| Maingear Computers Customer Reviews - Page 3 |
 |
|
|
7/1/09 8:13 AM
My Review:
Let me start by saying "I'm a total pain in the a** to work with." I talked to 3 reps before I bought the system, Giovanni and Gus, Raff. At first I was going to purchase a Prelude, I decided it may not be the computer for me. I waited for about a month to call back. I spoke to all three sales reps (also technicians, they actually build the products... Read MoreMy Review:
Let me start by saying "I'm a total pain in the a** to work with." I talked to 3 reps before I bought the system, Giovanni and Gus, Raff. At first I was going to purchase a Prelude, I decided it may not be the computer for me. I waited for about a month to call back. I spoke to all three sales reps (also technicians, they actually build the products they support); I picked their brains for hours, I looked at reviews, I asked friends/acquaintances for opinions. I also googled "Maingear" for complaints, and I found none. I researched other companies, and none of them gave me the same post purchase care and attention as the fellows at Maingear. Also, half of the companies I reviewed had a long list of naysayers, and I couldn't find one negative opinion about Maingear.
So...I bought the F131, it looked like the best choice, it had an excellent mix of style, affordability and upgrading options. I ordered the product at the beginning of June. The turn around time was 2 weeks from the day I ordered my F131. I live in southern New Jersey, so I picked it up at their building facilities in Union, NJ. Giovanni met me as did all the staff, including the VP Wallace Santos. All the guys were friendly and accommodating. They included a case of their great energy drinks, a t-shirt and Giovanni even helped me get the computer into my car!
I couldn't wait to get home and get my new F131 up and running. Upon opening the box there was a neatly packed binder with all my disks (Vista CD, Mother Board install disk, drivers). Plus the motherboard documentation and Vista documentation. A box of spare cables and fastening devices.
The Computer itself was black, brushed, shiny and the inside of the chassis was immaculate. Then I looked for the power cable to attach to my power supply and I found out, much to my dismay, that it was the wrong power cable. My Silverstone Power Supply had a proprietary cable. Upon finding this out, I was one cranky bastard. I called up and I calmly and politely expressed my dissatisfaction.
They were unable to ship the power cable that night, so Giovanni decided to drive it out to me! I was pleasantly surprised, I have never witnessed better customer service from any other company. He delivered the part himself and showed top notch accountability for his brand name. I challenge any company or boutique to do the same for its clients. Thanks so much Giovanni!
My computer is beautiful, it's silent, fast and it was built to my specification. When I call tech support I'm treated to knowledgeable, friendly people and I'm satisfied with my purchase. Recently the reset button on my chassis went south and the guys at Maingear repaired it, no questions asked. When I asked if they would honor an upgrade to Windows 7 even though I bought the product shortly before they dropped the ad? No problem. The list of good experiences with these guys goes on and on, so if you want your dream computer and you want it built by people that actually stand by their product and care about you as a customer, go Maingear, it's really that simple.
My Computer:
F131 Chassis
6 GB HyperX RAM
2 Nvidia GTX280 SLI
P6T X58 Motherboard
Zalman CPU Cooler
22X Dual Layer DVD R/W
DVD ROM Drive
1 TB Hard Drive 32MB of Cache
1200W PSU
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/15/07 12:44 PM
I really like my Maingear PC. It runs great, is reasonably stable and I feel I have personable, knowledgeable service available to me if I have issues or questions.
Unfortunately things didnt start out that way. My computer arrived 2 months ago, and I could not have been more excited. I opened it up and plugged it in
it was unstable and sound did not work consistently. Packing was poor, resulting in a damaged user manual. Several applications that were promised to be installed, were missing all together. Inspection of the hardware, led me to discover miss-leading wording on MGs website, resulting in 4x1gb DIMMS instead of the expected 2x2gb DIMMS; this is a big disappointment as it effects the upgradeability of my machine (on my recommendation they changed the wording on the website). Overall, attention to detail was sorely lacking, and I have no idea how the machine could have successfully passed their 72 hour burn in test.
Maingears response: they sent me the missing software titles, and we tried several things to identify the source of instability issues. After a month or so of back and forth communication, I received a replacement sound card to install, and a new bios release became available. I flashed the new bios, blew away my partition and did a clean install of windows, downloading/installing updates and all drivers. I reloaded my software and reconfigured my machine. After a few configuration steps, the pc is up and running, and Im rather happy with it.
Initially, when it didnt work, I should have had the option to send it back right away and get one that did. Eventually, this option was given, if the rebuild didnt work, but since it did, I didnt exercise that option. Any Maingear customizations, recovery disks, benchmarks, testing etc
are gone or invalid, though of course I could redo them myself. What I did get out of the deal was quality phone support and some walk through info that I found especially helpful while reapplying overclocking.
