I jumped on their recently updated pre-built offer and could not be happier. It's an amazing feeling I've never had before to crank ALL the settings on a game to their maximum and still have it run smoothly.  
 
I should point out I have only had it for about a month but I feel confident in my system. I've stress tested it myself and checked my temps (well within parameters considering the amazing overclock they provided.) Most importantly Digital Storm actually bothers to test their systems before they ship them out and they put the whole system under stress for 24 hours. A state that isn't even close to real world conditions unless you commonly play something like Crysis at max settings for 24 hours straight.  
 
I feel confident in their honesty about this because besides checking for myself I also got a call from them informing me they were not able to get the system 100% stable through the test at a 3.8ghz overclock but they were at 3.75ghz. They wanted to know if this was ok or if I would like to cancel my order. Well that was certainly good enough for me considering the stock speed for the core i7 920 is 2.66! And this is actually covered under warranty. But just the fact they would check with me over something as small as .5ghz says a lot.  
 
I could go on about the benefits of Digital Storm  
but I think this sums it up best. They actually care about quality and customer satisfaction.  
 
But that's the business what about the machine itself? I have found nothing to challenge the hardware yet. The case, the wiring and overall presentation is professionally neat and clean. The software came with none of the bloat you'd get buying from a store and extensive documentation for everything they even include the software cds in a digital storm binder! I was impressed by that little touch. I would have expected paper sleeves all individual not all collected for me in a binder. They even include the hardware extras the individual components would come with had you bought it yourself individually. So extra cables and such you may find useful.  
 
In every way they are superior to buying your computer from a store or anyone else. If you REALLY know computers and want to save every dollar you can you'll probably still want to make your own but for everyone else in the market for a powerful computer (whether it be gaming like me, multimedia etc.) I would not hesitate to recommend Digital Storm.

Preliminary Review  
 
Ordering:  
 
I used the Digital Storm website and configuration tools to order my new system. I have to admit that I was impressed by the sheer level of customization that one has when ordering. I also understand that there is an option to ask for a component to be used even if it is not carried, which adds an extra level of customization.  
 
The process itself was easy. I chose the options I wanted. Hit the order button. I almost instantly received a confirmation email and an email to remind my credit company that a large charge would be pending.  
 
The only thing I wished was that there were more information about some of the individual component choices.  
 
So, all in all a 9 out of 10.  
 
Build Time:  
 
I ordered my system on 8/31/09. It has not yet shipped. So, for now I will hold judgment, as there was a recent holiday weekend and whatnot.  
 
Customer Service:  
 
I have to admit I have been disappointed overall with the customer service thus far. Yes, I received regular automated updates as to which "phase" my order was in, but minimal other contact. I had to send several requests in via email, in order to get updates on my order status. Only two of my four update requests were actually answered.  
 
Also, in terms of the updates I received, they were relatively short and confusing. For example, my order currently says it is in Quality Assurance, which is the last step before shipping, all the testing and stress testing was supposed to be done in earlier phases. However, my last update from a live customer service rep, says that my computer failed the stress test and the OC had to be re-tweaked and that is why it was taking a while to ship. Confusing, since my order status still says QA - no?  
 
Performance:  
 
Pending receipt of the computer.  

This was a very bad experience. It is not the computer, which at a Grand Total of $11,111.61 is not that good anyway.  
The purchasing process was a nightmare, it too a very long time, I was given many excuses with a very non caring tone, I was lied a couple time (ie my computer was almost ready, it was not) and it got so bad, at some point they did not have the part and suggest that I would purchase them from the manufacturer and send the parts to them!!  
Today, 05/26/09, after asking them how to get some extra cooling water for my system ( I wanted to the same as they used to better preserve my system) they offered to sell me a bottle of their "water" for $73 plus shipping!!!! That's SEVENTY THREE dollars.  
And to top it all, they have endless excuses, never once they were wrong through all this, the amount of excuses is endless and at some point they almost insinuated I was to blame because I had ordered something they were not used to.  
This might not happen often, but if you check their forums it happen more then it should, and when you spend that much money on a computer you can expect, demand, being treated with courtesy and by professional staff!

