optical Drive 2: DVD-ROM
Media Reader: 7-in-1
Operating System: XP Pro
Keyboard: None
Mouse: Logitech G7
Warranty: 3 Yr parts and labor, 1 Year Overnight shipping
Other: Overclocking must call in (don't know if that's extra or included; unclear from site)
*Note: This system could not be configured with X-Fi Card with Crossfire option. Price without Crossfire does reflect X-Fi included, but price with Crossfire only has onboard sound).

Total: $5,297.39 (w/o Crossfire $4,764.39)

Do these builds alter your feelings in anyway?

Thanks for the commentary.

Jim
 
I vote for us! ;)

Seriously, we'll take care of you, anyone on this board who has bought from us can attest to that.
 
VM will definetely take care of you. If you have any questions and maybe want perosnal help picking out a pc build that is just right for you give them a call. They'll walk you through whatever you need. VM is definetely a good place to go.
 
hmmm. If I were you, and I am not (so dont feel pressured by me or my opinion), I would go with the Overdrive PC. They just seem like they know what they're doing. Plus they're a small company, and I personally think small is better, because, by definition, since they get less orders, you get more one on one with the people there and perhaps even get the chance to talk to the person who builds your computer.
Thats no to say that Velocity doesn't do personalized service, but since they have so many other orders in they will have a much harder time with the one-on-one.
BUT, since you are a member at this forum, you have access to Chris and the prez @ velocity micro, both of whom will definitely help you if you ask nicely.

My personal reason for Overdrive: the famous Overdrive overclocking. Overdrive will probably get the best scores of the bunch with the same specs thanks to their amazing overclocking. ;)
 
Interesting comment about the small-company, personal service factor. I do think, though, that VM should not be slighted in any way because they want to grow as a company as long as that growth doesn't effect their service. Unfortunately, how true is that? I do hope, as VM grows (and they will; just go into a Best Buy that carries their $1,299 system; it puts the others to shame) that the "Song Remains the Same".

Jim
 
zman1974 said:
Jason,

Thanks for the info. Here are some of my builds from the company's various websites. I tried to get them as close as possible:

Do these builds alter your feelings in anyway?

Thanks for the commentary.

Jim

No, not in particular. I am a bit surprised to see the VM priced as it is, but no matter.

I think I might pass on the Falcon, but choosing between the other three buiders would be a tough decision. Again, you're going to get a performance bump from the ODPC because of their overclocking. Even though the other integrators will OC, as well, no one does it like ODPC. The others may sit and tweak the hell out of review units, but OD will do it for every system that selects it. They'll also test it extensively for stability.

You'll likely get the best overall experience from Maingear. Like OD, they're a small company that's all about good support. Personally, I'd probably go with them.

VM will also treat you very well. They're going to have more resources at their disposal because of their size. They'll also probably get your system out to you the fastest.

Seriously, though, choosing between these companies is like choosing between a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, and a Lotus. They're all going to treat you right and you'll be pleased. Frankly, I'd probably boil it down to cost and how fast they can ship it out to you.

If you need a personal connection for each of the companies, do yourself a favor and call each of their sales lines up. Talk to them about the hardware you want. Get a feeling for how each treats their customers. You should have a gut feeling after you talk with each of them.
 
Dark Prodigy said:
You forgot one... VoodooPC ;)

While I do have a good opinion of the company I can't seem to assemble a Duo-based Omen system anywhere near the price of the others; correct me if I'm wrong, though, as I may have missed something.

Jim
 
zman1974 said:
While I do have a good opinion of the company I can't seem to assemble a Duo-based Omen system anywhere near the price of the others; correct me if I'm wrong, though, as I may have missed something.

