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Disappointed with performance

Post Date: 2008-07-10
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king2b View Drop Down
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Posts: 3 		  Quote king2b Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: Disappointed with performance
    Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 11:54pm
I recently sold my 5 year old Dell computer and bought a Digital Storm 950Si.  I've never had a good computer before but I wanted to treat myself and finally buy a nice computer.  I picked the 950Si because I thought it was one of the best computers for performance and have been using it for about 2 months now.  Unfortunately, I have to say that I'd rather have my 5 year old Dell back.
 
Specific Problems:
1.) All audio and all video is choppy and staticky like you were watching TV and the cable started going out.
2.) The power button doesn't turn the computer on or off.  The only way to turn the computer on or off is to toggle the power strip.
3.) It crashes half the time with fullscreen video.
4.) Sometimes it ignores every device on a USB port (keyboard, mouse, wireless receiver, etc..)
 
I asked for help from Digital Storm's customer service.  I was told to update my video and audio drivers and to post on the forums if the problems persist.  So here I am.  I regret buying this computer.  Everytime I turn it on, I want to turn it off mainly because it was a huge disappointment.
 
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Posts: 4219 		  Quote !ender_ Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 12:03am
guessing from the fact that youve had one post.. you havent come here for help before. im sure if you wanted to get more out of this system it would be very possible, simply post your problems a little more specifically and allow the forums to help you get everything back on track... or call DSO and tell them what youve posted, and request their attendence until you get the system you want.
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Tyler Lowe View Drop Down
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Posts: 0 		  Quote Tyler Lowe Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 12:35am
Originally posted by king2b

2.) The power button doesn't turn the computer on or off.  The only way to turn the computer on or off is to toggle the power strip.
 
 I was told to update my video and audio drivers and to post on the forums if the problems persist. 
 
These two things do not add up. If the power button is not turning the system on, and holding in the power button does not eventually turn the system off (not that you should do it this way), then you have something wrong beyond a sound or video driver.
 
Let's start from the top. What are your full system specifications please? 


Edited by Tyler Lowe - 11 Jul 2008 at 12:36am
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Alex View Drop Down
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Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 1:15am

The issues you are describing don't make any sense... They seem very awkward...

I tried to look your forum account with our orders system, nothing comes up...

Can you please call me directly so I may locate your order, specs, and have a senior technician help you?

Call Me: 1-866-817-8676 EXT. 154

Warm Regards,
Alex
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Kain View Drop Down
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Posts: 78 		  Quote Kain Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 3:47pm
Originally posted by king2b

I recently sold my 5 year old Dell computer and bought a Digital Storm 950Si.  I've never had a good computer before but I wanted to treat myself and finally buy a nice computer.  I picked the 950Si because I thought it was one of the best computers for performance and have been using it for about 2 months now.  Unfortunately, I have to say that I'd rather have my 5 year old Dell back.
 
Specific Problems:
1.) All audio and all video is choppy and staticky like you were watching TV and the cable started going out.
2.) The power button doesn't turn the computer on or off.  The only way to turn the computer on or off is to toggle the power strip.
3.) It crashes half the time with fullscreen video.
4.) Sometimes it ignores every device on a USB port (keyboard, mouse, wireless receiver, etc..)
 
I asked for help from Digital Storm's customer service.  I was told to update my video and audio drivers and to post on the forums if the problems persist.  So here I am.  I regret buying this computer.  Everytime I turn it on, I want to turn it off mainly because it was a huge disappointment.
 
 
1. What monitor and speakers did you hook up? your own or purchased?  What soundcard did you get?  If re-installing drivers didn't work, have you tried reseting the card?   Your info is very general and could have nothing to do with the computer you purchased... it could have something to do with what you're hooking up to it. (especially for an audio problem)
 
2. That's odd... but you can change that in the Bios, look and see if the power button is binded to toggling the system power on/off or not.  That could also be an issue with the button mechanisim not working, broke during shipping..etc.
 
