Aventum Studio First Impression

So this month I received my second Digital storm PC. My last one was purchased in 2013 as a photo workstation but it was time for a replacement. . I blew a video card last year, so I had to switch to the on-board HDMI.

So, I had my office purchase me a new system. This time DS had a "Studio" workstation and that suits my professional use the best, so we placed the order.


Here are my first impressions. The unit is a beast with cooling for days. The case is obnoxiously big, but some of us are into that. The build was clean, and everything functioned perfectly out of the box.

So, let's talk specifics...

The purchasing experience was OK, but the online configuration tool could use some more detail. Links to a photo intensive page on the case alone would have gone a long way (as an example).

Shipping was crazy slow. 21 days from pick up to delivery. It's not DS's fault, but FedEx freight is normally faster than 21 days to go across the country.   While the case is huge and very well packaged, for $399 in shipping it could have come faster. I don't think the shipping weight is anywhere near the 175 pounds listed on the label unless FedEx freight removed it from the pallet. Because it did not come on one.

On the subject of packaging, It is packaged very well in their custom box. The unit has a very nice cover bag but the "Digital Storm" is printed upside down on it so don't plan on using the cover as a cover if you have any sort of OCD. Here is the cover on my old unit to illustrate the point.

I guess the only issues I have with the case is the glass panels severely restrict air movement. They also block access to the bays. Any studio workstation is likely going to require a CF card reader. Sure, you can add an external. But with a case this massive I should be able to add on internally.

I also wish they had a "parts" section on their web site so you can buy upgrades you regret not getting at the time of the initial purchase.


So if that's all I have to complain about, I think that's pretty good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that does not want to build their own.   My last machine lasted damn near a decade so if that is an indicator, this one should last me until I retire.

My guess with the logo orientation is that the bag is intended as a personal carry bag for clothing, accessories, etc.   Let’s face it, most people won’t be covering up their Aventum in between gaming or productivity sessions.   All that money, a great case , I’d want to display it, on or off.   I cover the keyboard, that’s it.

I like the bag as-is.

   

Edited by bprat22 - 30 Sep 2022 at 12:38pm

That’s a big bag to carry.