Began my research looking at Alienware, Falcon and IBuyPower offerings in terms of Price, Company Reputation & Compentancy, Return Policy and to some extent Technical Support.<br><br>  
 
First, Price was considerably lower than Alienware and Falcon. I purchased a $2600.00 system, and for the same components, Alienware and Falcon was charging over $4000.00.<br><br>  
 
Reputation & Competency was satisfactory. I called the sales staff 3 times to ask various questions to test their knowledge, and the first two people I spoke with gave me incorrect information or they gave me information that was prewritten on the retail box. The third person was knowledgable and adequately answered my questions. So I ordered the system Online so I can get a reciept and have documentation.<br><br>  
 
Haven't needed to return anything, but reading through the policies It was enough to sway me to buy.<br><br>  
 
When I received the system (on time), the packaging was excellent, and there were a few manuals that came along, but obviously they were not the retail versions of the manuals. Also, I found that the sound card that came with system was not seated correctly, but decided to try technical suipport to see what they said. The tech person answered on the second ring and when I described the error I got, he said that the card was not seated. So I was pleased that they sounded compentant. Unfortunately, the card could not be seated and screwed securely to the tower at the same time becuase the card would not reach or if it did, it caused the card to unseat. So I'm not sure how they tested the machine with sound with the card screwed in.<br><br>  
 
Oh yeh, wanted to mention that the light inside the case is activated by sound, and to activate the sound you need to plug it into one of the output jacks of the sound card. But if you want three channel sound, you have to hook the speakers to use all three jacks, so it is impossible to hook the light and the speaker system at the same time since there are only 3 output jacks. (Sound card was the Audigy 5.1)  
<br><br>  
 
Overall I am please with the system.

This was my first time purchasing from IBUYPOWER.com. The site was very easy to use and customize a variety of system specs. I ordered my system via the i-net. The next day, I received an email stating my ordered was confirmed and that they expected no delays since all parts were in stock. Also included in the email is a secured web site link, that gives an updated status with your order, displaying the Confirm, Build, Burn-in test, and Ship dates. I feel this is a nice touch since the consumer doesn't have to call and verify the status of the order through the process.  
 
I received my system 3 days ahead of time. The computer was very well shipped in top notch condition. All hardware and software was installed and configured properly, a real treat considering past experiences with other companies (Gateway, LegendMicro). All misc hardware was included: extra cables, manuals, screws, adapaters etc. I am very pleased with my system, the quality of service, and the speed at which I received my goods.  
 
To be honest I waited a couple weeks before posting this review, because I thought I could eventually find something to bitch about, but for once, I can't find anything :) IBUYPOWER comes highly recommended from me.  
 
Pun.

OUTSTANDING! I did a lot of research (alienware/hypersonic/ect) and these guys provided the same hardware for $400 to $600 less! I may not get a customized folder like alienware has but I DO have 600 more smacks!  
 
I spent lots of time on their website (www.ibuypower.com) using the "configure system" menu to build a Athlon DDR333/400 system. They had lots more choices of mobos, vid cards and processors to choose from than almost all the other places. I was able to get exactly what I wanted within my price range no problem.  
 
I then called their order phone number instead of using the website cause I wanted a human contact incase I had any questions (which I had tons of) or problems (which Ive had NONE of). I talked to BRIAN. He was a great salesperson. I used to work computer hardware retail myself (www.computerdeli.com) so I know what its like to work with "questiony" customers but Brian was very patient and knowledgeable. He didnt even get upset when I changed my system 3 times in 3 days! : ) (thanks Brian) He also had good suggestions about where I could spend a little more to get more performance or where NOT to spend money as it wouldnt be the most bang for the buck. Not many salespeople today will talk you OUT of a purchase! So if you go with this company. I can personally vouch for BRIAN as an excellent sales rep.  
 
I got my rig about 2 weeks after the order. (a little early cause I was impatient and had Brian change my shipping, which he did no prob) They spend plenty of time making sure it is constructed properly and burned in and quality tested! Its hard to wait but they dont make you wait unnecessarily.  
 
The computer is great! Fast as hell (at least for this month : ) Everything is exactly as I ordered it. All the manuals and disks and extra cables are provided.  
 
I cant imagine a better company with better prices.  
 