Jim

You are correct, with the X6800 being the only CPU option and the hefty price premium Voodoo charges it is not possible to put them in the same category as the other companies you mentioned. If I was in your situation I would opt. for VM without a doubt. VM has exceptional bang-for-buck configurations, plus from what I've heard and read there support is second to none. You also have the added security of knowing Chris and the President of the company constantly monitor this forum. So if you have any questions or problems with your system you can go right to the top if you wish. Whatever you decide to go with good luck. :D
 
Well, ODPC could end up being the most expensive, after all. If I went with the Crossfire solution I think I would have to upgrade the PSU (a $450 upgrade) which puts it up their with the Falcon. The Maingear system probably would need a better cooling option, too, if overclocked.

Chris has already suggested that I should add the water cooling option to the Raptor, and I'm inclined to agree.

It is wonderful to have options, but my Gosh, I feel like I should just draw straws. They are all awesome. Anyone have any negatives at all (other than price ;) )?

Jim
 
DNA Doc said:
Even though the other integrators will OC, as well, no one does it like ODPC.

Do all the other companies OC their system? I remember reading that VM doesn't make it a point to OC their system. And falcon's website doesn't say anything i recall about OCing? The only two that i know of that say they OC are OCPC and Hypersonic. Do all the other companies question in here OC their system normally? Or do you mean that the customer can OC the companies computers when they get it? Something that most people can't do when they buy from other compies like dell.
 
If you request it, I'm fairly certain that all of the above companies will OC your system. Do they do it by default? Not necessarily, but they will all do it. ODPC just seems to do it the best. They've built their entire business model around it, and it's worked out well for them so far.

As far as the customer overclocking the machine themselves, we highly recommend that you do NOT do so. If you screw up your machine, most companies will not take the computer back or help you repair it.
 
zman1974, in your list of configurations, you added watercooling to the Falcon but did not for others systems. If you go with air cooling on the Falcon, that would bring the total price down ($4968.39 instead of 5297.39) to the same level as others on your list

Looking at this recent review, it does appear that they know how to overclock as well: http://www.maximumpc.com/2006/09/flacon_northwes.html
 
tonyou said:
zman1974, in your list of configurations, you added watercooling to the Falcon but did not for others systems. If you go with air cooling on the Falcon, that would bring the total price down ($4968.39 instead of 5297.39) to the same level as others on your list

Looking at this recent review, it does appear that they know how to overclock as well: http://www.maximumpc.com/2006/09/flacon_northwes.html

Yes, I did, because I fully intend to have any of these systems overclocked. If I add water cooling to the VM I would need to add $195, to the ODPC $500, and to the Maingear $300. Sorry for the confusion.

Jim
 
Just to clarify, ours is not a water cooling solution, it is a thermal electric cooled unit from CoolIT that we had custom made for us. It employs triple peltier coolers and chills the liquid before it hits the waterblock. ;)
 
ChrisMorley said:
Just to clarify, ours is not a water cooling solution, it is a thermal electric cooled unit from CoolIT that we had custom made for us. It employs triple peltier coolers and chills the liquid before it hits the waterblock. ;)

Any review units going out using the LiquiCool 3, Chris? I'd really like to hear a little more about this solution. I would have, hands down, included it in my system build had a order a few weeks later than I did.

-Ben
 
Jim,

Another vote for Velocity Micro, although I agree with DNA Doc that you'll be happy with any of those choices and that all four companies will provide an "above and beyond" experience. I seriously considered Maingear myself, but I could not configure one of their systems to match the configuration and price point of what I received from Velocity Micro. I'm very happy with the VM system I purchased and highly recommend them.

-Ben
 
ZMan, just my 2 cents....

I personally would not go with a dual graphics card solution at this time. You might want to consider a single, then after the DX10 cards (and Vista) are released, upgrade to dual.

Just something to keep in mind. Good luck with your purchase- I am mighty jealous!!!!
 
ChrisMorley said:

Thanks. :D

The reviewed config is about $1500 out of my price range, but I know you offer the LiquiCool 3 in other configurations. I'll look forward to future reviews that provide more details on the cooling solution itself - CNET always glosses over those details. That said, the overclock you guys got on the X6800 speaks volumes in regards to the solution's performance. Wow.

