Here is my stab at a review. Thanks to Aurora for helping me with a format.
1: Ordering Process (good and bad)
I first ordered an ALX SLI (Xeon-based system on 11/11). The estimated delivery date was around 12/22 according to the web site. My ALX rep was Melvin Alvarez. The ordering process was very easy in intuitive (I have ordered an Area 51-M earlier this year so the process was already familiar to me).
2: Stress involved In waiting (Phases)
My order took an especially long time to fullfill because of several factors:
- I asked Melvin to hold my order at phase 8 until Alienware made dual Xeon processors available (AW did submit a dual proc system for reviews).
- Once the AMD FX-55 based sysetm was announced by AW, I changed my entire order (actually involved cancellling the Xeon system order).
- There was a back-order on Geforce 6800 ultras and ALX Predator cases in Saucer Silver.
I really did not mind the long wait as I have been travelling for business and pleasure since the time of my original order (have been home for a couple week stretches here and there). I also still have my DIY box (3.06 Ghz, 2 gigs ram, 400 gigs HD, Geforce 6800 Ultra AGP) so I was not wanting in the gaming area. My Area 51-m does a decent job as well.
It seemed like I was stuck at phase 9 for a couple weeks (my rig shipped and the site said I was still at phase 9).
3: Contact with AW reps during wait period(good and bad)
Melvin was my main point of contact (Eddy stood in for Melvin during the last week). I cannot say enough how great Melvin and Eddy are! They did not sugar coat or hard sell at all. Their attitude seemed to put your satisfaction first and foremost. What I found interesting (and the factor that puts AW ahead of the other vendors) is the relationship they set up with the customer. AW really pays attention to the NBF AW boards. I don't recall all of their names, but individuals like Richard, Steve (think that is right) and Juan seem to really value the NBF AW customers. Somehow they made the connection with Mevlin that DarthBeavis is <<insert real name here>>. Well, I did have DarthBeavis put on my AW plate. But this connection would have never been discovered by Dell . I don't think the experience would have been the same at VooDoo either (I have been to their boards and was not impressed). I did call VooDoo at one point when I was switching to the AMD sysetm. They bad mouthed AW big time. AW NEVER disrespected any of their competitors in an attempt to see their rig.
Melvin really bent over backwards to get me the configuration I wanted. Heck, I believe the AMD ALX SLI was released when it was in part due to his advocating for me. He also managed to get two additional 400 gig hard drives in my system even though it was not available online. I was so picky and fickle, yet Melvin just sucked it up with a smile and make everything happen. He sent me invoices several times to make sure the system was exactly what I wanted.
An AW rep (I will not name because I don't want him get nagged) sent me pics of my rig on the AW bench. Now that is service.
4:Opening the box (packaging good and bad)
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Click for pic of db snacks
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My system was delivered to my wife's vet clinic in two boxes. One was so large it barely fit in the back of my Highlander (with the center seats up in normal position). It was damn heavy as well. The first thing I saw when opening the big box was the ALX briefcase. The thing is sharp. The Predator case was well-protected. Not a ding on it. The second box (accessoried) was packaged so neatlly I wondered in AW has metrosexuals working there. EVERYTHING in the first two levels (there are two levels of foam packaging that have nooks for the mousepad, keyboardss, etc) was in its place (well, there was nothing in the second level as I did not order a mouse or keyboard). The third level really held some suprises!!! Here is what it contained:
AW visor
AW ballcap
AW coffee mug
ALX Power cable (don't now why I ordered it)
ALX Network cable (don't now why I ordered it)
Audigy breakout box and cables
Documentation
Can of Criso
Roll of Ducttape
The last two items should catch your attention. If you have been around the NBF for any length of time you will remember the Crisco and Duct tape threads. The folks at AW really are part of the NBF AW community.
5:Set up process. easy/difficult)
The system was a breeze to set up. I just plugged it in and all was good.
6: First start up (sounds, looks, personal excitement)
I was amazed at how silent the rig is when I first started it. The lighting is really cool (although my DIY rig is lit as well with UV lights). I just wish AW had some type of window to showcase the interior.
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7: Initial Benchies (out of the box)
http://www.wvi.com/~drdee/db_firstbench.JPG
8: Hardcore Benchies
Yet to come.
