"It saddens me to have to write this review. I bought a maingear shift superstock x79 in November 2011. I received the computer in january 2012. It cost greater than $4000. It was a great computer for 5-6 months. It then started to freeze every hour on the hour. This is when the story starts to get bad. I contacted maingear support. They helped me disable my overclock settings thinking that was the problem. When that did not work they said it had to be a software issue and they are not responsible for that. I brought in another company ($200) who updated my drivers and did an analysis. They felt that there was a hardware problem and they could do more analysis but it could get expensive. I called maingear back. Tech support said they would send an RMA#. This never materialized. After 1 month and multiple calls they finally sent a RMA and I sent the computer back ($129). With sending the computer back I asked to be updated on its progress and informed what was wrong with the computer. I did get an email back after the computer was picked up by Fedex to be returned. Apparently the hard drive was bad and needed a firmware update. This was a known issue to maingear. 7 weeks later I got the computer back. I was excited. I started the computer up and it didnt work. I called tech support and was informed that sometimes when they update the firmware it makes it so the computer wont recognize the hard drive. I will need a new hard drive. I am currently awaiting a hard drive. They did offer to replace the hard drive , free of charge,with a smaller hard drive for my less than 1 year old computer. I was told they would ship my hard drive on friday but yet again it was not done and the RMA department did not return my calls yesterday. I have spent greater than $300 trying to fix a computer for a problem maingear Knows about and did not fix. More importantly I have been without a working computer for more than 4 months. The staff is polite and knowledgable but you have to badger them constantly to get anything done.I should of never been told this was a software problem when it was a known hardware problem. I should have gotten a return number the first time I called. Not after 4 times and needing to yell and talk to a manager 1 month later. After I sent it back they should have backed up my data and changed the harddrive not just sent it back knowing this drive has a problem (apparently crucial drives have this problem) If I had been notified before they sent it back I would have stopped them. I am now awaiting a new hard drive. Who knows how many phone calls and how much time that is going to take. Plus I have to figure out how to backup my data and install the drive. This is not what I expect from a premiere vendor.

Update. I spoke with Danny, the head of RMA, the day I wrote this review. He was very apologetic . I had a series of unfortunate events , including a bad hard drive, bad firmware upgrade and a natural disaster hit maingear(hurricane sandy). Maingear overnighted me a larger harddrive and has spent many hours on the phone assisting me through reinstalling a harddrive, updating firmware and recovering data. Most of this was done remotely with a techie accessing my computer through the internet while I watched. I have had multiple emails from danny checking on my progress and answering my questions. The knowledge base of this team at maingear is phenominal. This is what I expect from a premier vendor. Even great companies can have an occasional glitch. I suspect my initial experience was a series of unfortunate circumstances and not a pattern. Maingear tech support has been incredibly helpful these last 3 days and I am happy to have this monster of a computer up and running. "

"These are GREAT computers. And the customer service is what you dream about. I'm not a gamer - using my machine for business. I don't have time for problems. My machine works flawlessly and I know I can count on Maingear support if I need it.
Curtis."

"I ordered a laptop that was advertised as shipping within 24-48 hours. After several delays, I wrote a review explaining my experience and was contacted the next day. The company was apologetic and shipped the laptop that day by next day air. I appreciate that the company stepped up and addressed the issue, though it was unfortunate I had to go the lengths of writing a review.

The laptop itself is decent. It is powerful and fast but it feels a little cheap considering the cost."