-Ben
 
zman1974 said:
Well, ODPC could end up being the most expensive, after all. If I went with the Crossfire solution I think I would have to upgrade the PSU (a $450 upgrade) which puts it up their with the Falcon. The Maingear system probably would need a better cooling option, too, if overclocked.

Chris has already suggested that I should add the water cooling option to the Raptor, and I'm inclined to agree.

It is wonderful to have options, but my Gosh, I feel like I should just draw straws. They are all awesome. Anyone have any negatives at all (other than price ;) )?

Jim
VM, Maingear, and OD are fantastic boutique builders with great build quality and support (forgetting the few instances of "brain burps"). Plz consider these things:

1) VM normaly offers the best "bang for your buck", but in this case they are in the same ball-park as the others (cost wise).

2) Maingear has fantastic build quality and support. But the lack of x1950xtx is a seriouse flaw in my opinion, and I would dismiss them from my purchasing options (if they had it, I would have gone with them)

3) OD offers uber fantastic Build quality and comparable support with Maingear, but they are hindered by their cost (being the least "bang for your buck" out of all of them).

Since their within the same ball-park cost wise (4.5k-5k). I would choose OverdrivePC. cost is damn near equal, and their extra touches they place in their builds really shines over the others.

EDIT: a couple of things:
1)Overclocking Conroe on air is more feasible then with other proccessors, so watercooling would only come in handy with your GPU.

2)Given the testing OD does, if the PSU is insufficient, they will be the 1st ones to tell you it is. Given the ordering proccess, they might suggest an upgrade over the phone. Either way, it would be in or very close to the ball-park that has been set.

3) Forget Checking ABS, they don't offer the x1950xtx.

4) with OD, they might be able to "hyperclock" the E6600 just as far as the E6700.
 
kilgore777 said:
ZMan, just my 2 cents....

I personally would not go with a dual graphics card solution at this time. You might want to consider a single, then after the DX10 cards (and Vista) are released, upgrade to dual.

Just something to keep in mind. Good luck with your purchase- I am mighty jealous!!!!

Kilgore,

I would consider this a viable option IF I could upgrade in 6 months. Unfortunately, the significant other probably won't let me open the fund floodgate again until late next year. So, in order to get greater than 60 FPS in most games at 1920x1200 I will need a dual graphics set-up.

DX10 will have to wait for me, but somehow I don't think I'm going to be too angry with a top-flight dual graphics set-up like the X1950 Crossfire or the 7900GTX SLI.

Jim
 
Atilac said:
VM, Maingear, and OD are fantastic boutique builders with great build quality and support (forgetting the few instances of "brain burps"). Plz consider these things:

1) VM normaly offers the best "bang for your buck", but in this case they are in the same ball-park as the others (cost wise).

2) Maingear has fantastic build quality and support. But the lack of x1950xtx is a seriouse flaw in my opinion, and I would dismiss them from my purchasing options (if they had it, I would have gone with them)

3) OD offers uber fantastic Build quality and comparable support with Maingear, but they are hindered by their cost (being the least "bang for your buck" out of all of them).

Since their within the same ball-park cost wise (4.5k-5k). I would choose OverdrivePC. cost is damn near equal, and their extra touches they place in their builds really shines over the others.

EDIT: a couple of things:
1)Overclocking Conroe on air is more feasible then with other proccessors, so watercooling would only come in handy with your GPU.

2)Given the testing OD does, if the PSU is insufficient, they will be the 1st ones to tell you it is. Given the ordering proccess, they might suggest an upgrade over the phone. Either way, it would be in or very close to the ball-park that has been set.

3) Forget Checking ABS, they don't offer the x1950xtx.

4) with OD, they might be able to "hyperclock" the E6600 just as far as the E6700.

Hi,

Thanks for the comments. Maingear informed me that this week they are upgrading the X1900XTX to the X1950XTX, but as of right now, they have not.

Another thing: Maingear informed me that SLI is their preferred configuration for dual-graphics set-up in my situation. I'm not so sure I buy that, and the X1950 Crossfire is proof.

ODPC explicity states on their website during your system configuration that they prefer SLI over Crossfire. This statement was no doubt made prior to the release of the X1950.