I consider myself originally disappointed, but eventually satisfied. There customization options are fantastic, the pricing reasonable, there is a nice forum community, they support overclocked machines, they are very personable and Ive never seen a cleaner wiring job in my life.
A lot of people have had good luck with MG, and as long as you have some technical know-how, I still think they are a good option. Certainly something like a 3rd party bios release is out of Maingears control, but shipping product with components not work correctly for whatever reason is. Based purely on my own experience, if you are a computer novice, I would go somewhere else.
|
|
|
|
|
8/31/07 10:56 PM
First and foremost, I want to apologize to Maingear for taking so long to write a review. If I'd had a negative experience, I'd have surely posted sooner, but as you can see...4 months after delivery and this baby is still running smooth...even with lousy Vista to try and muddle things up. Ordered a MG F131 with 1000W PS, 680SLI MB, Intel E6700 Core 2, Zalman CNP 9500 CPU cooler, 2GB Corsair XMS2-8500 RAM, WD Caviar 500 GB HD, 8800GTX 768 PCIe card, and a few other tasty fixings. I have had absolutely no hardware problems. Lots of software "issues" most likely stemming from early gaming with Vista, but a call to tech support and a total recovery to factory settings took less than 10 minutes.
There tech support is absolutely flawless - those Portuguese dudes know their stuff. :) My only minor gripe with the whole experience was the 1 month wait after ordering - longer than original forecast from company, but about average for the premium boutique industry...at least when I ordered.
Best selling point? Overclocking covered by warranty. I run a rock-solid machine powered by a CPU OC'd from 2.66 to 3.2 Ghz. Oh, and the case with free wheels and the window on the side looks cool as hell. Please forgive me MG - you rock!
|
|
|
|
|
8/2/07 12:55 PM
After some extensive research and being swayed by some outstanding reviews, I ordered my Maingear Prelude around July 7th. It arrived on Friday July 20th and I am having a blast. Right now the only game I have to push it with is HL2 and Episode 1, but I am tearing through them with all settings maxed out. I am anticipating Bioshock and the Oblivion GOTY release. Also Episode 2 and Portal of course.
I have had a great experience so far, except for the shipping. But that is because FedEx sucks, nothing to do with Maingear. I had to call for a little support on Saturday morning and within 10 minutes I was good to go. I have had great experiences with the support at Maingear, from questions about configuration all the way to support after delivery. That is the main reason I chose a Maingear and I am glad to see I made the right choice.
I chose to find a monitor, mouse and keyboard on my own, so I could feel and see them before I bought them. I ended up with a Samsung 906BW which I believe is the successor to the 941, which Maingear sells. I also picked up the Logitec MX518 for gaming.
The only disappointment I have is that in the reviews I read at [H]ardOCP, the folks at Maingear asked if they wanted any software pre-installed. I was stunned by this in the review, but it seemed really cool. I am only disappointed because I had to wait for HL2 and its buddies to download over Steam and I couldn't play right away. I can imagine there would be several reasons that this is not offered anymore, the least of which is that it could take a day to install something like WoW.
There was nothing I didn't want on the computer when I got it and everything was nicely presented. They put a few company wallpapers on the machine, all of which looked pretty cool. All the information and documentation was in a neat binder, and all of the CDs and DVDs were present. They had installed the most recent drivers and put those on a CD as well.
The inside of the machine was gorgeous, even my girlfriend (who doesn't know how to assemble computers) thinks it is a fancy looking box. I don't think I could say enough good things about the experience so far.
|
|
|
|
|
5/18/07 8:52 PM
I actually called twice about the Prelude machine that I wanted to order. Essentially, I'm going for a relatively more mid-level gaming machine of good quality. Raphael (hope I spelt his name right) one of the technicians on board, I believe, was really helpful and patient in talking with me twice. The second time I called, I asked for him again and he popped on the phone, no questions asked and stayed with me. This was despite the fact that it was closing time, and not feeling rushed. Though had a little thing about deciding the O/S, but he helped me to make the choice at the end. Hope Vista won't disappoint, lol...
Website ordering has been a breeze, it's very simple but at the same time very customizable. Raphael even explained each part and told me where I could save money (i.e. buying the 667 memory as opposed to more). He also helped explain that single card drivers work fine with Vista, and that he was actually using SLI with beta drivers from nVidia, as I'm sure many of pc owners with SLI are doing. Very helpful indeed. Now I'm just looking to getting my computer and booting it up for the first time, haha. I will do my best to update once I get the computer for a couple of days. Can't wait to get workin' on the desktop again, thanks Maingear!