If you think the big boys are the only ones able to build quality systems you are wrong. Save money and get IBUYPOWER! Now if they would only change their name ! : )  
 
Michael Mast

I bought the nForce2 custom configuration. I opted for a Leadtek Winfast K7NCR18D-Pro Mobo with an AMD Athlon 2800+ (with the new "Barton" core that has double the L2 cache on chip). Additions included an ATI Radeon 9700 Pro, 80 gig WD HD with 8 MB cache. Everything else was pretty standard. System arrived almost a week earlier than scheduled, which was great. I got it in about a week and 1/2 with no rush and no extra shipping costs. I got the HD formatted with no OS, but I had no trouble installing WinXP and got everything to work easily with the driver CD's included. I am very happy with the performance and the price was under $1,300 (no monitor) so I think it was as good a deal as it out there.  
Only thing that was "wrong" with the system was that the Mobo was not the Pro version as listed on the specs. I am guessing they ran out of stock of the Pro boards because I see now on the web-site that they don't offer the Pro version anymore. The only thing the Pro had that the regular board didn't was IEEE-1394 (firewire ports). But to rememdy this they included an addon IEEE-1394 PCI card that wasn't included in the spec. Only issue now is that I have 4 PCI slots and 2 of them are used for USB 2.0 & IEEE-1394 cards, respectively. So I only have 2 free PCI slots and an ACR (audio/communication riser) slot that I don't think I'll have any use for! This is something to think about if you have or will want to add PCI cards! I have a TV tuner PCI card to add and I will be down to one free slot and that slot is right below the AGP slot and there may be an issue of heat from video card if airflow is hampered. One thing to consider with the Leadtek MoBo is they only have 3 sound jacks. It is not a concern if you want to use the Dolby Digital out, but not many people will have a Dolby decoder in their computer room. You can still get 6 speaker analog out, but you have to reconfigure (within the software) to use the MIC & Line-In jacks to support rear speakers and a subwoofer/center channel. You can't do 5 or 6 speaker analog and still use a Microphone or Line-Input, just something to keep in mind.  
I also added a second 120gb HD from my old system and had no problems at all installing it and it was automatically recognized. In addition, I like the windowed case and the red cold cathode light looks great. I am very satisfied... Overall, my experience is a 9/10.  
UPDATE: I called customer support because the 5.1 analog sound output wasn't working on the non-Pro MoBo and they are sending me a SB Live 5.1 sound card. Excellent!

This review was modified by its author, jmcfarland, on 3/14/03 4:18 PM.

Overall I am pretty satisfied with ibuypower. Their customer service has been above average. The technical support has been excellent. It came a few days later than expected BUT it was worth the extra time they put in to make sure everything was right. I rather have a machine that was not rushed. The wireless mouse I ordered was not working very well. I called ibuypower and they gave me no problems at all. I should receive my mouse within a week. They are also paying for the shipping of the defective mouse. Overall a satsifying experience from ibuypower and I would consider them again. I work for a major IT company and I will (and have) recommend this company to my fellow coworkers. Thanks ibuypower and I look forward to future purchases from you. PS. Brian from ibuypower-special thanks goes to you.

This review was modified by its author, PaulDE01, on 3/3/03 5:56 PM.

I had a friend who bought a computer from ibuypower and he had said he was real happy with their service. I feel I have recieved a great deal on mine. I had a small problem and I called their tech help and they took care of it right away. They also upgraded my power supply with no charge. As of this point I would buy from them again with out hesitation. The tech service is worth it if nothing else. Thanks for a great computer. Pete

Thank you Lee and IBuyPower for a great computer system at a great price, with great service and support at the utmost of courtesy. After much searching and comparing, IBuyPower delivered at the best price with the best service. Lee was extremely gracious, always quickly available, and answered every one of my questions (there were many) before and after the sale. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

I purchased a system from them last year. The system was set up perfectly, exacly as I ordered it with quality parts. It even shipped earlier than their "estimated date".  
I've refered friends to Ibuypower, and I will definitely purchase my next system(s) from them.  
This company is simply awesome!  

We ordered a Pentium workstation and had very good success with the product. Initially we did have a problem with the computer but the company corrected the problem. We were very satisfied with the customer service. We have been using the computer for GIS work for the last 8 months without a problem.

I just ordered a system from IBuyPower.com after watching the site for almost a year and on the recommendation of a friend who purchased from them about a year ago.  
 
My Friends experience: He is a computer pro, with degrees in electronics and networking and is a NetAdmin full time. He bought a gaming system and was pleased to have an option of buying without an OS, and has been very pleased with it. His one problem (5 months after purchase) was his 320 watt power supply burned up, but fortunately did not take the MB or anything else with it. He highly recommends upgrading power supply to 420 watts for a gaming system and blames himself for overlooking it.  
 
