"I began the process of looking for a new computer back at the beginning of this year, hoping to build my own system. However, I decided to see what additional value the boutique vendors could offer me. Initially, I looked at Velocity Micro, Overdrive PC, Puget Systems, Uberclok and AVA Direct. Later I expanded my net to include Digital Storm, HP & VooDoo PC's Blackbird, as well as Maingear and Solaris PC. I have to say that I was disappointed in Puget, because, although they receive rave reviews, their markup is stratospheric.

Velocity Micro & Overdrive PC had the same problem - high markup, and while Overdrive once offered a very unique differentiator in their factory overclocking, they are now paying the price for being the innovators, while a growing number of integrators start to include overclocking. If I had bought from them a year ago, I would have gotten some marginal utility out of their overclock, but not today.

Uberclok was interesting because their premise is really close to Overdrive's, but at much lower cost, and the fact that they are a local shop, so I wanted to support them if I could. Ultimately, I decided their offering was above my price limit, and they included a much more expensive PSU than I thought necessary, so the lack of customization hurt them in my mind.

Which lead me to AVA Direct, with the very highest degree of customization available online, and probably more via phone (I did not call them to find out). Using their configurator, I was able to pick choice components based on reviews I read, which is very satisfying, and I almost bought a PC from them, until I found Solaris PC.

Solaris is a new shop, but growing. Max, the owner, is very intimately involved on their forums and apparently handles a lot of the transactions, which is fun. I thought AVA Direct offered a lot of options, but with Max & Solaris, I could get virtually any product within reason. Max was able to get me a brand-new CoolerMaster Cosmos S case, as well as build in an MTRON MOBI SSD, which nobody else could or would (I emailed AVA Direct and they told me that they could/would not do either of these two items). After some back and forth on their forums with Max (their website is undergoing re-construction), he configured me a system with literally every EXACT component I wanted, for a price that is quite unbeatable. And he overclocks too, for a small price (admittedly not as high as Overdrive will overclock)!

The system I bought is:

Cooler Master COSMOS S
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E8400 3.5GHZ
Tuniq Tower 120
EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1
Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400C4 DDR2-800 2GB (2x1GB)
Western Digital WD1500AHFD 150GB SATA 10k rpm 16MB
MTRON MOBI 2.5 16GB SATA SSD
SAMSUNG SH-S203B 20X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW SATA Drive
EVGA nVidia GeForce SSC 9600GT 512MB
EVGA nVidia GeForce SSC 9600GT 512MB
Creative Labs X-Fi XtremeGamer

The system arrived in good condition, and I have been happily gaming on it with no problems, and it is extremely fast. I do not want to compare this experience to my previous purchase, from CyberPower, because it would be too embarassing for them, and the business models really are quite different, so it wouldn't be fair.

Final thought: Solaris PC is worth a very hard look for anyone who wants ultimate customization, excellent quality, and top notch service."

"I surfed into Solaris from Tom's as most have. After reading through the forums I contacted Max and got a really good price on a desktop. I received the system about 1 month after placing the order. Here's my thoughts on Solaris:

1. If you're in a hurry to get a system, go somewhere else for now. Solaris is slower than most to get a system shipped. From Max's attention to detail during the ordering process I'm sure he'll get the time down, but just be aware that it'll take a little while.

2. If OUTSTANDING sales service and competitive pricing is your priority, email Max today. From what I've experienced so far there's no reason for me go anywhere else."

"I researched and found an article on Tom's web site about an emerging company. Through reading the article I was impressed about a new company that had sent a couple builds that reviled a contest they had of top builds! This was of great interest to me so I kept reading. I checked out this company, sent a couple emails and phone calls to see just how serious they were about service and to surprise and delight my emails were answered in short time as my phone calls were. I decided to place an order with Solaris Computer Systems after having a HUGE ordeal with Dell that made me cancel my order with Dell and seek someone else. Thank you Dell for screwing up so completely! Max at Solaris beat the price of Dell, beat the service pants off of them and built me a better computer. I actually decided to buy a laptop at the same time from Solaris as Dell had also messed up that order as well.

I would without hesitation recommend Solaris Computer Systems to anyone looking to build a state of the art computer at just a little over what I could have bought the parts from Newegg for plus they tweaked the processor and sent it to me with warrantee and saved me a lot of time I didn't have to build my own.

Thanks Max for all your support and patience. Your company will go far in this "lack of service" world economy.

If you look hard I doubt you find a better place to deal with when it comes to computer builds and service. Max has been busy with orders and the web builder he had hired to do the work has been sick, but so far your site looks cool and I'm sure it will be awesome when it is completed.

Keep up the great work you're doing at Solaris!