1: Ordering Process (good and bad)
I first ordered an ALX SLI (Xeon-based system on 11/11). The estimated delivery date was around 12/22 according to the web site. My ALX rep was Melvin Alvarez. The ordering process was very easy in intuitive (I have ordered an Area 51-M earlier this year so the process was already familiar to me).
2: Stress involved In waiting (Phases)
My order took an especially long time to fullfill because of several factors:
- I asked Melvin to hold my order at phase 8 until Alienware made dual Xeon processors available (AW did submit a dual proc system for reviews).
- Once the AMD FX-55 based sysetm was announced by AW, I changed my entire order (actually involved cancellling the Xeon system order).
- There was a back-order on Geforce 6800 ultras and ALX Predator cases in Saucer Silver.
I really did not mind the long wait as I have been travelling for business and pleasure since the time of my original order (have been home for a couple week stretches here and there). I also still have my DIY box (3.06 Ghz, 2 gigs ram, 400 gigs HD, Geforce 6800 Ultra AGP) so I was not wanting in the gaming area. My Area 51-m does a decent job as well.
It seemed like I was stuck at phase 9 for a couple weeks (my rig shipped and the site said I was still at phase 9).
3: Contact with AW reps during wait period(good and bad)
Melvin was my main point of contact (Eddy stood in for Melvin during the last week). I cannot say enough how great Melvin and Eddy are! They did not sugar coat or hard sell at all. Their attitude seemed to put your satisfaction first and foremost. What I found interesting (and the factor that puts AW ahead of the other vendors) is the relationship they set up with the customer. AW really pays attention to the NBF AW boards. I don't recall all of their names, but individuals like Richard, Steve (think that is right) and Juan seem to really value the NBF AW customers. Somehow they made the connection with Mevlin that DarthBeavis is <<insert real name here>>. Well, I did have DarthBeavis put on my AW plate. But this connection would have never been discovered by Dell . I don't think the experience would have been the same at VooDoo either (I have been to their boards and was not impressed). I did call VooDoo at one point when I was switching to the AMD sysetm. They bad mouthed AW big time. AW NEVER disrespected any of their competitors in an attempt to see their rig.
Melvin really bent over backwards to get me the configuration I wanted. Heck, I believe the AMD ALX SLI was released when it was in part due to his advocating for me. He also managed to get two additional 400 gig hard drives in my system even though it was not available online. I was so picky and fickle, yet Melvin just sucked it up with a smile and make everything happen. He sent me invoices several times to make sure the system was exactly what I wanted.
An AW rep (I will not name because I don't want him get nagged) sent me pics of my rig on the AW bench. Now that is service.
4:Opening the box (packaging good and bad)
Click for large picture
Click for large picture
Click for large picture
Click for large picture
Click for pic of db snacks
Click for large picture
My system was delivered to my wife's vet clinic in two boxes. One was so large it barely fit in the back of my Highlander (with the center seats up in normal position). It was damn heavy as well. The first thing I saw when opening the big box was the ALX briefcase. The thing is sharp. The Predator case was well-protected. Not a ding on it. The second box (accessoried) was packaged so neatlly I wondered in AW has metrosexuals working there. EVERYTHING in the first two levels (there are two levels of foam packaging that have nooks for the mousepad, keyboardss, etc) was in its place (well, there was nothing in the second level as I did not order a mouse or keyboard). The third level really held some suprises!!! Here is what it contained:
AW visor
AW ballcap
AW coffee mug
ALX Power cable (don't now why I ordered it)
ALX Network cable (don't now why I ordered it)
Audigy breakout box and cables
Documentation
Can of Criso
Roll of Ducttape
The last two items should catch your attention. If you have been around the NBF for any length of time you will remember the Crisco and Duct tape threads. The folks at AW really are part of the NBF AW community.
5:Set up process. easy/difficult)
The system was a breeze to set up. I just plugged it in and all was good.
6: First start up (sounds, looks, personal excitement)
I was amazed at how silent the rig is when I first started it. The lighting is really cool (although my DIY rig is lit as well with UV lights). I just wish AW had some type of window to showcase the interior.
Click for large picture
Click for large picture
Click for large picture
Click for large picture
Click for large picture
Click for large picture
Click for large picture
7: Initial Benchies (out of the box)
http://www.wvi.com/~drdee/db_firstbench.JPG
8: Hardcore Benchies
Yet to come.
I will do it anyways. Damn VBB should have size tags.
