HELP! Digital Storm Buying Guide

We are planning to create a buying guide for customers. We want to cover areas such as what to look for when buying a gaming computer, from the company and all the way to the computer itself. Also topics such as what you should know and what to look out for when making your decision.

All that stuff is good, but I'd also like to see

• PSUs: How big is big enough?
• UPSs: How big is big enough?
• What's SLI for?
• XP vs Vista vs dual boot.

 

Edited by Bill the Cat - 06 Mar 2008 at 6:21pm

Think you should give some info on when its better to just have one upgraded GPU card vs using SLI.

I think something about what is best buy for upgrades in the future, case, pu, mb etc

I am definatly a noob but here I go:
I work with the public (retail) and I always train my new ppl by telling them part of our job is educating our customers, but not just with a basic answer. Its usually best to Explain from the start and move  forward so then you give the customer a sense of security in their decision because they now can make an educated decision.

my thoughts are:  Determine the need.   casual/hardcore/top of the line/multi-tasking
computer basics: whats in a computer and why.
case: size matters for air flow and as to what you want in it ( less=smaller/more=bigger
M/B: why so many to choose from?: some for overclocking ability/or functionality or what meets the needs of your other components/upgrade ability ect.
RAM: whats the differences?: timing/matching your processor/heat/your needs/ect.
CPU:what is best choice: What are the needs you the customer need met. gamer/multitasker/photo/for the future ect.
PSU:How much do I need?: I think a chart for component power consumption would be best for this question. just add a # behind each component for its usage and the customer can add it up at the end.
Sound:Should I get a sound card?: Again what needs need to be met/ also explain maybe that onboard sound is limited and explain the benifits of a sound card. Maybe determine though that if those xtras wouldnt be utilized then stay with the onboard>
O.S.: again the needs.and/or what are you looking for as far as functionality goes?: gamer/ease of use/reliability/future/ etc
Computer Maintenance: Security software/spyware software/ccclean/registry cleaners/ cleaning timetable/driver removal and installation process/ect

Well I have rambled on enough, but these are some of the things I ask/asked/or will ask lol and Im sure my computer noobness has shown brightly

I would like to see the 5-10 day turnaround removed.  The reason for this is  there is no way to predict how long a computer build will take especially with all of the testing, retesting and checking that is involved.  When a new customer is shopping for a computer, turnaround time can be a huge factor in a decision making process.  So, they see a 5-10 day turnaround and hold the company to it.   Consequently, when that deadline cannot be met because of delays, customers can become a  bit irrate.  It may be better to leave the window of production time open.  You might also want to  state these facts right from the get go.  Perhaps on the main page.   This way new customers can expect delays without the shock value.  Just a thought.....Good things do come to those who wait......

Why choose digital storm?

Although it's not a helpful suggestion I think it's something that should be asked.

Originally posted by Rank393 Originally posted by Dom1111 I would like to see the 5-10 day turnaround removed.  The reason for this is  there is no way to predict how long a computer build will take especially with all of the testing, retesting and checking that is involved.  When a new customer is shopping for a computer, turnaround time can be a huge factor in a decision making process.  So, they see a 5-10 day turnaround and hold the company to it.   Consequently, when that deadline cannot be met because of delays, customers can become a  bit irrate.  It may be better to leave the window of production time open.  You might also want to  state these facts right from the get go.  Perhaps on the main page.   This way new customers can expect delays without the shock value.  Just a thought.....Good things do come to those who wait......   I agree and disagree. I like the 5-10 day (ish) turn around for the most part (heck tomorrow will be day 10 for me and still waiting).  If you don't have something people are going to wonder and that will be one of the most asked questions. But if a large majority of  orders are  exceeding 5-10 days then it really needs to be dropped.   If you're going to keep that 5-10 day claim and in keeping with DS' customer service mission. Why not have a rep call the customer if there is an issue that will prevent the computer from hitting the 5-10 day target date and explain why.

 I was not knocking your post Dom. But what needs to be taken into account is what is 'acceptable turn around time' for this industry. You're right Rome was not built in a day. But businesses'  to try keep with the avgs.  to remain competative. DS' 5-10 business days and the "estimate" disclaimer are are pretty good. DS has proven this they can handle it. I just figured if they are going to stay with it a, why not add a quick phone call  and explanation if a persons order is going to be delayed. They will not be happy but it's better then not hearing anything.  

Originally posted by cronedog Originally posted by Dom1111 Mysty, I could not agree with you more on your previous post.  The unfortunate reality of shoppers is the lack of common sense.  Most people expect a McDonalds drive thru order and receive experience.  And as we all know, that is not how quality computer systems are built.  Quality takes time and shoppers need to be informed of this.  I think that potential customers will find that out by surfing this forum.  If a customer wants speed and fast turnarounds they should shop at Ibuypower, or cyber pc, or any of the other larger computer builders for a mass factory produced machine.   My last post regarding the turnaround time was not a low blow to DS.  I was mearly pointing out this fact since I have read alot of posts here in the past by angry clients and turnaround times.  Digital Storm is the best, you certainly cannot go wrong with this company.  From start to finish.  They deliver a storm................... I disagree with this.  This is a true statement about consumers on a whole, but how many people will go to a configurator like this without any knowledge of computers expecting drive through service.  I think the guide should be targeted towards people with a basic understanding.  If they don't know what ram is, what are the odds that they are a system enthusiast.  These computers are specialty products to meet the needs that the mass market cannot fulfill. p.s.  I have a buddy who only uses his machine for emails and paper writing.  My other friends tried to get him to buy a $2K gaming monster, which far outstripped his needs.

