dv8tion242
Active member
This will be my (yes, 'my' because I'm so awesome) kinda sorta diary of getting an order via PCS. I've have worked building PC's before and in phone support, so I know what time-stressed environment they are. There's constant stress about getting orders out and right.
I'll try to base this 'diary' on what is based because of what is shown on the screen (not what needs to be dug-out on other screens) and what experience leads me to. I'll try to be fair and objective as possible.
Stage 1:
-- The usual process of agonizing about parts and prices is pretty easy. Tiresome in any customizing arena, but generally pretty easy..
Getting an order filled if your credit card has an address outside the shipping area not so much.
-- If the card has, say a US address, you're pretty much done-for right there. Fortunately, I there's a debit card with a UK address and the order was OK'd.
-- "Credit Card (will carry a 2% surcharge)" might have also been useful as well, before putting any numbers in.
-- Would probably been helpful also if the postal-code lists the 'standard' and free area sooner so having to edit the order. All in all, it's like buying a car. Everything is fast and slick, right up until you start hitting the purchase button.
-- The logical order of things seems a bit off. For example putting in one's postal-code during the customization page before finding out the order can't be processed due to shipping areas could be handy.
-- The 'extra' cooling paste, and while I do agree good cooling compound is well worthwhile, is a complete rip-off at 9 quid. Unless the tube of it is in-closed. I bought a tube of Arctic Silver 3, (3.0 grams), must be the better part of 10 years ago for $12 something, and I'm only about half-way through it. The amount needed on a CPU is about the size of a pin-head, spread evenly (basically all you're doing is filling the minute gaps) and the stuff lasts for ages. The amount of the new Arctic model spread on is probably not even one penny's worth. This is Doubly true when a full 4.0g tube of ARCTIC MX-4 can be bought for £3.99.
That said, as most people probably don't have CPU cooling compounds just sitting around, decent compound is totally worth putting on for long-term CPU happiness and sucking up the 9 quid. Enjoying the huge savings elsewhere.
-- Got an auto-email which confirms the OK.
-- I do have to give credit to PCS, in that they didn't close the phone line waiting cue at closing time. Wasn't planning on calling so didn't know I'd have less then 8 minutes before 1pm closing today (Saturday) - Called at about 6 minutes to, and waited with bated breath as the clock clicked past 1
m. Whoever it was answered after 1:02pm-ish, thanks!
For all the above, PCS is onto a shaky but reasonably decent start. I'm willing to forgive & forget a lot.
Stage 2: Every week or so, there's been an automated update message..
After building (still not sure why it says this in the present tense.. )
the laptop is now..
Stage 3: Burning in and Distribution (To be filled in.)
[and yes, this is not the happy-go-lucky review that is liked or expected. I'm just picky like that.. ]
I'll try to base this 'diary' on what is based because of what is shown on the screen (not what needs to be dug-out on other screens) and what experience leads me to. I'll try to be fair and objective as possible.
Stage 1:
-- The usual process of agonizing about parts and prices is pretty easy. Tiresome in any customizing arena, but generally pretty easy..
Getting an order filled if your credit card has an address outside the shipping area not so much.
-- If the card has, say a US address, you're pretty much done-for right there. Fortunately, I there's a debit card with a UK address and the order was OK'd.
-- "Credit Card (will carry a 2% surcharge)" might have also been useful as well, before putting any numbers in.
-- Would probably been helpful also if the postal-code lists the 'standard' and free area sooner so having to edit the order. All in all, it's like buying a car. Everything is fast and slick, right up until you start hitting the purchase button.
-- The logical order of things seems a bit off. For example putting in one's postal-code during the customization page before finding out the order can't be processed due to shipping areas could be handy.
-- The 'extra' cooling paste, and while I do agree good cooling compound is well worthwhile, is a complete rip-off at 9 quid. Unless the tube of it is in-closed. I bought a tube of Arctic Silver 3, (3.0 grams), must be the better part of 10 years ago for $12 something, and I'm only about half-way through it. The amount needed on a CPU is about the size of a pin-head, spread evenly (basically all you're doing is filling the minute gaps) and the stuff lasts for ages. The amount of the new Arctic model spread on is probably not even one penny's worth. This is Doubly true when a full 4.0g tube of ARCTIC MX-4 can be bought for £3.99.
That said, as most people probably don't have CPU cooling compounds just sitting around, decent compound is totally worth putting on for long-term CPU happiness and sucking up the 9 quid. Enjoying the huge savings elsewhere.
-- Got an auto-email which confirms the OK.
-- I do have to give credit to PCS, in that they didn't close the phone line waiting cue at closing time. Wasn't planning on calling so didn't know I'd have less then 8 minutes before 1pm closing today (Saturday) - Called at about 6 minutes to, and waited with bated breath as the clock clicked past 1
m. Whoever it was answered after 1:02pm-ish, thanks! For all the above, PCS is onto a shaky but reasonably decent start. I'm willing to forgive & forget a lot.
Stage 2: Every week or so, there's been an automated update message..
After building (still not sure why it says this in the present tense.. )
the laptop is now..
Stage 3: Burning in and Distribution (To be filled in.)
[and yes, this is not the happy-go-lucky review that is liked or expected. I'm just picky like that.. ]
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