My Experiece (as of 2/24/03): Ordered over the phone after configuring online because I had some questions about the monitor. I ordered the Gamer Force II system with some modifications. Talked to Steve, who was very helpful, and explained about the Viewsonic E95 monitor (no longer manuactured), thus can't get it in black to match the rest of the system. I upgraded to a PerfectFlat Viewsonic E90FB for $69. I also discussed the 2xAGP vs 8xAGP setting problems that some reviewers on this site have had. Steve made a note on the order sheet for the assemblers to double check the AGP settings for me.  
 
I was given an ID# and password for their online tracking system. I'm fairly surprised that they never asked for email and apparently don't send out confirmation of order, shipping dates, etc. If they don't even know my email address how are they going to let me know the tracking number for shipping?... so far it's my only gripe. Now the wait...  
 
2/28/03: Checked the IBuyPower website and noticed that they had a "special" of free shipping if system was ordered today, 2/28... I ordered my system on 2/24... I called up Steve and asked if I could have the free shipping too, and he said "No problem"... saved $100 on shipping just like that. One more + for ibuypower.  
 
3/12/03: Received computer. Very pleased with everything except Creative Labs Inspire 5200 Inspire surround speakers. They are faulty and don't work at all. I sent email to ibuypower hoping to resolve problem: waiting on result.  
 
Update: Mouse died completely after one month. Extremely cheap keyboard and mouse from Mitsuko come with the default systems. Worth upgrading to recognizable brands as you'll just have to purchase new ones anyway.  
 
Update: Video card died in stages. At first it was just annoying random characters during start-up. Then resolution problems and finally green screen. But all this happened slowly so I thought a) I was losing my mind or B) software problem. I must have re-installed every video driver 5 times and the whole OS at least 3 times. Very frustrating and finally got someone from tech support to send a new video card. After installation (came with very out-of-date drivers though) it works fine. You'd have a problem if you didn't have broadband and needed to update the 18mb worth of outdated drivers included with the card. BTW... no english instructions with video card... who the hell is their sopplier?

This review was modified by its author, Dutch53705, on 11/3/03 2:17 PM.

Here is an update on my ibuypower purchase. I received the computer by ups ground on Friday. It was very well packed. There was nothing damaged, and all the componants were connected.  
I receieved a different monitor than the one I ordered. I had ordered an Aquaview monitor, but received an NEC monitor innstead. No complaint here, it just seems strange that you would receive no word on a change to your order.  
They bundled all of the software as well, which was nice. I had read that sometimes you dont receive everything. I did.  
I hooked the computer up, and so far I seem to not be having any problems.  
It's a great system, for a good price, and as of now, I would purchase from this company again.  
Do not expect a lot of contact from them though. I pretty much heard absolutely nothing from them from the time I made the purchase, until the time I received the system.

This review was modified by its author, Mike6075, on 3/9/03 12:24 PM.

IBOUGHTPOWER is just what I received. First and formost Richard Lee is a just what every company needs "HEAR ME GATEWAY" (just sent them back my $3500 cpu thank god). Richard was and still is a very helpful and knowing sales rep, accomadates errors and offers you the best bang for your buck. Have questions or upgrades etc yes you can reach your original sales person. I had bought an AMD ATHLON-XP DDR400 SYSTEM BUILDER.......  
LEADTEK K7NCR18D PRO DDR-400 NFORCE 2 MOTHERBOARD  
I-TEK CASE 420watts w/window and 3 lighted fans.  
AMD 2600XP quantispeed (best value for my buck)  
DDR400 512MB PC3200 MEMORY  
WESTERN DIGITAL 80GB  
ATI RADEON 9700 PRO  
SONY DVD/CD ROM 16x48 SPEED  
-SOUNBLASTER AUDIGY 5.1 W/FIREWALL(ugraded today)  
SOUNDBLASTER AUDIGY 2 PLATINUM ($114 free ship)  
FLOPPY DRIVE  
MS WINDOWS HOME EDITION  
FREE COREL WORD  
FREE NORTON ANTI VIRUS 2003  
AND 3 SETS OF ROUND CABLES.  
NO KEYBOARD AND NO MOUSE  
NO MONITOR ($1600 w/shipping included)  
I went with assembling my own equipment  
LOGITECH KEYBOARD ELITE($95)  
CORDED LOGITECH MX 500 ($35)  
WIRELESS MX 700 ($80) DELLS ULTRASHARP 18.1 ($480)DIGITAL FLATPANEL LCD  
"cdr/cdrw still searching for the best piece  
Well no company goes without it PRO's and cons and I'm here to let you know what im expierencing  
HOOKED up to my HIGH END HOME THEATRE S/SYSTEM.  
I love the comfort of my sofa gaming on my xbr  
when I feel the need to go bigger than 18"  
 
IBUYPOWER is simply the most BESTBANGFORYOURBUCK$  
Go buy and look else where ALIENWARE,GATEWAY,DELL,VODOO,FALCON,ABS pretty big names huh.. no no NOT for raping my wallet!!This company has the potential to hang with the "BIGBOYS?" even they have thier own haters, I dont hate they just want to much of my Money.  
MY JOINT just simply gets all who see very OPEN.  
 