First, cyberpc... fast? I thought about them for cost reasons, but their turnaround is over a month according to the majority of customer reviews. As far as what technical knowledge people who use a configurator possess, assumtions cannot be made. I started playing with various configurators without knowing what effects different components have of performance other than the basics. I still don't understand which is best for my use when it comes down to dual core vs quad core... 800Mhz cl4 ram vs 1066Mhz cl5 ram... then add in ati vs nVidia... omgz!

I think it would be most helpful if someone could come up with suggestions for equipment for different game types! Perhaps even mention game titles and what they require. For example, I play Everquest, C&C3, Oblivion, NVN2, Tomb Raider, Starcraft! and I wanna play Assassin's Creed, CoHeroes... yeah, so... show people what can be played with diff setups and within their budgets let them know what they're sacrificing.

Just because you're intelligent doesn't mean you're knowledgeable

Cat

Originally posted by cronedog I disagree with this.  This is a true statement about consumers on a whole, but how many people will go to a configurator like this without any knowledge of computers expecting drive through service.  I think the guide should be targeted towards people with a basic understanding.  If they don't know what ram is, what are the odds that they are a system enthusiast.  These computers are specialty products to meet the needs that the mass market cannot fulfill. p.s.  I have a buddy who only uses his machine for emails and paper writing.  My other friends tried to get him to buy a $2K gaming monster, which far outstripped his needs.

I disagree with this thought process. One of the worst possible scenarios for a potential buyer is when that person has an understanding, but that understanding is hopelessly outdated. When I started my shopping, I knew full well what RAM was but not how it had evolved, nor what relation it held to the CPU's FSB with regard to overclocking. New GPU technology and capabilities were completely foreign to me.

Among my previous professions, was advanced aviation electronics maintenance. I have pretty good background knowledge of electronics and integrated circuits. The USAF granted me that to the tune of $350k worth of trade education. I am not blowing my own horn here. I mention this so people have some understanding of my technical background. If *I* was initially lost looking at the latest technology, I can't imagine how it looks to someone that knows only that they want a "high performance" gaming PC, but has no education or practical experience even related to the field.

I think the primary problem with the assumption that someone who comes to this site looking to make a purchase of a high performance gaming system is an enthusiast, is that a true "enthusiast" is more likely to build their system than purchase one. System integrators would not make much money if they targeted the "enthusiast" only. That buyer doesn't need a guide at all.

In my opinion, any buyer's guide needs to start from an assumption of zero technical knowledge on the part of the buyer. The goal should be to take someone with an interest in a gaming computer, and educating them enough to understand the tech articles available on the net, and to be able to make basically sound buying decisions.

Someone starting off here may be aware that RAM means "Random Access Memory" and they may have a basic understanding that it is a series of electronic registers to serve as placeholders for a CPU, but do they understand how DDR2 relates to the current generation of Intel quad pumped FSB? Do they understand how the system RAM relates to the CPU's memory cache? Do they have an understanding of memory vs FSB bandwidth and it's impact or lack of impact on performance?

In my experience in participating in this forum, many do not. They may have had a fairly decent understanding of technology 7 or 8 years ago, but have not kept up with the times, and find themselves in need of a crash course on the basics. PC games are also evolving to attract a wider user base. Consumers that have never had an interest in PC gaming previously, find themselves in need of a system that can handle their favorite MMO, and know they want something quality, but have little idea of what that means when it comes down to the 'nuts and bolts'.

IMO, a buyer's guide needs to be useful to a wider audience than enthusiasts only.

Originally posted by Widdlecat Just because you're intelligent doesn't mean you're knowledgeable Cat

WC probably said what took me 6 paragraphs in this one sentence.



Edited by Tyler Lowe - 13 Mar 2008 at 1:17pm

Just another note but a good description on what your special services do would be good as well.

How about a little bit on Monitors and what to look for in a gaming system. I.E what specs are really important for gaming and picture clarity. Contrast ratio, responce time, etc.

1. why go with bigger computer cases instead of small when overclocking, why is that recommended.  Why is a bigger case recommended for gaming computers using dual video cards.

1 1/2.  When should I only need to use a smaller case, what kind of builds would be good for a smaller case, so I don't have to have a full tower case. 

What are the pros and cons of both bigger cases and smaller cases (mid towers and full towers).

2. Whats the purpose of the Fatal1ty card. (a lot of people out there don't know it's true purpose).

3.Why use 2 HDD's in raid 0, what are the pros and cons about it.  What does RAID 0 mean. 

4. Why go with 4gigs of RAM vs 2gigs of RAM.  Also, whats the purpose of 1250Mhz, 1066Mhz, 800Mhz, 667Mhz and what do people actually use them for.   If 800Mhz is great for gaming then whats the point of having 1066Mhz or more.

5. Since there are so many motherboards out, for the ones that Digital Storm has, what are the pros and cons of each motherboard.

6. What programs should people stay away from when purchasing these awesome gaming computers.  There are lots of people out there that get so screwed from downloading some program that adjusts stuff and ends up crashing computers....you know what I mean.


Edited by Bigdog - 16 May 2008 at 11:02pm