UPDATE on 5/29/07:
Woot! My computer actually shipped on Thursday, May 24th using FedEx ground. Was very pleasantly surprised at the build quality. Got it 26th as I missed the delivery man on the 25th, the scheduled arrival time. Plugged machine into a Samsung 226BW monitor and works great! Native resolution of 1680 x 1050 is fully supported and the computer looks awesome (including when I opened it up)!!! It's been running great ever since, haven't experienced much hiccups so far. I actually accidentally locked myself out of an administrator account, but with a simple system restore using the restore dvds provided, that was fixed flawlessly. It doesn't come with ANY bloatware at all and boots straight into the desktop upon turning on the computer. It's great! Go get one! This review was modified by its author, confuzzeldmeam, on
5/28/07 10:55 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
3/15/07 1:20 PM
Very good overall experience with Maingear. We initially had some shipping issues with FedEx but all is well now. Very satisfied with how the CEO stepped in to resolve my initial problems. This review was modified by its author, mls1995, on
3/23/07 9:46 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
3/4/07 8:52 AM
I purchased a system with Maingear after doing my research on the net. Though I was a little skeptical about making such a large purchase online, I decided to make the 2 hour drive to visit them. I was not disappointed.
They showed me around and introduced me to the staff. They also explained their business philosphy to me. I viewed several of their high quality system, some finished and some being built. I knew then that this was a reputable company. I sat down and ordered my system right there. It even cost me a little less than I had planned because they told me some of the higher priced items I wanted were not necessary for my uses.
I received my computer and I am extremely happy with it. I use it for photo processing and it is extremely quick, while running quiet and cool. The quality of the system build is extremely high and the system looks great. I can't say anything as to tech support because as of this time I have not needed any, but I do have the convidence that if any issues arise, they will be taken care of.
While their site looks like it is geared towards gaming, the systems they produce can be used for any application.
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/07 5:55 PM
I pre ordered a F 131 highly customized PC on 12/30/07, but actually paid for it on 1/8/07. The ordering process was great; I had lots of questions, and the tech I was speaking to had all the answers, knowledgeable answers, without pressure, and solid guidance. I normally build my own PC's, but had decided to treat myself to Top O' the Line Custom PC. I had hoped Maingear could build me that dream, could actually care that I was spending good money, that I would be treated better than just a order number.
I found Maingear after looking at the other custom integrators out there, you know the names, then reading a Gold Award review from a trusted tech review site, [H]hardocp.com. I then searched other reviews and other sites, and everyone only had Great things to say about Maingear.
I received the machine on 1/31/07. The machine was very well packaged and arrived in pristine shape. It booted up to the desktop without any need to activate software, install anything, nada. ZERO un wanted software, like the big sites install, just instant SPEED! The F 131 has the free option of Overclocking, while still keeping it under their warranty, and this baby is overclocked from standard e6700 speed of 2.67Ghz to 3.33Ghz! I swear, opening any application is INSTANT. All the drivers were to the moment current. Very stable. I have had ZERO problems. The build quality is beyond amazing! I mean, my baby looks like it just came from the floor of a trade show. A Genuine SHOW MACHINE. Perfectly quiet, PERFECT wiring, PERFECT Automotive Paint job ( included in the price as well )This machine is truly a show stopper.
Game play is..well..Mind blowing. I play MMORPGs like EQ and Wow, and it screams. Applications open at the speed of light.
Even as an aside, a small gesture, showing their Amazing attention to details, I ordered my F 131 in Yellow from their available colors. I playfully started calling the yellow "Sponge Bob Racing Yellow" in my signature block on a few tech forums. Well, when I received the machine, the first thing I saw was a giant 3' Sponge Bob doll i the box! The doll is irrelevant, but the GESTURE ( learning something silly about me, and my purchase, without my intervention ) was truly a level of personalization you just can't find, or even buy. Choosing Maingear is to become part of an extended family of enthusiasts.
Sincerely, THANK YOU Maingear for exceeding my dreams!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reviewer: | RJI
| | User Rating: |  |
|
|
|
2/8/07 5:10 PM
Order Placed: January 3rd, Order Recevied: February 1st. Truly remarkable experience from start to finish. Each person I had the pleasure to talk to throughout the whole process was very professional and easy to talk to. Communication was a slight issue, but with a simple email I recevied a call updating me on my status. A few day's prior to my computer shipping I called in to see if upgrading my OS to the newly released Vista Business was possible and I was informed that my system was already softwared, but they would upgrade my OS from XP Pro to Vista Business at no charge to me. Computer arrived in excellent shape and I felt like a little boy opening a present on Christmas day. Excellent Staff, Packaging, Craftsmanship, Documentation and Value make Maingear the only choice. I assure you if you're in the market for a new computer look no further. Maingear will blow you away!! This review was modified by its author, RJI, on
2/8/07 5:12 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
1/31/07 9:30 PM
I ordered a computer from Maingear based on web and print reviews. Order was placed on the 6th of december and was delivered to me on december 31 by courier. System was stable with the exception of a Bios update that was needed after shipment. Maingear sent a courier to pickup my computer at a time of my choosing with no hassle or complaint. System was returned in 6 days. This is amazing for any company let alone a small business. I would recommend Maingear to anyone looking for a custom PC with name brand parts and the best customer support I have ever had the experience of being involved with.