3. This is the most general statement I've ever seen posted.  Can't even begin to offer any advice there.  Looks related to #1 but who the hell knows with that much detail given?
 
4. Also a general statement, but a bit better. When does it ignore them? Upon startup? in the middle of a game? What happens when it ignores something? Did you install your own keyboard and mouse and did you do it properly? or did it come with a mouse and keyboard?
 
I can see your frustration regarding #2 and #4 to a point.  But to regret buying a computer because of possibly a few minute errors that could even be your fault (especially #1 and 3) would be the wrong way to think. 
 
In the end, these issues could have very little to do with the capabilities or performance of the system, and more to do with small fixes.   Unless the motherboard is bad, etc.. which is possible.
 
  
Q9450 2.66 GHZ, 1333fsb/12mb
No overclockage yet!
780i core 2 quad
4gb DDR 2 @ 1066mhz
8800GTX @ 768mb

Sblaster Xfi Xtreme
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king2b View Drop Down
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Posts: 3 		  Quote king2b Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 10:13pm

I bought everything from Digital Storm except for a mouse and keyboard, which I highly doubt are the problem.  This is what my packing receipt says:

Digital Storm Desktop 59473
Case: Digital Storm 950Si
Power Supply: 750W Corsair HX
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad QX9650 Extreme 3.00GHz (1333MHz RSB)
Motherboard: nVidia 790i Ultra Core 2 Quad (nForce Ultra SLI) DDR3
Memory: 4GB DDR3 Corsair at 1333MHz
Hard Drive: 320GB Western Digital (16MB Cache)(7200 RPM)(SATA)
Optical Drive 1: DVD-ROM/CD-ROM (DVD Reader 16x/CD Reader 40x)
Optical Drive 2: DVD+/-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x/CD-Writer 48x)
Network Card: Linksys Wireless-N 300Mbps (Supports 802.11n/g/b)
Video Card: 2x SLI Dual (nVidia GeForce 8800GTS 512MB)
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
Cooling: Air Cooled Stage 3 WindTunnel
Windows OS: MS Vista Home Premium (64-Bit Edition)
Protection: McAfee Internet Security (Antivirus, Firewall, AntiSpyware)
LCD Display: Samsung 24 inch (Widescreen)
Speakers: Logitech 2.1 System (Model R20)
 
I'll try to be more descriptive with the issues I'm having:
 
1.) If I'm play a game, a movie clip, or even a piece of music, the computer will slow down every 30 seconds or so for about 5-10 seconds.  The video and/or sound will be choppy and staticky.  Actually, for a while I couldn't even play DVD's because the screen would just turn completely grey.  A friend told me to download a program called ubuntu to play movies and I got the picture back.  The video and sound still chops every 30 seconds though.  It's hard to describe, but you want to call me I can play something for you so you can hear it for yourself.
 
2.) You know how every computer has a power button on the tower.  If it's plugged into the wall, you push the power button on the tower and it turns on.  You push the power button on my computer and it doesn't do anything, just stays off no matter how long you hold it.  In order to turn it on, I have to unplug it from the wall and plug it back in. Most of the time, I just flip the power strip on and off.  It's the craziest thing I've ever seen.  When it's on, the power button won't turn it off no matter how long you hold it.
 
3.) Videos and games sometimes have an option of displaying in fullscreen.  Whenever I'm in fullscreen, I have about a 50/50 chance of crashing.  The computer will lock, then go to a blue screen with white type, which says something about a memory dumb and has a timer to shutdown.  I usually just play things in a windowed mode to aviod crashing.
 
4.) My computer will ignore USB devices sometimes on startup, not just randomly when I'm using it.  However, sometimes I'll return to my computer after the screen saver has been on for a while and the keyboard and mouse won't work.
 
I'm not the most computer savy person in the world, but I'm not a complete idiot either.  I've owned computers before but I've never had any problems like this.  I've had computers that were slow with high demand programs and crashed when I stressed it too much but I've never had a computer that can't play a piece of music without distorting.
 
