5/5

posted Jan-25-2012

"After considerable research, I decided tobuy a Maingear F131. Their were minor problems with the shipping, this had more to do with Fed-Ex, than Maingear. The bonder that comes with the Computer was broken. I contacted Maingear and they shipped out a new one toute suite. When I got the computer it wouldn't boot up.I e-mailed Maingear and received a response and instructions that solved my problem ( the hard drive had come loose in shipping, I just had to reseat it). Thanks to Maingears excellent design this took all of five minutes. The computer booted up in under a minute. the machine itself is incredible and is almost completely silent. Their can always be problems, it's what's done about them that counts and the people at Maingear couldn't be better. Their response was extremely helpful and professional. My experience with this American based company couldn't be better. I would recommend them to anyone. In fact I aready have."

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5/5

posted Jan-25-2012

"Maingear is simply the best PC experience I've ever had from the purchasing process to set up and to the best part, gaming. Their machines are built with a sort of quality and care that's not known in the majority of current PC vendors.

I'd like to start with the purchasing process. I work in television and work upwards of 60 hours a week so receiving the rig was a huge concern for me because I would never be home at regular hours to receive it. I had to set up a Saturday delivery. The ordering process was painless in this regards. It took awhile for the computer from the initial ordering till I received it but after a quick call (which was promptly answered with hardly any wait time) I found out that they were waiting on some parts. No problem. I wanted to upgrade the video cards to ones they had in stock anyway–that process was quick and painless. On the week that my computer was to be finished and delivered, I called them and spoke with Will each time. I don't know if he's the only one answering their phones, but I feel that they're pretty on the ball about having the same person help you each time. This made it simple in that I didn't have to explain my situation over and over again. I was able to receive it on my first three day weekend in months and well, I spent the entire weekend on my new F131 :)

On to hardware, this part doesn't need to be longwinded. It's quite simple. I purchased the Super Stock option and made a few tweaks of my own. They say on the site that it would come screaming out of the box and it does. Long hours on the battlefields of err... Battlefield 3 with everything maxed out on a 27" monitor justifies this claim. The machine is a beast and the case is beautiful. There are no gaudy LED lights or bulgy, ostentatious curves. I appreciate this machine for its outer aesthetics and the nice Maingear logo gives me a sense of pride in my purchase. My only gripe is that I wish that I could've had the Maingear logo on the side of the case rather than the Super Stock logo, but I feel they would've accommodated had I thought to ask.

Since college, I've been using Macs (and I still do for my work), but now I have a beastly gaming rig. Thanks Maingear for restoring my confidence in PCs and bringing me back to my first and most favorite hobby, PC gaming. "

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5/5

posted Jan-05-2012

"I purchased a Maingear PC as a Christmas present for myself and so far I am very satisfied. The product arrived on time and in good shape. It runs smoothly and quietly - and it's fast.

I had one minor issue - I was missing some non-essential software that was supposed to come preloaded on the PC. I contacted Maingear tech support and their lead technician, Kevin DeOliveira, offered to install the software for me remotely. Unfortunately there was a problem with uploading the files, so that same day Kevin sent me a CD instead (overnight mail, all the way across the country). I've been very pleased with the customer service and so far my Maingear experience has lived up to the hype. Thank you."

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5/5

posted Dec-30-2011

"I placed an order with Maingear on 12/15/11 choosing their "Quick Ship" option. My home computer died, and I needed one fast. Their website promised I would have it no more than 48-72 hours later. I called them on 12/27/11 to inquire about an update to my order (now a week and a half after I should have received my machine), since my credit card had been charged and I had received little to no updated order information. The rep I spoke to was very kind, but told me they were behind and promised my order would be shipped by the end of the week (12/29/11). I also received another communication saying it would be shipped no later than 12/30/11. Well, it is now 12/30, the day before I am supposed to get my machine (two and a half weeks later than originally promised) and I just received another email saying it won't make the promised shipping date again, and I should expect delivery no earlier than 1/3/12. I have no idea if this computer is worth the wait or not, but if this is how their customer service handles my order, I can't imagine what it will be like when the machine has a problem.