These are the two systems I purchased:

Note:Desktop:
Nebula EX
Antec P180 black
Corsair 620W Modular, SLI/Crossfire Capable
Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 @ 2.6GHz
Asus P5A2-8SB4W
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3P
Super Talent DDR2-800 4GB (2x2GB)
2x Seagate ST3320620AS 320GB SATA2 7200rpm 16MB RAID 1
SAMSUNG SH-S203B 20X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW SATA Drive
EVGA nVidia GeForce 8600GTS KO 256MB
Mitsumi combo 3.5" floppy drive and internal card reader
Microsoft XP Professional W/SP2B
BenQ G2400W Black 24" 5ms DVI Widescreen
LINKSYS WMP54G 32bit PCI2.2
LINKSYS WRT54GL
Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave
Super Talent USB2.0 120X 4GB

Notebook:
Titan LX17M Black
17" WUXGA w/GV, NVIDIA 8700 w/512MB,Multi Drive, Bluetooth
Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile Processor T7500 2.2GHz
Seagate 120GB (ST9120821AS) 5400rpm SATA 8MB Cache
Super Talent DDR2-667 SODIMM 2GB (2x1GB) Samsung Chip
Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN
Logitech VX Revolution"

"I ordered this computer from Max and recieved it a couple weeks ago. I am extremely satisfied and the build quality couldn't have been better.

Here are the components:

NZXT Zero
Corsair TX-750W SLI/Crossfire Capable
Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 3.2GHz
Tuniq Tower 120
Asus P5E
Super Talent DDR2-800 4GB (2x2GB) CL4
Seagate ST3320620AS 320GB SATA2 7200rpm 16MB
LG Electronics GSA-H62NK 18X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW SATA Drive
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD3870 512MB
Microsoft Vista Home Premium 64 bit

System overclock

Final Price 1623.00 + 40.00 shipping = 1663.00

This system runs great, it is quiet and it runs cool. The Tuniq Tower 120 is awesome. My computer cpu sits at 17C idle and has yet to break 30C even after multiple hours of gaming. The highest recorded temp so far is 29C and that is with the rpm's set to 1720. Everything was tucked in nice and neat and all i had to do was make sure everything was seated good after shipping and it fired up and ran like a champ.

I would recommend Solaris Computers to anyone looking for a new system. Even had I bought everything myself, after pricing it out and the shipping it only cost me around 100 dollars more to have it built and overclocked by Max and his guys. "

"I had the system below built by Solaris:

Thermaltake Armor
> > Corsair HX 520W - Modular, SLI/Crossfire Capable
> > Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6850 3.0GHz
> > ASUS V-60
> > Asus P5E
> > Super Talent DDR2-800 4GB (2x2GB)
> > Seagate ST3320620AS 320GB SATA2 7200rpm 16MB
> > Lite-On LH-20A1S-15 20X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW SATA
> > Drive
> > XFX nVidia GeForce 8800GT 512MB
> >Vista Home Premium

I placed the order on January 4th, 2008 and picked up the computer Jan 26th, 2008. There were a couple of small delays due to the case being damaged in shipping from the vendor and my personal copy of Windows XP, the disk was damaged so it would not install. Both of these were not Max's fault, he was quick to contact me about these delays.

I was very pleased with the customer service, Max always returned emails and phone calls very quickly. It is easier to get him via email. Overall, he was very helpful and flexible !!

The system runs great, the insides are all nice and tidy. I like the 2 year warranty, I thought it was very classy to put all the drivers on a 1gb usb memory stick.

I recommend Solaris !! A+++
"

"I needed a new laptop before my vacation, and like most people who’ve ordered from Solaris, I found them thanks to the review at Tom’s Hardware. Solaris customer service is amazing. Max was exceptionally helpful throughout the ordering process answering every question and providing price information for each different component considered.

The laptop was shipped in a well padded box and came with all the CD’s as promised. It runs well and after about three weeks of use I have had no issues at all, with the exception of the built-in webcam, which Max mentioned while they were testing. It seems there still aren’t Vista compatible drivers, but seeing as I don’t need the webcam anyways, this is really a non-issue.

The only downsides to ordering from Solaris are minor, and basically cosmetic. Their website is still unfinished due to web designer problems and their paypal account and e-mail addresses associated with those on the forums seem to vary slightly which add up to a lack of polish. I do feel that the amount of effort Max puts into helping his customers every day more than makes up for these problems. Also, if you’re impatient, Solaris might not be for you. The time it takes to order the parts, build, and test before shipping to the costumer does take time, but I personally feel it’s well worth the wait.

Overall, it was a great buying experience and I’m glad I took the chance ordering from Solaris. When I upgrade my desktop this spring I’ll definitely consider buying from Solaris again instead of the usual build my own system.

Specs:
MSI MS-1719 17 inch WSXGA+ Core 2 Duo/GeForce Go 8600M-GT
Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile Processor T7500 2.2GHz
Hitachi 200GB (0A50940) 7200rpm SATA 16MB Cache
Super Talent DDR2-667 SODIMM 4GB (2GBx2)
MSI MP54GBT3 802.11b/g Wireless-G + Bluetooth 2.0 Combo Mini PCI Card
Microsoft Vista Home Premium 64Bit
Targus CPT 400
"

"Ordered my system today. Feb 1, 2008
5 of 5 star rating in pre-purchasing Customer service.
5 of 5 star rating in pre-purchasing Technical support.
4 of 5 star rating in purchasing. See below, I am sure this will become 5 of 5 star quickly.