Taylor (650) 575----


Edited by Alex - 11 Jul 2008 at 11:50pm
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Alex View Drop Down
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Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 11:57pm
Sorry, but I edited your post to remove your contact number. I don't want your personal information out on our public forums. We take privacy very seriously.
 
Any ways, I noticed with your area code, you should be within an hour's drive. I would highly recommend if possible for you to arrange a meet where could bring the system to our facility. We are in Fremont. Please do call me and we can perhaps have your issues resolved right there on the spot: 510-490-112 EXT. 154.
 
Or, if you rather not, we can issue a pickup, the computer will arrive to our location within a day, give us a few days to check it out, test it, and resolve it. Finally it would ship and take a day for it to be delivered back. Let me know any ways by a phone call.
 
To summarize, allow us to help you resolve these issues and let Digital Storm show you the great customer support we stand behind.
 
The issues you are describing seem wield, and honestly, it's best for us to check them out in person and fix for you, instead of having you invest any further time in the system.
 
I fully understand that you are having issues with your new system, quite frankly I am perplexed why since we take extensive measures in our testing. But, computers will be computers and you never know what can come wrong. The good thing is that you bought form Digital Storm, a business that strives to ensure our customers are taken care of with personalized support. You won't find that everywhere.
 
Warm Regards,
Alex
 
 
Originally posted by king2b

I bought everything from Digital Storm except for a mouse and keyboard, which I highly doubt are the problem.  This is what my packing receipt says:

Digital Storm Desktop 59473
Case: Digital Storm 950Si
Power Supply: 750W Corsair HX
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad QX9650 Extreme 3.00GHz (1333MHz RSB)
Motherboard: nVidia 790i Ultra Core 2 Quad (nForce Ultra SLI) DDR3
Memory: 4GB DDR3 Corsair at 1333MHz
Hard Drive: 320GB Western Digital (16MB Cache)(7200 RPM)(SATA)
Optical Drive 1: DVD-ROM/CD-ROM (DVD Reader 16x/CD Reader 40x)
Optical Drive 2: DVD+/-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x/CD-Writer 48x)
Network Card: Linksys Wireless-N 300Mbps (Supports 802.11n/g/b)
Video Card: 2x SLI Dual (nVidia GeForce 8800GTS 512MB)
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
Cooling: Air Cooled Stage 3 WindTunnel
Windows OS: MS Vista Home Premium (64-Bit Edition)
Protection: McAfee Internet Security (Antivirus, Firewall, AntiSpyware)
LCD Display: Samsung 24 inch (Widescreen)
Speakers: Logitech 2.1 System (Model R20)
 
I'll try to be more descriptive with the issues I'm having:
 
1.) If I'm play a game, a movie clip, or even a piece of music, the computer will slow down every 30 seconds or so for about 5-10 seconds.  The video and/or sound will be choppy and staticky.  Actually, for a while I couldn't even play DVD's because the screen would just turn completely grey.  A friend told me to download a program called ubuntu to play movies and I got the picture back.  The video and sound still chops every 30 seconds though.  It's hard to describe, but you want to call me I can play something for you so you can hear it for yourself.
 
2.) You know how every computer has a power button on the tower.  If it's plugged into the wall, you push the power button on the tower and it turns on.  You push the power button on my computer and it doesn't do anything, just stays off no matter how long you hold it.  In order to turn it on, I have to unplug it from the wall and plug it back in. Most of the time, I just flip the power strip on and off.  It's the craziest thing I've ever seen.  When it's on, the power button won't turn it off no matter how long you hold it.
 
3.) Videos and games sometimes have an option of displaying in fullscreen.  Whenever I'm in fullscreen, I have about a 50/50 chance of crashing.  The computer will lock, then go to a blue screen with white type, which says something about a memory dumb and has a timer to shutdown.  I usually just play things in a windowed mode to aviod crashing.
 