I am not a "!!!!!!" of either solution, but I have been very impressed with the X1950's reviews, and encouraged that ATI is working constantly to improve drivers and stability.

Jim
 
I tire seeing people write that Maingear and OD have "better support" than VM. VM is open from 7a to 11p unless you get 24/7. None of these other companies can do that, and it's a big deal. During "normal" hours these guys are all good, but I can never call about a tech support problem during the day when I'm at work and not at my VM system. They clearly have the upper hand here. The fact that MG and OD have only 2 or 3 total employees each makes me even less trusting of them over the long haul.
 
I must bid farewell to Maingear and FNW from my potential purchases. I'm not thrilled about the Maingear warranty compared to the others, although this in no way takes anything from their obvious and earned quality and reputation. They are just not for me.

FNW was the company I originally intended to buy a computer from. They have the longest track record in this business, and defined my entire concept of the "gaming" computer. Their warranty is rock-solid, they will overclock, and they have undeniable build quality. Still, how much for a name, and how much is this simply my ego saying that "I own a Falcon"? In the end, there are now better, and cheaper options than there were in 1996.

VM certainly has it's fans here, and deservedly so as so many of you own a system. They have the best tech support as it's in-house AND 24/7; I don't care if it's for all eternity if you farm out to a third party, or worse, overseas. They are the largest company, and will be there for me indefinitely. Still, I'm not 100% sold because....

Of OPC. I am a small business owner, folks, and I'll tell you what:

On the OPC forum, there was a picture, posted in jest, of the CTO of the company sleeping at his computer. Now, he could have been just sleeping on the job, but I sincerely doubt it. If a small business is going to make it in any industry it takes a fearless, dedicated, and passionate (some would say obsessed) leader to make that happen. I try to be that, and a father and husband, too; no mean task. If Mario is as good as they say he is, then I'm all for supporting this upstart firm that flies in the face of convention, and OC's every friggin' product that goes out the door the same way that they would for a review system sent to PC Mag.

So, I'm going to have to sleep on it, do some more research, and talk to both parties personally before making a final decision. NVWN 2 is almost here, and I must be ready to play...

Jim
 
Randy and I will be happy to field any questions you may have about Velocity Micro as you make your decision. Please don't hesitate to give us a buzz.
 
Jim,

zman1974 said:
Kilgore,

I would consider this a viable option IF I could upgrade in 6 months. Unfortunately, the significant other probably won't let me open the fund floodgate again until late next year. So, in order to get greater than 60 FPS in most games at 1920x1200 I will need a dual graphics set-up.

Yes, funny thing about the way those things work.... I am only "allowed" to make a major purchase every 17 years or so :p , but I can get away with smaller purchases when she ain't lookin' ;) . I guess I am in a position opposite of yours....


zman1974 said:
DX10 will have to wait for me, but somehow I don't think I'm going to be too angry with a top-flight dual graphics set-up like the X1950 Crossfire or the 7900GTX SLI.

Jim

I am sure it will be awesome. I have read that Vista supposedly runs DX9 very well, so I am sure you won't be disappointed anyway. Cheers!
 
...and the winner is...Velocity Micro :D

This was not an easy decision by any means, and the difference between these two company's quality is basically nill. Nevertheless, I do feel more confident in VM's staying power, and with people like Chris on board VM's sky is limitless. I am proud to support such honest and customer-loving companies when you can find them.

Here is the final configuration:

Velocity Raptor DCX

Case: LX-W Silver with wheel kit
PSU: Enermax 600W
Motherboard: Intel D975XBX
CPU: Core 2 Duo 6700 overclocked
Memory: 2 GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800
GPU: X1950 in Crossfire and overclocked
Sound Card: X-Fi Platinum
Hard Drive One: 150GB Raptor
Hard Drive Two: 320 GB WD 3200
Optical Drive One: 16x Lite-On DVD and CD Burner
Optical Drive Two: 16x DVD Reader/CD Burner
Warranty: 3 yrs parts and labor, 2 yrs 24/7 tech support with on-site service

Total: $4,819

A big "THANK YOU" goes out to everyone, and especially Chris, who helped me make this important decision.