After tax return I had extra money to finally get my 'dream computer', I had to narrow it down on which site to buy from. I had a list of the top 10 Google searches for 'gaming computer sellers' websites, Not sure which one to go with. After a lot of reading PC blogs,message forums and chat rooms most recommended me Digital Storm Online. I never heard of the website before but after glancing over the message boards I seen many satisfied customers and really great live support, This was something I haven't see on the other 'well known' high-end gaming PC sellers message boards.  
 
When I got my computer first thing i notice beside the well package was how stable all the components where, It was built like a rock, Nothing shaking at all. I was very impressed with the build, I couldn't have built it better myself.  
As for the performance goes it's far more faster and smoother then I expected.  
 
HIGHLY Recommended

Initially, my opinion of this company and its products was quite high, based upon the high level of apparent customer satisfaction. However, at the current time, I am very disappointed, indeed.  
 
I ordered a high-end custom PC, which arrived on December 2, 2008. All was fine at that time. On the 7th, I made a complete backup onto a USB drive, which worked fine. A week later, suddenly all my USB ports stopped working, along with my card reader. I verified that the USB peripherals were working OK, but the PC would not recognize any of them.  
 
I spent the next three working days trying to contact tech support, including specifying a contact number, and the hours (according to PST) during which I would be available (which overlap DST's business hours by more than six hours). Two days after doing this, I'm getting calls at home, while I'm at work, in complete disregard of the contact information I've provided.  
 
I'm finally fed up, and want to simply return the machine for a refund, according to the return policy, which states that I must return it within 30 days to avoid a 15% restocking fee. So, I contact customer service, requesting details of the return policy, but another day has gone by and I've heard nothing. Needless to say, this is disturbing because I'm running out of time to avoid the restocking fee. Attempts to try to reach a real, live human being on the DST support lines yield only a recording, telling me to leave them a message, which I've now done several times. If I try to stay on the line to talk to a receptionist or operator, the line simply hangs up.  
 
How would you feel, if you were treated this way?

This is going to long review so be prepared.  
Part 1-the ordering:  
I had gone online and looked at a bunch of different options (Dell/Alienware, Cyberpower, Jetline, etc) but went with Digital storm for a few reasons. 1st, they were neither the least expensive nor the most expensive. I do believe you get what you pay for, without being taken advantage of either, and Digital storm prices were right in the middle. 2nd, I read a lot of reviews from current customers who spoke very highly of the digital storm customer service, both before and after the sale. This was something that some of the other companies seemed to be lacking.  
I configured a system online which was very easy and thought about it for a couple of days and finally placed the order. I received a voice mail from Duke that night telling me the motherboard I ordered was no longer available and I had to upgrade for an extra $100. I was a bit ticked off that a part that showed on the web page was no longer available but I Ok’d the part. The guy I talked to on the phone was sympathetic but could not do much for me. Now here comes some good customer service. 1st off I received an online survey asking me about the phone exchange I had, and then a call from Alex (I think it was him) as well where he talked to me about the comment I left in the survey less than 2 hours earlier. We were able to come to an agreement on the cost and I also made a change to the Ram I ordered at that time. My system was on the way to being built. The date was 10/10/08  
Digital storm sends you an e-mail telling you what stage your system is in while being built (assembly, testing, final QC and such) and I did not have to wait too long for the computer to go though the stages. I received an e-mail for stages 1,2,4,6, 7 and final shipping. I received an e-mail on 10/24 telling me my system shipped out that day along with a UPS tracking #. The one thing I would like to see with the e-mail updates is info that is specific to my system versus a canned e-mail. For example, I had my system over clocked but I do not know how high the O/C is; when my system passed that stage, an e-mail telling what it reached would have been nice to know.  
Part 2 – the system has arrived.  
When I opened the box, everything was packaged very nicely; there was a lot of foam holding the system in place and not a scratch or ding on it anywhere. It came with a box with extra wiring (though I don’t know what half of it does) a binder with the back-up DVD’s, and help and warranty information. Just like other people had stated in their reviews, the wiring job was well done, everything was zipped tied and out of the way of the cooling fans. I got everything plugged in and turned the power. First thing I noticed was that the fans are quiet, I have the stage 2 cooling option and it is very quiet. I heard some comment that their cooling was loud but not mine. The other thing I thought was maybe I went with the wrong case for the build. The air coming out the back is hot and maybe going with a case that lets more airflow in and out would have been better but I assume the cooling option I went with will do the job fine. When I powered up, there was no problems at all, the system does exactly what it is supposed to do, and does it quickly. Now this computer was bought for one program and that is flight simulator X which my old Dell could not handle too well. For those who don’t know, FSX is extremely CPU intensive the graphics card does not carry the majority of the work, the processor does. I had the software preinstalled and it ran like a dream. And the kicker was that all the sliders were all the way to the right, except for traffic, and no checkmark on ground shadows. Now for the true test, I installed all the add-on software that I had before, some of which can be a frame rate killer. I started FSX up and the frame rates did not move a hair. It is so great to fly on a system that can handle it. So if anyone is thinking about getting a new system, I can highly recommend Digital Storm for what they have done so far for me.  
 