***UPDATE***
After speaking with another very friendly Maingear associate the same day as my above posting, they reviewed my order and addressed the problems I have had. They did what they could to "make it up to me", and I am happy to report that they have convinced me to do business with them again.

So here I sit, one day later with my new rig in hand and it's great! No issues getting it up and running and I am impressed with the performance so far. On a slightly geeky side note, I opened the machine up to take a look at the contents. Having built my own machine many times, I am impressed with how clean and tidy the machine guts are. Geeky and OCD I know, but I'm sure there are others like me out there, and you might like to know.

Anyway, to summarize, love the new machine so far and am very impressed with how Maingear responded and got it to me so quickly. I have updated my star ratings accordingly."

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5/5

posted Dec-27-2011

"Maingear was a pleasure to deal with. In 2008, when I was looking to upgrade from the limits of laptop to a gaming desktop, I decided to take the plunge with Maingear because they were cheaper and less flashy than Alienware. Since money was a concern, I chose what was then the Prelude (predecessor of the current F131).

Even with economy options, my builder (Giovanni)put a great deal of care into assembling and testing the system. When he thought a 500W power supply wouldn't be able to support significant upgrades, he called me and recommended I start with a 750W power supply. Three years and several hard drives and gigs of RAM later, I'm thanking him. When I needed Maingear's specialized hard drive mounts to install a new hard drive, the company mailed me a dozen mounts at no charge - after the warranty period had expired. Where other companies cut corners at every turn, Maingear's decency puts them above the rest.

Though luck is always a factor when it comes to computers, I'm happy to report that I have never had a single problem with my Prelude. Sure, you could probably get all the individual parts for cheaper if you collected them yourself, but Maingear's build quality has justified the (still reasonable) cost. My only regret is that the fans are as loud as a jet engine - but that's because I cheaped out on the cooling system. This is not to say that the cooling system doesn't do its job. In the winter, the computer warms my room while keeping itself cool.

My dad is now looking for a computer for video editing, and I'm preaching in favor of Maingear. The pleasure of using a well-made PC without any bloatware should be the property of every PC user, but unfortunately you can only get such a no-nonsense setup if you build yourself or go custom. And as far as custom builders go, Maingear represents the best value for your money - and, if we want to get philosophical about it, an ideal of craftsmanship as well.

I'm happy with my Prelude; my dad will be happy with his F131. And when I save enough money for a new computer, I will be knocking on Maingear's door yet again. Here's to an excellent builder!


"

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5/5

posted Dec-23-2011

"Sometimes you really do get what you pay for. I'm now approaching my third year with my Maingear rig (Shift X58) and despite three global transits and some dusty conditions, the rig has never exhibited any hardware problems. I have, on occasion, contacted Maingear support for Windows questions and a couple post-sale add-ons (internal hard drives). Most recent support on installation of an additional hard drive was provided by Mr. Tonaco and was terrific. Overall service has been impeccable and stands apart from other vendor support that I've experienced. Well done Maingear. Thank you.”"

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5/5

posted Dec-10-2011

"Why would you buy a Dell or an HP? Why pay to own a PC or laptop with all kinds of bloatware? I own a Maingear F131 and just ordered a Maingear laptop and have had nothing but a great experience. When I had questions, I spoke with Raphael on several occassions and he walked me through a solution by remotely taking control of my PC. He is great to work with and very knowledgable. Get yourself a handmade computer that is supported by the people who build it...and save yourself a lot of time and trouble."

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5/5

posted Dec-09-2011

"After having one too many episodes with Dell, I started asking everyone I knew within the IT field, "Who makes a product that lasts and stands behind said product?" I was overwhelmingly told, "Try Maingear!"

Right off the bat Maingear impressed by providing REAL answers to questions before ordering. They further impressed by calling with additional details and concerns after ordering online. While many variables can go into how fast you may get your product, mine arrived in less than two weeks. Out of the box, my system was running flawlessly and I was on the internet in minutes! No bloatware, no fuss, no muss, just a par excellent system and experience.

When cracking the tower open one sees a pristine set up. Regardless of your level of expertise, one can identify EVERYTHING that makes your system what it is; every wire and cable is meticulously bundled and placed out of the way, but is still quite accessible. This is a joy in and of itself after experiencing Dell's "leave everything hanging" mentality. Additionally, EVERY component is quality; no cutting corners.