"I unlike most reviews actually live in New Jersey so I had the option to pick up my PC, which is what I did. First of all everyone there is so nice and friendly. When I went to pick up my PC they were just finishing the 72 hour stress test and making sure everything in my PC was sound. So I had to wait about an hour which was NOT their fault because I was early. While waiting the staff has a nice lobby with couches, tv, and w.e. SO while waiting the owner of Maingear very nicely ask me how I was doing and asked if I wanted a tour. He have me a tour of the place (which is small) and it was very profession. The place was spotless working stations as you see in picture online. He gave me indept tour it was great to see. From what I can tell there was maybe 20 people that worked for them so they are very close and do a good job hand building your PC. After that the owner hooked me up with an xbox to play with for the duration of my wait. When I got my PC i asked the builder to do a few things for me and it was done to the "T". Everything installed as I asked. Boxing in which the PC was in was clean. COmes with a book to show my computers spec and stress test results. I bought a ALT-15 labtop (2800). Performed flawlessly. Had one problem with a one time crash but was fixed as soon as I called someone picked up and walked me threw it and found out it was because of a beta driver I installed for a game. Im not buying my second PC from them this week. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THOSE OTHER COMPANIES IBUYPOWER OR W.E. MAINGEAR IS SMALL BUT THERE PRODUCTS ARE FLAWLESS AND THEY HAVE THE STAFF AND SERVICE TO BACK IT UP! I would never buy another PC from another company! They are but more pricey (not buy much) but their products come perfect and wiring is flawless. This is probably first review I have ever writen and felt they deserved it."

" A 5 star scale isn't enough for a Maingear computer - They're a 10! I'm a bit of a shopper and finally made the purchase decision in Nov. 2010 for a F131 with 3D. The entire experience has been first rate. The consultation on what I should build, to ordering, to requesting a non-standard CRT, to delivery and setup has been fantastic.
Today, I had a small problem and called tech support (Rafael). We walked through the variables, determined the problem, fixed it and then went beyond by updating some drivers.
I never do reviews, but Maingear has really earned it. As one other person said, Just Do It! You'll never regret your decision.
Thanks guys, you're the best.
Dave
PS: I rated their cost as low when you factor in the total buying and utilization experience."

"This summer I decided it was time to get a new computer. I decided i wanted one custom built for me and after some online research I found that Maingear was the best choice. I placed my order to Maingear for a F131 SS. Within the next few days I was contacted by a Maingear representative because I had an issue with my payment information. He was friendly and courteous and managed to resolve the problem fairly quickly, which I appreciated. My order proceeded problem free from there on. My only complaint with the ordering process is that they push back the estimated shipping date often. However, it wasn't a big deal for me. Just don't expect the computer to ship on the first estimated ship date. Anyways, my computer was delivered to me by UPS about a month and a week after I ordered it. The computer showed up in great condition despite the simplicity of protection in the box. No shipping damage to any of the components or the case (though the box it shipped in was a pretty beat up). Maingear sends quite a bit of helpful stuff with the computer that was fairly useful for getting the computer set up and ready. After unboxing it I inspected the internals of the computer and everything I ordered was there and in good condition. One thing that stood out to me was the cable management. The inside of the case was very clean looking with all cables routed out of sight. After checking everything inside the computer I plugged it in and it's been running well ever since. It runs anything I throw at it and I haven't had a single problem with it so far. The system runs pretty quietly and stays cool even while being run at 100% capacity nearly 24/7 (I run folding at home when i'm not using it). The overclock that they managed to get on it is pretty good and completely stable. Overall its a great computer and I would probably buy again from Maingear in the future.

System Specs: Asus maximus V gene mobo, EVGA gtx 670, Watercooled Intel 3570k OCD to 4.3 ghz, 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600, 850W gold corsair psu, 1TB seagate barracuda "

"Initial purchase of a Titan 17 laptop. System performs well under stress, battery lasts a great amount of time considering the strain and size of the laptop, and it looks damned sleek too. Shipping at the time was problematic, but, that was more due to my military mailbox being a pain than anything else."

"I am sorry for posting this so late. I kept trying from work and it wouldn't go through. I then forgot until now when I was just talking to a friend who I am trying to convince to buy one. Anywhere here goes...

Ok for those of you who just want the bottom line: DO IT:). I was concerned buying MAINGEAR because I didn't know much about the company and hadn't heard of them before. $3000 for a computer is a steep investment, so you want to make it wisely. After owning several high end computers from different shops I have to say that in the few weeks I have owned it, the Maingear beats them all hands down. It is worth every penny and then some.

First off? I ordered the F131 Super Stock. It's a beautiful machine, crafted for excellence. It is expertly wired and lit and the layout is totally pro. The case is really nice, nicer than I expected seeing pictures online. The machine is a beast and yet when it is on and running it's practically silent. It is quieter than any PC I have ever owned. It plays every game flawlessly which I have thrown at it. Also, when they say they don't install bloatware, they mean it. There was not one ounce of unneeded junk on the PC on delivery and it boots up lightning fast.