EDIT: after running FSX on my new computer for a week now and continuing to increase the sliders on the graphics little by little, it still runs perfectly. when the need arises for a new system, which should not be for a long time, i will go back to digital storm again.  

This review was modified by its author, c152flyboy, on 11/7/08 3:29 PM.

#7387  
 
I started my search for a gaming computer manufacturer in early September 2008. My mother passed away in July, and one of the last things she said to me was to get the gaming computer I've always dreamed about, and that she was leaving me money to do just that. I've always had to settle for "last gen" hardware, and my mother knew that.  
 
I read some reviews about a company named Digital Storm, in CPU magazine, PC Gamer and Maximum PC. After doing addition research, I discovered that they are only 25 minutes away from my home. I checked with this website (Resellerratings.com) and found that they had an outstanding rating.  
 
Kelly, the salesman who assisted me with the purchase, was friendly and knowledgable. He made recommendations and I feel fortunate that he made those recommendations. I paid for the computer in CASH!, all $5,500. I believe I am famous now at DSO, known as the "guy who paid $5,500 in cash for a computer".  
 
I watched my status page closely, and after 9 days, my computer was finished. I picked it up on Sept. 25th. I enjoyed meeting many of the people who work at DSO, and everyone was very friendly. I also appreciate the swag! I will wear my apron with pride when I BBQ at the next Raiders game!  
 
When I got home with the computer, I unboxed it and set it up. (the computer was packaged better than any PC I've ever ordered) The fist thing I noticed was the clean wiring job, and the tie downs for the video cards! Very innovative way of securing the cards. The machine booted into Windows and I began my testing.  
 
I achieved excellent scores in 3DMark Vantage, and excellent frame rates in all of my games. I am a proud DSPC owner.  
 
There were a few hiccups however. I was getting crashes and lock ups in my games, and after speaking to tech support, those were resolved immediately. The support at DSO is unmatched, and it's nice to speak to person who is knowledgable and helpful.  
 
Another issue I had was the price drop after only 3 days of ordering my computer. The price had dropped nearly $1,000 for the exact same configuration, and it left me scratching my head. I called DSO and questioned them about the drop in price, and they offered help by adding additional hardware to my computer to help offset the price difference. WOW! I was floored. I really did not expect this.  
 
My experience with Digital Storm has been nothing short of "awesome". I am a customer for life, and will tell everyone I know about my experience with Digital Storm.  
 
