This is my first purchase from PCS and I'm impressed by the order turnaround: specified an AMD 5950x processor, it was only 1 month from placing an order to receiving delivery, although I suspect that was partially due to my opting for an AMD 6800XT graphics card rather than an Nvidia 3080.
Only minor downside of the whole experience was the DPD courier (and therefore outside the control of PCS). The DPD delivery man evidently tried to carry the box on its end using just one handle, causing the handle to give way (not surprising considering the weight) and the box to drop. The corners on the opposite side of the box had been, to say the least, physically challenged. Damage to the box is below, and this being the Internet, I have included the obligatory banana for scale:
That said, the box PCS use is sturdy, and inside the computer is well protected with a good inch or two between the computer and the sides of the box. So, despite the box being dropped, the contents were undamaged:
Have to say, whilst the hinges of box do look like as though they are past their first flush of youth, it's good if PCS are reusing boxes (e.g. from returns) in this age of environmental awareness. As all PCS customers know, inside the box is a smaller box containing a bag of spare screws, washers, SATA cables, power cables, cables-whose-purpose-I-have-no-idea, and all the manuals for the components inside the PC. Plus a hand pouch in which to keep all those cables etc.
It's a nice touch, to say the least.
Need to remove the bag of foam, of course, from inside the PC which protects the graphics card. . .
. . . after which I had the first real view the inner workings of the PC:
Must admit, more than a bit awestruck at first (my last PC was a low end desktop from Mesh, 7 years ago), followed a few moments later by a "hmmm . . . judging by all those fans, I really don't want to be sitting next to something that sounds like a 1980's Lada trying to reach 40mph".
Need not have worried! Set her up, powered her on and she barely whispers. Powered her down after installing the Windows update, and fitted in a spare M2 SSD I have. Took a while to locate the slot on the motherboard - turns out it was in a tight space between the power supply and the graphics card, under a heatsink. Got to say, a bit apprehensive I might turn this PC into an expensive brick trying to get that SSD installed.
But here she is in all her glory, with the room lights off!
If anyone is reading through these forums, trying to decide from whom to buy a PC, I can wholeheartedly recommend PCSpecialist.
Only minor downside of the whole experience was the DPD courier (and therefore outside the control of PCS). The DPD delivery man evidently tried to carry the box on its end using just one handle, causing the handle to give way (not surprising considering the weight) and the box to drop. The corners on the opposite side of the box had been, to say the least, physically challenged. Damage to the box is below, and this being the Internet, I have included the obligatory banana for scale:
That said, the box PCS use is sturdy, and inside the computer is well protected with a good inch or two between the computer and the sides of the box. So, despite the box being dropped, the contents were undamaged:
Have to say, whilst the hinges of box do look like as though they are past their first flush of youth, it's good if PCS are reusing boxes (e.g. from returns) in this age of environmental awareness. As all PCS customers know, inside the box is a smaller box containing a bag of spare screws, washers, SATA cables, power cables, cables-whose-purpose-I-have-no-idea, and all the manuals for the components inside the PC. Plus a hand pouch in which to keep all those cables etc.
It's a nice touch, to say the least.
Need to remove the bag of foam, of course, from inside the PC which protects the graphics card. . .
. . . after which I had the first real view the inner workings of the PC:
Must admit, more than a bit awestruck at first (my last PC was a low end desktop from Mesh, 7 years ago), followed a few moments later by a "hmmm . . . judging by all those fans, I really don't want to be sitting next to something that sounds like a 1980's Lada trying to reach 40mph".
Need not have worried! Set her up, powered her on and she barely whispers. Powered her down after installing the Windows update, and fitted in a spare M2 SSD I have. Took a while to locate the slot on the motherboard - turns out it was in a tight space between the power supply and the graphics card, under a heatsink. Got to say, a bit apprehensive I might turn this PC into an expensive brick trying to get that SSD installed.
But here she is in all her glory, with the room lights off!
If anyone is reading through these forums, trying to decide from whom to buy a PC, I can wholeheartedly recommend PCSpecialist.