SHIPPING no problems here 2wks. 10 workin days it was ready all pieces were intact except one round cable end loosen and bloop back where you go.  
 
PERFORMANCE was simply amazing {"open" } plug n play just like my xbox,ps2,gc highspeed network  
BATTLEFIELD 1942 AND ROAD TO ROME. MAFIA, UT2K3  
MEDAL OF HONOR ALLIED AND SPEARHEAD all are a piece of Artwork..on my rig.  
TRI COLORED FANS hooked up lovely with very good airflow you can feel it flowing through the machine.  
LOOKS: Ahh see through the portal of power and see the true power of light take its form and create its IBUYPOWER beauty.  
 
NOW THE CONS  
WIRING IS NOT IMMACULATE BUT WELL PUT TOGHER  
FORGOT MY NEON LIGHT BUT SENT FED-EX 2DAY  
 
The company needs recognition they deserve they are finally being mentioned in giant pc magazines and websites thats how I found them here on resseller reviews and others websites.  
MY RIG IS STILL NEW lets see how the stability is, always a con.. I had it close to a month and its running smooth.  
 
Tech help has called me at home if they were on the line problem fixing,quick response time.. no bad expierences here..  
FEW PEOPLE who are happy that are not responding is known, because the only time you spend time to write is cause your usally feel raped and betrayed..Every company has bad trips. true fact...  
 
P.S. Its not a behomith but a contender I would terribly consider buying from them again if I feel the need I'll just holla at Richard Lee...  
 
see you online "DARKSPACE" peace im out....  
 
as of now it 2/23/03 and its a problem posting.  
 
2/24/03 finally posted my comments and also receivied my SOUNDBLASTER AUDIGY 2 PLATINUM in its own original retail box. (FREE 2DAYFED EX)Now for the installation. "IM NOT INTO ISTALLING BUT I GUESS I WILL DO IT! (hope all goes well tech people)  
THANK YOU MR. RICHARD LEE....... DARKSPACE.

This review was modified by its author, DARKSPACE, on 3/15/03 1:06 PM.

I am very dissatisfied with this company. The computer Arrived a day late, which did not bother me that much. The things that did bother however is the fact that, a) they did not send the right power cable for my monitor, b) they sent the right tv tuner, the nextvision5, but when I plugged it in for the first time, it popped and fizzed out, and c) they did not send the right video card. I received a GeForce 4 ti4200 8xagp, when I order a GeForce 4 Ti4800 with dvi tv out 8x Agp. Another factor that leads me to dislike this company is the fact that when I emailed to address these issues, they told me to call tech support, which I did, and after placing me on hold for 15 minutes, told me that all tech support had left early for the day, and hung up on me without a hitch. And finally today, I emailed them again, telling them about how I did not receive any service that day, but then I was told to call tech support again, which I did, and thus tech support told me to call another number, which I am doubting will help me much. Right now, the problems are still unsolved after I have tried for 3 days to get in touch with the company fix this. My friend also ordered from this company and was also dissatisfied due to the fact that they sent the wrong case with his computer. I am never ordering from this company again. The only positive note about this company is that it is very cheap considering other large companies.  
 
UPDATE**********  
After posting this message and emailing one last time, stating that I would return my computer, i was called by the company, and finally had these problems resolved. In light of this, im changing my rating.

This review was modified by its author, Kenneth, on 2/17/03 4:13 PM.

I purchased a desktop computer from I BUY POWER today. I read some good things about the company from "Computer Shopper" which lead me to their website. I believe that I received a good deal and look forward to using the new system. The sales person with whom I dealt was Lee Richard. He was very patient and helpful and gave me good advice. I would recommend using I BUY POWER and Lee Richard to anyone who might be interested. I looked at Dell, Gateway, Cyberpower, and others before deciding I BUY POWER gave me the most value for my money. Thank you.  
DFH  
Gadsden, Alabama  

Great seller! They sell great computers at low prices. Almost as good as building your own computer.