Everyone I dealt with was fabulous. Kevin helped me build my dream machine, Jonathan checked all my billing information and made sure I was satisfied with the process and Angelo put together a great machine.

All in all, forget the other companies out there, these guys do it right and for a very reasonable price for a high end machine.

Also, I had one problem with the machine since I have it back in February and it was actually a MS software issue. I tried to fix it by re-imaging my PC and it failed halfway through. I was panicking but called them up to help. Wil Dias spent hours helping me and made sure everything was working. Guy was bloody brilliant. He knew what he was doing, extremely friendly and professional. I KNOW I made the right choice.
"

"It's been about a year and a half, so I am confident enough to write a review. The Vybe I customized have met every expectation since it landed on my doorstep. Extremely smooth, quiet, small, and runs completely cool, being on 24/7 almost everyday of the year and half I have owned it. Production and shipping took a bit longer than I thought, but it arrived built to spec with quality they have promised.

Despite having almost identical parts inside their PC's, I am still consistently the first to load when I play with my friends. I wish Maingear the best of luck, and when I have the urge to buy a new computer in a year or two, they will probably be seeing me again.

------ UPDATE August 2014 -----

It's still running strong and smooth. One part (CPU water cooler) finally gave out a couple of months ago, but nothing a quick trip to the local electronics store to buy a replacement couldn't fix.

Still consistently one of the first computers to load on multi-player games, runs quiet as a girl's fart, and this is with it being on almost 24/7 for 3 and a half years now.

As long as Maingear is still in business and their quality is remains this top notch, I'll continue to refer my friends to them, and will buy my future computer from here as well."

"FOLLOW-UP on computer delivered by FedEx with a coolant leak in packing material, which FedEx is taking full responsibility for the damage after being on the phone all day yesterday with them. Danny from Maingear is working very hard on getting this matter resolved we got a personal call this morning and follow-up email from him! Not sure how to delete this review and write a new one. Waiting on FedEx to pick up package and overnight to NJ so Maingear can test the unit with the coolant leak. I have faith that Maingear will get this handled swiftly. ~ Michelle "

"My new computer is AWESOME~!!

I bought the Vybe and it is a beautiful piece or workmanship! Sleek and modern to look at, ergo-dynamically designed with attention to detail and accessibility, I was amazed when I opened the chassis to put in my other hard drives at how neat and professional it all is. Definitely made by people who care about their craft. As far as performance when up and running, I could not be more pleased. When describing to others what is special about it compared to the mainstream products available, my nearest approximation is that of a Mercedes/BMW to an average assembly line clunker.

May I also add that I was impressed by how everone I saw in the office was smiling and of good nature. That says so much about Maingear.

I foresee that I will be recommending Maingear for a very long time to those who are interested in quality.
"

"Just a warning. Maingear charges a 5% cancellation fee. This information is included under "terms of use" section of their website.

My personal experience was that I cancelled an order after I found that it would be over a month before my computer was shipped. This was much longer that I had been led to believe at the time of placing my order. I notified Maingear right away upon receiving notice of the new shipping date. Even so, I was assessed a cancellation fee. When I called to complain I was told that this was their policy, no exceptions.

Update:
Later, after posting my review, I received a call from Danny Soares, COO of Maingear, who apologized given the timing and my reason for cancellation. Wanting "to do the right" thing he subsequently refunded my cancellation fee. To clarify the reason for the fee, he explained that "Once an order is placed, Maingear incurs expenditures for both materials and labor as each individual computer is fabricated and tested. As a result, once the fabrication and testing process has begun, any cancellation is subject to a 5% service fee to help recover costs. Customers need to be aware, to give careful thought to an order before placing, to protect Maingear from unnecessary expenses and to protect the consumer from being charged.""

"I ordered my computer over the phone with Wallace. He advised me as to what programs and other features would be beneficial to me. He even helped me save money on certain things, not trying to upsell me. They even lase etched my company's logo into the laptop cover. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. At Maingear you get personal attention and the option of personalizing your computer. They are GREAT!

Best Buy who?"

"I just wanted to say a little bit about my extraordinary experience with Maingear!