I AM VERY SATISFIED! Thank you DSO!

This review was modified by its author, markthegamer, on 10/17/08 2:01 PM.

Flawless. I got my laptop less than a week after I ordered it. The cost was less than most other popular brands for more bang.

Great company and great machine. They actually talked me out of a few items that I was considering telling me for my system, they were unnecessary. They saved me several hundred dollars. Their systems are easy to configure, use quality, non-propriety parts.  
 
I originally was just going to build my own, but the lure of a 3 year warranty and lifetime tech support - as well as them taking the risk on item failures at assembly was too great. Unlike many of the other boutique assemblers, you are buying the steak not the sizzle with DSO.  
 
If you need a computer tomorrow, this may not be the company for you. They test their machines before sending them out in well-nigh indestructable box. It isn't a pizza, and you will not get it in 30 minutes. It took 3 weeks from order to delivery, but I had them overclock my machine. I am sure stock machines with no OC's would go out much quicker.  
 
The machine is stuffed to the gills with fans, but is amazingly quiet and is blazing fast. It has taken everything I have thrown at it and I have no issues with any programs with the machine - to include Vista.  
 
Absent doing it yourself, this is about the best bang for the buck and from an established company.  
 

This review was modified by its author, Bubbalotski, on 5/7/08 5:57 PM.

I was in the business of getting a new gaming rig and came across Digital Storm via Google, after looking over their website and seeing what they had to offer compared to others was a breath of fresh air.  
Their prices were considerably lower than most, the customization for the computer was amazing with more than enough options to tide anyone over and above all they promise to do strenuous testing on each rig in specific stages and will not deliver until it meets their standards.  
 
I finish the customization process and submit, about 20 minutes later I receive an e-mail in regards to my setup from a Tech stating there was a problem with my setup and he listed the options I had and what I could do. I was very pleased with this as most companies will let it slide and not tell you about it giving you an unstable product. I e-mailed back with what I wanted to do and the changes were done immediately with some money left over which was then sent back to my banking account.  
During the building process, the Customer Service Rep's were excellent letting you know anything which was going on with your computer as well as sending e-mails letting you know the status of your computer and what stage it was on.  
 
When receiving my gaming rig, I was amazed in how well it was packaged and all the accessories including your DS binder and Image Clone disk you received on the side. I finally got it out of the box and was looking it over, everything was nicely done with no loose screws or hardware.  
The computer is running flawlessly without problems or hiccups.  
 
Pros:  
Lower prices in comparison to other companies.  
 
Very easy to navigate website with some excellent forums.  
 
Customization process on your build is everything you want and more.  
 
Customer Service is excellent, answering all questions asked to the best of their knowledge.  
 
E-mailing you letting you know every step of the process and what stage your computer is on during the build. (ie: Stage 1-6 and what each stage represents)  
 
The overall experience with everyone and the quality of the packaging and the contents which you receive.  
 
Cons:  
I would really have to say my only con was that my computer was stuck in "Stage 5" (Stress Testing) for around 2 weeks and in "Troubleshooting" for about 1 week.  
 
I did not receive my computer until about 34 days after ordering.  
 
I know it was most likely something that rarely happens seeing how most of their customers on the forums would receive their systems within 10-15 days with excellent reviews, but that was pretty much my only con.  
 
Customer Service and the Tech's were very helpful no matter how many times I called or e-mailed with updates on what was going on with the computer.  
I'm glad they kept it until the problem was found and fixed instead of sending it to me not up to par.  
 
Digital Storm will definitely hear from me again in regards to ordering.  

Before I start my review, I want to state one thing, the few reviews below mine appear to be by immature individuals that have no life. First of all, each and every review states this company makes the best product, and I totally agree. Second, they complain about delays, and how it takes so long {c'mon now, take a break and enjoy your life, your purchasing a customized machine from a top boutique! Of course it will take time, especially when they just moved to a new facility and the shortages of hardware}. These guys are definitely going beyond the scope of ordinary companies.  
 