Customer service - where to begin?

First, if you need to call them, you end up talking to the individual who put your system together (or the individual assigned to service your system) and unless that individual is off on the day you call, you may ALWAYS talk to the same person! No call centers, no endless transfers, no stalling, no run around - NO BS, PERIOD!

Second, Maingear's technicians are just that, true technicians (degrees and other credentials!). They truly know what they're doing and you never get the impression that they're consulting the "three ring binder" that Dell seems to hand to their overseas, low-level "tech support" people. There are no guesses, no haphazard diagnosis and no "it could be" scenarios. Additionally, they're not in a hurry to get off the phone or to get rid of you, they take the time needed for each individual situation. Almost all problems can be resolved over the phone (barring the need for physical service) or at the very least, accurately diagnosed.

If there is a need for physical servicing, the turn around is again, par excellent. If you're under warranty, you won't pay for a thing other than shipping. If you're not under warranty then their prices are fair and reasonable. I've had a faulty cooling system and motherboard replaced at no charge (the motherboard was due to the cooling system). I've also had to replace an operating system and minor components, at my expense, but it was again, fair and reasonable. The turn around was never longer than 2 weeks; this was because it was during the Thanksgiving shortened week, otherwise, it would have been faster! The issues mentioned were 2 years apart and those are the ONLY major issues I've experienced.

I could go "on and on" about how impressed I am with Maingear's continued excellence (I ordered my system in April of 2009), but it would start to sound like I work for them and I wouldn't mind doing so!. To this day, if someone asks me who I might be able to recommend, I scream, "Go to Maingear and no where else!" Everyone who has done so says the same things, "Wow" and "Thank you!" I reply, "No, thank Maingear!"

Maingear Computers is one of the few companies left in America that still gives FANTASTIC, over the top, knowledgeable customer service, in addition to creating a GREAT, LONG-LASTING, DURABLE product. I can honestly say that I will NEVER go to another vendor or manufacturer for the foreseeable future.

I must sincerely say, "Thank you," Maingear! :)"

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4/5

posted Nov-26-2011

"I moved out on Nov 1st and needed a computer. I wanted a gaming PC and was torn between two companies. I chose Maingear after reading reviews on this website and because of their Quick Ship option. I was willing to sacrifice performance so I could get a PC ASAP.

I chose the Quick Ship option and placed my order on Nov 4th and expected my computer to be shipped by the middle of the following week.

I received an email saying my computer had an estimated ship date of the 14th. After a few days I noticed that my build status hadn't been updated. So I sent a message to Maingear though their help desk. I never received a reply. On the 14th when my computer status had only changed to "Kitted" I sent them an email asking them why there was a delay and if there were parts on back order I would change my order. Never received a reply.

As I received their generic email for status updates. They kept saying that the estimated ship date was the 15th. But my computer was only ready to be shipped on the 18th.

I received a tracking number on the 18th and was happy to see the computer was going to be delivered on the 22nd. I tracked my computer that day and saw it had not been picked up. I tracked it again on the 21st and on the 22nd. The computer still hadn't been picked up by FedEx.

I called FedEx and was told Maingear never requested a pickup. I called Maingear and was told they had made a mistake on the paper work and they promised me the computer was going to go out on the next FedEx truck.

I still don't have my PC. Although tracking now says it was picked up.

I am really disappointed I was expecting my PC to be ready to be shipped in 2-3 days. It took 2-3 weeks. If I would have known it would take this long I would have chosen another one of their products. I limited my option because I needed a computer ASAP.

I sacrificed performance to save time on shipping but now have nothing to show for it.
"

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5/5

posted Nov-25-2011

"MAINGEAR computers are the fastest personal computers in the world. period. whatever the application is ... MAINGEAR SHIFT smoke the competition. they win every single review. fastest on processor, fastest on graphics. its because they overclock everything for .. get this ... $50. yup ... they'll take a 3.5Ghz processor and make it crank at 5.2Ghz ... all safe, all warrantied, all cool, all quiet, all the time. nothing compares to maingear. love em, they have my full endorsement."

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