I did a lot of research for several months about which/where to buy a high end PC. I admit that I struggled for quite some time about where to buy!

I ended up buying "The Shift" ("The Tower of Power!")

I looked at multiple vendors including Dell/Alienware, Ibuypower, Cyberpc, Falcon Northwest, DigitalStorm, Origin, etc. but I went with Maingear for several reasons:

1. Product Quality:
1. The case: All of their cases (The Shift, Potenza, 131, etc.) are made to their specs by Silverstone and are amazing in finish/detail and fit and finish. In particular, their airflow management is pretty darn cool (pun intended!); in fact, several other vendors are copying their vertical heat dissipation system! All of the surfaces are polished/painted and sharp edges are ground down. Gaps are minimal and even. The steel is definitely fairly thick guage and weighs a ton.
2. All of the cables are routed perfectly to maximize airflow (and aesthetics should one care about that). They even have braided cable covers!
3. The case was even wiped down to remove any stray fingerprints and dust. No left over materials from production noted anywhere.
4. The packaging materials: double boxed and then secured with extensive Styrofoam materials. Even a nice canvas cover over the computer itself. All of the CDs/materials were included in a very nice plastic binder/case. They included extensive extra cables/screws, etc. in a velvet-like bag.
5. Borrowing from the automobile industry, they included a "55-point inspection" itemized checklist and even had the builder sign off on it. Now that is accountability!

2. Customer Service:
I dealt extensively with Ivan (and several others). I just wanted to thank him as he spent well over an hour with me going over details of my fairly complex build! He actually talked me out of a few expensive and unnecessary items. How many vendors will do that? He kept me up-to-date at every point and even sped my order along in order to help me out. I cannot highly enough recommend them! They were able to meet my rather tight deadline.

3. The Performance:
Simply put, this computer screams. They even OC (overclock) it and warranty it for 3 full years! You will not find anyone else willing to do that in the industry! They only use top-of-the-line name-brand products in every category (no house brand/generic run-of-the mill cards, cables, etc. in any of their builds...).
They also do not load their systems down with "bloatware" (extensive and usually unnecessary software preloaded on the computer. Companies usually get paid to load it on in hopes that you will pay for it!).
The cooling system is quite amazing. Large fans that move air almost silently and a HUGE water-cooling closed loop system work in concert along with the vertical-heat system to keep your system cool. No worries of running hot here!

Those are just a few of the main points that I wanted to emphasize. It is much easier to take the time to complain about something vs. complimenting great service/products.

Thanks goes out to Ivan et al. for their hard work and dedication."

"After reading all these great reviews I decide to go ahead and buy a maingear f131. I placed my order on 4-29-12 it was super easy and it took about 10 minutes to order. The Estimated Ship Date was 5-14-12 (sweet just in time for diablo 3) 5-17-12 came around and I hadn’t received an email letting know if it was shipped or delayed. So I decide to check the website and what I saw was that the Estimated Ship Date had been changed to 5-21-12, but I was still ok with it. 5-24-12 approached and still no email, so I decide to email them and they got back to me rather quickly which was nice. The next day in the email sent to me it said that my system was in the phase ''System QA - Burn in and that it can take 24-48hrs to complete a burn-in process, it's for the good of our customers'' (which I respect even though my system had been in the QA-Burn in phase for more than a week), although I felt fine because it included this in the message "Presently, your systems will ship on 05/29/2012. We thank you for your patience and most of all for choosing Maingear! Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us back." 5-31-12 arrived and still no email stating that my system has been shipped or delayed. So I write them back and I get another quick reply on 6-1-12 12:28pm “Thank you for contacting Maingear Sales Team. Your system will be leaving our facility today, tracking information will be provided upon shipment of your system." It is now 6-3-12 and I have yet to receive an email stating that it has been shipped or delayed (I don't even believe they ship it on 6-1-12 to be honest. I felt as if though I had to write something about being disappointed as a first time buyer. (i will update the review once the pc arrives )

Update : 6-4-12 received a phone call from maingear and they have made up for the delays, maingear reps are outstanding. pc arrived on 6-5-12 and just perfect can't wait to order my shift ( I would encourage everybody to check out maingear and call them with any questions or concerns before and after ordering) "