|
|
|
|
|
1/30/07 8:56 PM
OMG! Is the first thing I said when I opened up my new Maingear computer box in June. I have had this computer now for about 7 or 8 months and I have to say it is the best thing I have ever bought. I have yet to have a problem and anytime I have questions the tech support is just amazing. Never before have I felt secure with a purchase I made, but maingear makes me feel like an important person and for that I will always awlays recommened them. You can not go wrong with MAINGEAR.
|
|
|
|
|
9/21/06 2:24 PM
I just recieved a brand new, shiny, luscious, F131 desktop system, and I could not possibly be happier with the experience or the computer.
I chose Maingear based on the stellar review they recieved over at HardOCP. You see, I'm one of those rare avid gamers who doesn't really know much about computers. Due to my lack of expertise, I decided I needed a system from a company that would back up their product after the sale, and based on every review I've seen, particularly HardOCP's, Maingear seemed to fit the bill.
It took longer than I hoped for to actually recieve the system (~5 weeks), though that very well could be my fault as I specifically told Raphael, who called me a few days after I placed the order online, to take his time with the build as I was far more interested in a quality, rock-solid computer than I was in getting it quickly. As the days passed, I grew more and more anxious, having drastically underestimated my enthusiasm and anticipation. All my angst melted away when the computer finally showed up at my door.
It was well packed, without a scratch on it. The case is a new Lian Li, an upgrade from the case pictured on the site. It's very well-constructed, and solid. The wiring is immaculate. It's obvious, even from my less-than-expert perspective that Maingear put quite a bit of effort into building this machine. They seem to believe that if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right.
After I had set up the computer, imagine my horror when I flipped the switch and nothing happened. That's right, the computer simply didn't turn on. After checking everything I could think of, I finally broke down and called Maingear. I won't go through everything, but suffice to say that Giovanni (the guy who took the call), patiently walked me through half a dozen different possibilities, from re-seating the memory sticks to re-seating the CPU heatsink and fan and even the CPU itself. Nothing seemed to work. After ~1.5 hours on the phone, we finally identified the problem as a tiny little switch plugged into the corner of the motherboard that needed to be re-seated. The computer has worked flawlessly since. I thanked Giovanni (and I'll thank him again: Thanks!) for his patience and help, and I was off and gaming.
The bottom line is, and I'm 100% in HardOCP's corner on this one, anyone can build a kickass gaming system benchmark-wise. When that's the case, it seems to me that what separates the good companies from the bad is everything else. I went with Maingear based on their reputation for attention to detail and quality in the aforementioned everything else, and I have not been disappointed. They're expensive, to be sure, though not any more expensive than other "boutique" builder, yet unlike most of their competitors, they're definitely worth the prices they charge. If you want a righteous machine and you're not a computer expert or you don't have the time and patience to build it yourself and/or provide your own tech support, you can't go wrong with Maingear. This review was modified by its author, Sunwolf Enemy, on
9/21/06 2:26 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
7/12/06 10:39 AM
Just dropping by to give credit where credit is do. I have yet to experience the kind of service and quality elsewhere. Maingear is the way to go.
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/06 11:30 PM
Just wanted to drop a note about the great experience I had w/ the crew at Maingear. I placed the order online for a F131 computer, the next day one of their tech's called me to obtain verbal response. The tech asked some questions as to what I would use my system for, what kind of games that I would play and if I wanted my system partitioned in any way. He even asked if I would like some games pre-installed from factory (with my cd keys of course). I'm not a big gamer, but in my opinion, their attention to detail is pretty amazing. It's nice to see companies that actually care about their customer. Once I received my computer, I imediately proceded to poping my side pannel open to install my wireless nic. I couldn't believe how neat my system was inside. Every little wire was completely folded, tucked away, zip tied out of the way. Once again, I was just amazed how much attention they put into my $3500 computer system. I actually regreted in not choosing a side window. I would recomend these guys to anyone. Great product, great customer care and great warranty. Good job Maingear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reviewer: | MxMs
| | User Rating: | |
|
|
|
9/19/05 12:15 PM
I purchased a hardcore gaming maingear pc and nothing has ever been the same. By far the best gaming system i've owned. I've owned an hp, a dell, even an alienware pc. But in comparison, nothing comes close. I purchased a glossy black F131 tower, microsoft keyboard, Mx518 hardcore gaming mouse and plantronics special edition counterstrike headphones. I recommend a maingear pc to anyone who is a hardcore gamer and i speak from personal experience. The maingear techs put a great system together to my exact specs, just as i wanted.
|
|
|
|
|
