Customization Options
Clicking through to "Customize Now" presents the list of configurable options, which are fairly standard across the different platforms. The options list could be overwhelming at first, but they provide a link to Live Chat as well as a telephone support number. Component choices are quality items. A number of customization areas stand out to us. Automotive paint finishes are possible, as is common with high-end boutique systems, but interior and trim painting is also available, which is not widely offered. Water-cooling on both the CPU and GPU(s) is offered, along with side window fans, CPU, GPU, and Memory overclocking, as well as "Windows Boost" which disables and tweaks non-crucial OS services.
All of these are great options for customers in this price range, and this is precisely the kind of customization we often refer to when suggesting what people are looking for in a high-end boutique system builder.
Speaking of customization, there's nothing worse than not having enough information about an upgrade to make an informed decision. What does it actually look like? What kind of benefit will I really receive? These questions often go unanswered by poorly implemented or lacking "More Detail" links on ordering websites. Not so at Digital Storm. Observe some examples:
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They provide detailed, high-resolution photos of not only the product, but also the system with the product installed. They also give details on installation, simplistic comparative ratings of the amount of "Cooling Power", and the noise level difference between options. This purchasing system should be a model for all other suppliers.
Some of the upgrades are rather pricey, while others are positive bargains, such as CPU overclocking (air) for $45 and internal memory card readers for $13. The overclocking options, in particular, are where customers can derive a lot of added value while incurring no risk since they are under warranty. While the CPU and GPU options are great, we're a little disappointed that a memory boost is $55 and only available with a fan kit installed. We'd like to see both a cheaper memory overclock option without the kit, and discounted bundle options (e.g. both CPU and GPU).
Digital Storm also allows customers to purchase a selection of games that will be preinstalled, updated, and tested on the system prior to shipping.
Other boutique vendors offer this service too, and we think it's great for gamers who can immediately fire up favorite games upon delivery and start enjoying their new system. Warranty coverage is 3 years, parts and labor, with lifetime technical support. Prominently featured is a video displaying the "Digital Storm Difference".
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This insight into the build and test process (including the "72-hour" stress test performed on every system: 24 hours focusing on CPU, 24 on GPU(s), and 24 on memory) is pretty cool. However, it's not a substitute for actually seeing evidence that your specific system underwent this testing. The binder provided by Digital Storm (shown later in this article) does include a signed "Certificate of Ownership" and a generic quality checklist, but it does not bear any resemblance to the sheet shown in the screenshot above with tester checkmarks against items and real numbers written in for system performance checks. We feel copies of these sheets should be included in the binder. Also, as we've said in other articles, having a few actual performance numbers provides the consumer with a baseline of how their system operated when it was built.
A brief list of Pros and Cons regarding the website layout and content is as follows:
Pros
- Website easy to find
- Good array of component choices
- A large number of unique, customized options available
- Fantastic descriptions of cooling options and other information
- Prominent support information
- Shipping calculator and fairly reasonable rates
Cons
- Pricier than some other suppliers
- A couple of website quirks
- Owner's binder could be improved with a few more additions
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viciki123 - Monday, February 22, 2010 - link
http://www.weddingdressonlineshop.co.uk/24-tea-len...">http://www.weddingdressonlineshop.co.uk/24-tea-len...Jillian - Thursday, December 29, 2011 - link
The thing that got me really infuriated was the additional Video Card. Again, I was told the card was an additional $500+(I don't remember the exact price that was quoted). I questioned the price because on the upgrade center the price is listed as $409, which is a large increase. I was told that this was because the upgrade center parts didn't come with a warranty from DS. http://www.idresses.co.ukdjrobr199 - Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - link
The following is what I sent to Digital Storm customer service, which explains what I went through when purchasing a PC through them. I just sent it today, so I am anxiously awaiting there response.//////////////////////
I was contacted via telephone today about my order where I wanted to upgrade the hard drive to a 300G velociraptor and add another gtx-285 2GB vram. After some discussion I found out that I would be paying about $200 additional to replace the original 1TB HD with a Raptor. I was told that with the warranty you are charging $300+ for that HD. Wow, that is about $100 OVER the cost of the drive (listed in your upgrade center). That is outrageous!! I know you are going to sell it for more than Frys Electronics etc...($220), but that difference is ridiculous.
The thing that got me really infuriated was the additional Video Card. Again, I was told the card was an additional $500+(I don't remember the exact price that was quoted). I questioned the price because on the upgrade center the price is listed as $409, which is a large increase. I was told that this was because the upgrade center parts didn't come with a warranty from DS.
