Maingear "Shift" supercomputers

[David Ramsey]

Economic crises notwithstanding, Maingear appears to think it's the right time to introduce another high-end boutique computer, the "Shift". You can see the announcement here.

The computer looks to be using a customized version of the SIlverstone Raven RV01 case and the perennial Asetek LCLC cooling system for the CPU.

Although they claim they're using modular Silverstone power supplies, the interior shot shows a clearly labeled PC Power and Cooling "Silencer 910" PSU.

There's nothing too dramatic (other than the case) about this system, but the prices are reasonable and it's nice to see another option in this area, especially since HP appears to have killed off the Voodoo brand.

[Olin Coles]

I know it's a little biased of me, but I deleted the Maingear Shift announcement that I received early this morning. They don't offer product for review, so I can't say it's worth-while. Plus the prices are a bit 'niche'.

[Digitalis]

The looks are not "ohh, Heavens it's an Apple"!!!
(for those that are keen on Apples)

The internals are, well, today you need billions to develop hardware, so the movie idea of "secret" components that are "ultra mega solar performing" and available just for the selected is nothing more than a marketing that companies as Maingear propagate in hopes to catch a well-padded wallet that does not understand much of PCs.

The only problems is, there are many privately owned shops that live mainly from service but also sell hardware with very competitive prices and charge a small amount for putting together your very own PC.
Such shops are today the center for well-padded wallets, since they are in proximity for any problem that might arise, not to mention, that they tailor the PC on clients wishes.

Conclusion? Apples are for Snow Whites, imitators are just there, as a rock in the middle of the street (no telling there will be any number of hits).

[tomslick]

Originally Posted by David Ramsey

but the prices are reasonable

$2600 base line for (before upgrades)
custom case $250.00
i7 920 $290
evga classified $400.00
ati 5770 $180
750w silverstone psu $150
asetek lclc cooling system $80.00
6gb kingston memory $170.00
750gb wd caviar black $70.00
windows 7 home premium $190
dvd burner with light scribe $40
that is about $1800 in parts.
so $800 for a warranty and assembly fees
and if you look at the warranty the parts are covered by the manufacture and not maingear. they just cover labor. so if the manufacture says no it's game over
most local computer shops could do better then this.
except for the case. that is a nice case

and look at the upgrade costs.
example $215 to upgrade to a 300gb velociraptor and they keep the 750gb caviar black
you could buy a 300gb velociraptor for $230 and still have the caviar

[David Ramsey]

Computers like the Shift are not aimed at people like us, who routinely build our own systems. Their prices are quite reasonable for a "botique" system at that level, and are certainly much, much cheaper than similar computers offered by Falcon Northwest, the now-all-but-defunct Voodoo, etc.