Now, thank god I got that off my chest! I am actually a network admin at NVIDIA. Digital Storm has built us many demo machines showcasing our product launches. Look at PC Perspective's review on Triple SLI for example.  
 
Now besides that, I seen machines by practically every boutique manufacture here in our labs and I honestly have to say that these guys are definitely something different.  
 
I had the pleasure of testing one of their machines and I had to buy one for myself. The entire purchasing experience to delivery was excellent. I ordered my machine on February 1st and I already received it. They definitely have smoothed things every since they moved to their new facility. I received their new Six stage update emails and the community they have is great.  
 
To sum it all up, these guys go above and beyond the competition, and trust me I know how everyone is.  
 
Thank You Guys!  
JT

This review was modified by its author, grup913, on 2/12/08 3:24 PM.

Best computer I have ever had.Packaging was great,the customer support is amazing. I will 100% buy from Digital Storm again.

I keep hearing about the great customer service for Digital Storm. Where is it? I ordered the computer on the 4th of January. I found out via this web site that I would have to do extra paperwork to have the system delivered at work instead home, which is the billing address for the credit card. You find out about this on their website. I mentioned this to the sales rep and he said DSO would contact me about getting this done right. After several days and no contact, I called them and then spent an hour proving to them I was who I said I was and wasn't using a bogus or stolen credit card. Then my computer went into the step 1, the build cue. After two weeks I called them last Thursday and asked about the status. Oooops, some how my order had "fallen through the cracks" and nothing had been done. I hadn't been contacted. It's now five days later and the status hasn't changed on the website. If it hasn't moved by tomorrow, I'll be cancelling this order. I understand about delays, but I was owed at least an email letting me know there was a problem. My credit card has already been charged and the bill is coming due. I'd be a fool to pay the credit card bill and continue to receive this kind of shabby service.  
 
This is a real disappointment after reading all the great things about this company.  
 
CTM  
 
 
 
Update as of 30 January 2008  
 
Well, Alex lied. Not only on line, but also in a phone call to my house at 2130 two nights ago. As you will read he said my computer would ship on Wednesday, today. Someone name John called my wife this afternoon and said the shipment would be now be delayed until at least Monday. No reason provided.  
 
What puzzles me is why writers on this string keep making excuses for this company. When they give you an estimate on time for build and ship it should be the either accurate or longer than it will really take. That leads to satisfied customers. Hello - can you hear me? basic marketing here.  
 
We are willing to wait if we aren't being lied to. If you haven't figured it out, I'm in the military and the only thing being shipped out next week is me. If I made these kind of promises (or estimates as they call them) and didn't deliver, I would be in a big hurt. Worse, someone might lose their life. So, the computer might arrive next week or maybe not. Doesn't really seem to matter to Digital Storm. But, I'll be gone, and I told them this at the start of my order. My wife will return the computer and I'll eat the shipping charge. We'll make sure you can continue this open line of discussion with the freedoms that are being paid by the blood of the Soldiers and Marines deployed away from their families.  
 
Do me a favor and stop patronizing this company.  
 
If anyone is interested in what I do and why this ticks me off so much, google me at "Craig Mallak". I have to answer to all the families that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Too bad Digital Storm doesn't have half that comittment.  
 
Craig Mallak  
US Armed Forces Medical Examiner

This review was modified by its author, CTM, on 1/30/08 7:54 PM.

Good customer service with a helpful staff and a good community backing them up.  
 