Even though I was amazed at the increase in cost, I was ok with just getting the additional Video Card through the upgrade center without the additional warranty. I was told by the customer service rep that I could not do that. I was totally confused as to why they were not able to do that.
I asked to speak with someone who could authorize what I wanted to do. I was put on hold for a little bit and I ended up talking with the same Customer Service Rep again, who said they talked with their boss and they would allow me to purchase the additional video card as a separate order, but the video card would not be installed and would not go through the test that the rest of the PC would be going through after it was built.
I am still left wondering why, according to your own website, you claim that you get LIFETIME free labor upgrades when purchased through Digital Storm yet I am unable to buy a video card and have it installed with a brand new pc being built by you.
If this is how you treat customers that are in the process of buying one of your systems I am scared to find out what kind of customer service you provide AFTER the sale has gone through.
It's not like I'm asking you to do anything out of the ordinary. I just wanted to buy a component from you and have you install it, which I should be able to do according to your own words that are printed right on your website!
I have done a LOT of research online and I even have a close personal friend that bought one of your PC's a few years ago and I have heard and read a lot of good reviews about your products AND your customer service. I don't know what to think now, after I had this experience.
I am seriously contemplating on not placing an order with you. I don't want to do that because of all the good reviews I've read. It's just that spending about $2700 on a computer is a LOT of money for me and I don't want to spend it on something that I may have a lot of problems with (customer service related).
Thank you for your time,
Robert
djrobr199 - Wednesday, December 2, 2009 - link
Well, I got my response from Digital Storm. Basically the end result is that they are installing and testing the additional video card I purchased from them. They are saying that they are making "an exception" in my case and it is not normal business practice for them to do that.I am still confused about that because it clearly states (when you are on the configuration page) that you receive LIFETIME free labor on upgrades when you purchase the components from Digital Storm. I'm hoping that this is not a sign of things to come. I've read so many good reviews that I'm putting my faith in them and I went and submitted the order.
Matt Campbell - Wednesday, December 2, 2009 - link
Thanks Robert. Let us know how things turn out.djrobr199 - Thursday, December 3, 2009 - link
this is there response :)bullet Posted: Today at 2:15pm
@djrobr199,
There seems to be a misunderstanding. We do offer labor-free upgrades. If one of our staff members said we won't install it for free it was a misunderstanding.
We are more than happy to install it for free. Warranty, etc... is a different story.
I hope that clears it up. If you have any further issues/concerns/questions, please feel free to directly contact us or our management staff at: management@digitalstormonline.com
softysung - Friday, June 5, 2009 - link
I have purchased a system myself, dealt with support and have great things to say. I am definitely going to be making my next purchase with DS again. I also have a mate that I recommended to them and he is also happy with the service and product.snookie - Monday, June 1, 2009 - link
I sent Digital Storm an e-mail asking why the just on the shelves issues of Maximum PC and CPU magazine and their web site all show 3 different prices for their 650i system and they did not reply back. The Maximum PC and CPU magazine articles show it for $1599 and $1699 while their website shows it for a minimum of $1815. I guess they don't like questions like that.softysung - Friday, June 5, 2009 - link
They don't publish any email addresses... did you try using their request help page (http://www.digitalstormonline.com/sendmessage.asp)">http://www.digitalstormonline.com/sendmessage.asp)I called em and they said they do offer those systems, just call them and they will help you out mate.
eternalkp - Sunday, May 31, 2009 - link
why i7 965 & 3xGTX 285? that's why it's so expensive.I would select this system:
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.as...">http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.as...
Any chassis & custom paint>I would stay with standard & not pay extras.
1000W PSU +$126
Intel i7 920 2.66ghz...choose OC to 4.0~4.2ghz option.
6gb DDR3 triple channels 2000mhz RAM +$332
2x300gb western digital 10k rpm HD in raid 0 +532
Bluray writer +$281
3xGTX 280 SLI, this is the best option since it's on clearance. +681
I think this is way cheaper than 3xGTX 285 and the performance is right there with GTX 285.
creative lab titanium sound card +$221
H20 specialized frostbite cooling stage 3 for CPU & 3 GPU: +$1209.
OC options:
OC to i7 920 2.66ghz to 4.0 to 4.2ghz +$199
OC GPU to max: $45
OC RAM to max: $55.
this system will be quiet and goes for $5,500
grand total of $