Can't wait to see what this thing can do! :D

Jim
 
zman1974 said:
...and the winner is...Velocity Micro :D

This was not an easy decision by any means, and the difference between these two company's quality is basically nill. Nevertheless, I do feel more confident in VM's staying power, and with people like Chris on board VM's sky is limitless. I am proud to support such honest and customer-loving companies when you can find them.

Here is the final configuration:

Velocity Raptor DCX

Case: LX-W Silver with wheel kit
PSU: Enermax 600W
Motherboard: Intel D975XBX
CPU: Core 2 Duo 6700 overclocked
Memory: 2 GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800
GPU: X1950 in Crossfire and overclocked
Sound Card: X-Fi Platinum
Hard Drive One: 150GB Raptor
Hard Drive Two: 320 GB WD 3200
Optical Drive One: 16x Lite-On DVD and CD Burner
Optical Drive Two: 16x DVD Reader/CD Burner
Warranty: 3 yrs parts and labor, 2 yrs 24/7 tech support with on-site service

Total: $4,819

A big "THANK YOU" goes out to everyone, and especially Chris, who helped me make this important decision.

Can't wait to see what this thing can do! :D

Jim

Congrats, you have made a fine decision: now you need a monitor to take advantage of that crossfire ;)
 
Atilac said:
Congrats, you have made a fine decision: now you need a monitor to take advantage of that crossfire ;)

Have had a Dell 24" 2407 for about two weeks now.

Jim
 
zman1974 said:
...and the winner is...Velocity Micro :D

Congrats. As I said initially, you're going to be exceedingly happy with whatever your choice is. VM is a very fine company and you'll be well taken care of.
 
zman1974 said:
Have had a Dell 24" 2407 for about two weeks now.

Jim
Your going to have a gaming heart attack with fear at 1900x1200 with full eye candy.
 
Atilac said:
Your going to have a gaming heart attack with fear at 1900x1200 with full eye candy.

My first game will be FEAR I play on it will be FEAR only because I have never played this game on a decent system. My X1300 just doesn't cut it; especially with the new monitor. Can't wait to see the visuals...it should be decidedly creepy. :)

Jim
 
zman1974 said:
...and the winner is...Velocity Micro :D

This was not an easy decision by any means, and the difference between these two company's quality is basically nill. Nevertheless, I do feel more confident in VM's staying power, and with people like Chris on board VM's sky is limitless. I am proud to support such honest and customer-loving companies when you can find them.

Here is the final configuration:

Velocity Raptor DCX

Case: LX-W Silver with wheel kit
PSU: Enermax 600W
Motherboard: Intel D975XBX
CPU: Core 2 Duo 6700 overclocked
Memory: 2 GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800
GPU: X1950 in Crossfire and overclocked
Sound Card: X-Fi Platinum
Hard Drive One: 150GB Raptor
Hard Drive Two: 320 GB WD 3200
Optical Drive One: 16x Lite-On DVD and CD Burner
Optical Drive Two: 16x DVD Reader/CD Burner
Warranty: 3 yrs parts and labor, 2 yrs 24/7 tech support with on-site service

Total: $4,819

A big "THANK YOU" goes out to everyone, and especially Chris, who helped me make this important decision.

Can't wait to see what this thing can do! :D

Jim

Good choice my friend. I'm sure you will truly love your machine. :D
 
zman1974 said:
...and the winner is...Velocity Micro :D

This was not an easy decision by any means, and the difference between these two company's quality is basically nill. Nevertheless, I do feel more confident in VM's staying power, and with people like Chris on board VM's sky is limitless. I am proud to support such honest and customer-loving companies when you can find them.

Thanks for the vote of confidence! Georgeous system choices, if I can say so. Enjoy!

Randy
 
Thank you, Randy, for the comment. I hope this to be the start of a relationship that will continue through additonal system purchases in the future.

Jim
 
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