However I had to cancel my order before it was even being built due to someone running into my car, it was just "processed" meaning they charged my credit card. Due to company policy they had to charge me a 4.9% "processing" fee. I find it a little ridiculous that all they did is charge my credit card and they need to charge me a fee when the order wasn't even BUILT at all. I told the Rep what happened and I was told simply its company policy. Basically if you cancel for my reason your charged a processing fee. I have ordered from Alienware and Dell before and cancelled due to the fact that Alienware was way overpriced for what I got and I realised it, and Dell's order process was taking WAY too long.. and they simply refunded my money without any hassles or fees, however this time I was truly looking forward to getting this PC, just things are thrown at you sometimes out of your control. I just find it a little hard to swallow they charge you a processing fee for an order that was not even built and was just "processed". They did offer me 5 percent off my next order which basically would negate the 4.9% loss but still...never had to deal with this before. Guess I should have parked my car in a field away from everyone so I did not get double screwed. Just be warned if you cancel an order it doesn't matter what stage it is in, your gonna get hit a 4.9% fee of the total order if they process it to your credit card.  
 
I would rate them higher because their customer service was indeed good throughout the whole process, but with Alienware/Dell/others not offering this type of hit when you cancel an order while processing (again, not being built, in the process of being built, JUST PROCESSED and waiting to be built), I couldn't rate them any higher in a satisfaction category.  
 
Edit:  
 
I changed my rating..they proved me wrong again, they gave me the rest of my money back I really can't say anything negative at all about that and the fact they took the time to actually respond to me here, credit me back, and give me an explanation..well..I'm surprised and very grateful.

This review was modified by its author, plummers, on 10/18/07 11:28 PM.

I was window shopping for a PC for about 5 months before I settled on Digital Storm. The reviews both here and on other sites are what really sold me on where I wanted to spend my money. In particular with Reseller Ratings, it was how the representatives made an effort to respond to nearly every single review that was marked as dissatisfied - and they responded with a name and a phone number, not just a form response like some others.  
 
Plus their price is very tough to beat. I priced all of the items that I ordered at Newegg (very easy to do since DS lists both the model and manufacturer of the components you select) and found that it would have been more expensive to build it myself.  
 
The order process was very easy - the web page allows for all sorts of customizations, and they are very upfront with their process. You go through 3 stages - Stage 1 is processing assembly, Stage 2 is installation and testing, stage 3 is shipped. Any time you want to talk to someone about your order, they are a phone call away (standard business hours, pacific time, that is), plus you are emailed when your system moves from stage to stage. Where DS really shines is their forum. Employees regularly post there, and you can always find someone to help you with your questions. They love truly custom orders, and will go out of their way to make sure you get the system you want.  
 
Overall, it took 3 weeks for my computer to be built, tested, and shipped to me. Shipping is done in a very well packed, reinforced box, with all of the "extra" parts that come with your case, motherboard, video/sound cards, etc - such as a DVI to VGA converter and an SLI bridge if you order such a graphics card. Documentation is provided in the form of a binder, that both stores your OS disk, an image disk, a restore kit, and any other utility CDs that your hardware comes with. You get the results of your 72-hour burn in testing, a basic troubleshooting guide that covers the standard issues when electronics are shipped, a guide on how to use the recovery disk, and a copy of the warranty (3 years parts and labor and lifetime phone support in my case). The only thing that delayed my order was having to manually confirm my alternate shipping address with a conference call with my bank. It took about 5 minutes to confirm that I was who I said I was, and they were happy to ship to my work where I am guaranteed to have someone be present to sign for it.  
 
The box had some corner damage, but as I said, it was well packaged and nothing reached my machine. It fired right up, and apart from one of the screws on the media card reader coming loose, I didn't have any issues with it. I only had two drivers that were not up to date, and when I asked, I was told that some people experienced issues with them since they were just 2 months old, so they were not installed. I went ahead and installed them. Windows was not activated in case they needed to extend their testing phase, so I quickly did that and loaded the updates.  
 
Since DS does not install trialware, bloatware, or anything else like that, I had a very clean system that is just waiting to be enjoyed.  
 
Anyone considering ordering a custom machine, I highly recommend visiting the Digital Storm forums and hanging out for a little bit – the staff is incredibly helpful, as are the recent customers who have already ordered their computers.