4.) My computer will ignore USB devices sometimes on startup, not just randomly when I'm using it.  However, sometimes I'll return to my computer after the screen saver has been on for a while and the keyboard and mouse won't work.
 
I'm not the most computer savy person in the world, but I'm not a complete idiot either.  I've owned computers before but I've never had any problems like this.  I've had computers that were slow with high demand programs and crashed when I stressed it too much but I've never had a computer that can't play a piece of music without distorting.
 
Taylor (650) 575----
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Gary View Drop Down
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Posts: 196 		  Quote Gary Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 12 Jul 2008 at 9:59am
Hows that for service and believe me, "You wouldnt get that from Dell" I hope everything works out with your rig. That set up should run the heck out of anything. have patients DS will take care of it.
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Posts: 13 		  Quote JOLLYjoe Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 18 Jul 2008 at 1:16pm
I'm having the exact same sound problems.
 
Looks to me we have the same exact sound card and 64bit windows system.  I have been told about 64bit windows having problem with creative sound card.
 
If anyone knows about a fix to this, help would be appreciated.
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Alex View Drop Down
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Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 18 Jul 2008 at 2:44pm
If the issue goes away with the sound card removed. Give us a call, we can arrange a swap and get you a Razer sound card. You would only be responsible for the price difference, there would be no re-stock or shipping fees.
 
It is sad Creative has not stepped up and solved these issues as a company. Digital Storm wants it's customers to be happy using our systems, even if the issue was out of our control.
 
Warm Regards,
Alex
 
866-817-8676 EXT 154


Edited by Alex - 18 Jul 2008 at 2:45pm
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king2b View Drop Down
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Posts: 3 		  Quote king2b Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 23 Jul 2008 at 12:07am

Thank you to all who responded.  I didn't expect so much help so fast.  Digital Storm continues to impress me with their amazing support.  I'm sure that Dell would have simply given me a middle finger and told me to go to the end of the line.  Work has kept me very busy recently and I haven't had much time to figure this computer out.  I plan to call Alex towards the weekend when I get some free time and hopefully I'll post a happy ending to this drama.

Taylor
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Posts: 1 		  Quote drayden18 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Jul 2008 at 2:23am
wow after readin this prove me that DS got a fantastic costumer service i would definitely buy stuff here.
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Posts: 13 		  Quote JOLLYjoe Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 27 Jul 2008 at 4:35pm
There is a way to turn off the soundcard and use the onboard sound through software without taking it out physically first, correct?  I will try this and if it makes the sound work I will mail back the card.
 
Hmm not seeing the Onboard in the Device Manager.  Am I doing this wrong or looking in the wrong place?  I am under Sound,  Video, and Game Controllers. 
 
What is the price difference on the Razor?


Edited by JOLLYjoe - 27 Jul 2008 at 4:37pm
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shaba_levi View Drop Down
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Posts: 85 		  Quote shaba_levi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Aug 2008 at 7:23pm
Originally posted by JOLLYjoe

There is a way to turn off the soundcard and use the onboard sound through software without taking it out physically first, correct?   
Hmm not seeing the Onboard in the Device Manager.  Am I doing this wrong or looking in the wrong place?  I am under Sound,  Video, and Game Controllers. 
 
Usually when installing any sound card or video cards, the onboard sound drivers must be uninstalled first, you may have to re-install these drivers from the company website or enable them in BIOS as harley said.
 
To check if the drivers are still on your computer:
Start>Control Panel>Device Manager>Sound, Video and Game Controllers
--If and AC/realtek sound controller is there, then you have onboard sound
Another way to check:
Start>Control Panel>Programs and Features>"look for the AC/realtek sound device driver"
---If it is not listed, then you have no onboard sound.


Edited by shaba_levi - 06 Aug 2008 at 7:28pm
DS Rig:
750W PS
Quad Q9450 2.66GHz
Nvidia 780i 1333FSB
4G DDR2 800MHz
750G HDD1
320G HDD2
GeForce 9800GTX 512Mb
HT Omega Claro+
Vista Premiumx64
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