Maingear F131 (Core i7 3770K, May 2012)

Pros: Speed is average

Cons: Poor reliability, poor component quality, terrible support and service.

Summary: After 6 months, most of the major components in my $4,000 system failed, including the power supply, the memory and the motherboard. Some but not all of it was covered by the extra cost extended warranty. There is no in home service. I delivered the computer to the factory, where it has been "worked on" for the last 4 weeks with no end in sight. Perhaps gamers like Maingear for their impressive specs and their free games. However, I rely on my main computer for work, and this not a product anyone should rely on. My advice: stick to a major manufacturer. The computer will be cheaper, it will function at least as well, and you can be assured that you will have a repair or a replacement quickly if the unit fails.

Updated on Dec 1, 2012

Maingear's reply is a small sample of my experience with them. The technicians are friendly and well-meaning, but seem unable to deal with the technical issues. The bosses are arrogant bullies.

The fact remains that my computer has been on their bench for over a month with multiple component failures. All computers have component failures. However, Dell or HP or Sony will come to your home or office within 48 hours and replace whatever needs replacing under the warranty, without threats or insults.

Maingear knew the exact status of my computer from the time they delivered it, because I informed them of all the problems in writing. If your editors want to see it, I will submit our entire correspondence for publication.

As an odd twist, Maingear has refused to return my data discs until I either pick up the dead computer or wait for them to fix it.

I would advise anyone who plans to buy a Maingear to have a backup computer ready when the Maingear fails.

Steven Simring, MD

Updated on Dec 4, 2012

Yesterday I met in person with Wallace Santos, CEO of Maingear. Mr. Santos was surprisingly non-defensive, and acknowledged the validity of my complaints. His CTO apologized for his intemperate reply on this website, and on his own initiative asked to have it removed. They delivered my computer and they refused to accept any payment, even though I had agreed to one.

Mr. Santos is clearly proud of this business he has built from the ground up. The plant is as clean as any well-maintained hospital, and the staff seems dedicated to its work. Perhaps the business has grown too quickly. There are clearly problems in record keeping and in performing repair work in a timely fashion. I believe that Mr. Santos took my concerns seriously and that he is highly motivated to improve his company.

I am prepared to revise my harsh assessment of this product, and I will boost my overall rating if the computer continues to perform consistently.

--Steven Simring, MD