*Pre-purchasing customer service/technical support*
Max was always quick to answer questions with very professional, knowledgeable and fast answers to my 3 page thread on the System Configuration forum. Very fast phone call after sending an email, it took about 30 minutes from me sending an email until he called me back. He does accept credit cards now, so if you have a rewards and/or platinum card use it for the points and the double warranty.

Two or three times during my questions he recommended things cheaper and better than what I was asking for. I mostly followed his advice and when I didn't it was because I was willing to spend the money for a couple things he thought didn't have a real good price for performance value. He was right but I wanted a system that would last a long time since I can't afford a new one every year anymore.

* Purchasing *
Purchasing was fast, easy and convenient. I did have to send him an email because I could not find the companies' phone number on the web site. He was quick to respond to the email. He stated he will be adding the companies' phone number to the web site.

Having owned a business of my own I hope everyone will forgive his problems with the web site development and Solaris name problem. Starting up a company from scratch is very hard and can have a very steep learning curve. I do not know Max but I do know he has a lot of things he is doing all at once and he really is doing the best anyone could do. He has as his number one priority giving excellent customer service and technical support. He is doing very well in those areas.

/rant on about Sun Microsystems[/color]
It is ridiculous that Sun Microsystems is giving him a hard time, having been a programmer for over 20 years I can tell you NO ONE looking for the Solaris Operating system would think this site has anything to do with it. The Solaris Operating system is a very expensive Unix OS for business IT uses only. Even an idiot having the job of looking for the Solaris operating system couldn't be confused. If a company ever does have someone that would be confused the board of directors down to the confused person should be fired for incompetency!
/rant off about Sun Microsystems

I will update this thread as things happen and finally with a system review.

The system specs are:

Cooler Master Stacker 830 (Computer case)
2x Scythe S-FLEX SFF21E (Extra fans)
Corsair TX-750W SLI/Crossfire Capable (Power supply)
Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 3.4GHz (CPU OC'd from 2.4ghz - They only use G0 stepping :D)
Tuniq Tower 120 (CPU cooler)
Asus Maximus Formula (Special Edition) (Intel X38 chipset Mobo)
Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X4096-6400C5DHX DDR2-800 4GB (2x2GB) (OC'd to something memory)
Western Digital WD1500AHFD 150GB SATA 10k rpm 16MB with NCQ (C: Hard drive)
2 x Western Digital WD1500AHFD 150GB SATA 10k rpm 16MB - RAID 0 - With NCQ (D: Hard drive)
SAMSUNG SH-S203B 20X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW SATA Drive (CD/DVD read/write)
BFG nVidia GeForce 8800GTX OC2 768MB (Video card- eVGA GTS 512mb has better price/performance ratio)
Sony Floppy Drive 1.44mb (Might never get used but if needed you need to have it)
Microsoft Vista Home Premium 64bit (OS - I hope I like it :D)

Price: $2,585 including shipping

You will get a better price/perfomance ratio from Maxs' suggested Seagate 500mb or 750mb SATA-300 drives with NCQ, also with the eVga 8800GTS 512mb video card. Both of these are less expensive options.

The E8500 3ghz (Can be OC'd up to 4ghz), processor is a debatable better value CPU. It is newer technology but only has 2 cores. It is also less expensive.

I priced the separate components on pricegrabber.com. For the extra few pennies it is well worth me not having to deal with ordering from multiple companies, bad component returns, etc. If I had looked at and added shipping charges their would have been almost 0 price difference. With Solaris Computer Systems I also get a one stop tech support and warranty service. The computer is warrantied for at least 2 years on everything and if any manufacturer component is warrantied for longer than 2 years Solaris Computer Systems will handle the warranty servicing if it is needed.

To be continued ...."

"Antec Sonata III
Corsair 520W - Modular, SLI/Crossfire Capable
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6750 2.66GHz
Asus P5A2-8SB4W
Asus P5E
Super Talent DDR2-800 4GB (2x2GB)
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD3870 512MB
LG Electronics GSA-H62NK 18X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW SATA Drive
Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 16MB
Creative Labs Audigy SE 7.1

that is the system I ordered and the price is unbelieveable
It was actually cheaper to buy than ordering the same or comprable parts from newegg and assemble myself
fantastic customer service
havent bought a computer in over 10 years
but im extraordinarily happy with my purchase
and it saves me all the hassle of making myself
and risking DOA parts
and having to bench test and trouble shoot my platform
will recommend to anyone looking for a new comp"

"Great selection and had all the parts I was looking for. My PC runs great and the customer service is the best. They took care of all my questions, even the dumb ones."