My goal when building systems is to stand out from the big guys by offering higher quality system builds that will give back with untold reliability and lifespan. I use only high-quality parts and every system is built from parts hand-picked to meet your specific needs. The result is a system that has power where you need it, and saves money where you don't, all while having top-notch reliability and lifespan.
My system builds are all about quality. They WILL cost more than most other companies' systems, but please, don't compare apples to lemons. I build to bring quality to the marketplace for those who expect more.
Consultation
Every computer user has different needs. I can build a system for almost any situation and will start by simply finding out what kind of work the computer will be doing for you. You will be given your choice of an in-home or phone/e-mail consultation to discuss your budget, priorities, and expectations for your new system.
Purchases
I use a long-standing online retailer known as Newegg to purchase anything technology-related from an excellent selection and great prices. At this stage, I will act as your own personal shopper, and will research and select parts for your new system. You can choose to make the purchase yourself after making your own personal account on Newegg, or give me the funds to make the purchase for you. Once I receive the parts, or you drop them off to me, the assembly process begins.
Examples and Prices
The cost of parts for your new system will depend on how powerful of a system you want, and any accessories or software you require or desire. If you don't need any new software or other accessories such as monitors or printers, the cost for parts to build a high-quality system starts at about $425* plus tax and shipping. This can be as low as $250* plus tax and shipping if you go with "Budget Service" and choose cheaper parts (at your own risk). Please see the Pricing and Payments page for current labor pricing and types of service.
*Due to the flooding in Thailand shutting down many hard-drive manufacturing plants, a worldwide shortage is now being seen in computer hard drives, driving prices much higher. This will continue to affect the prices of the drives, and thus the cost of computer systems, for a while. Contact me for current pricing estimates*
Physical Build and Setup
Once I receive the parts, I begin assembly, testing, and setup on your new system. Once it is finished, I call you to pick-up. Delivery and in-home installation options are also available. Your computer can be delivered to you, installed, and networked at your location along with any devices you have for it and any data you want transferred from other PCs.
If there are no complications, a custom system build from start to finish takes approximately 6-8 business days from the day I receive the parts to allow time for thorough testing, troubleshooting, and configuration.
Here is an itemized list of all tasks performed during "Premium Service" WITH delivery and in-home installation: - In-Home or phone/e-mail consultation with you on budget, priorities, and expectations for new system
- Research and plan all parts and assembly for new system
- Optimize part selection for ordering, assist you in placing order
- Unpacking of all items, organization and setup of safe work environment
- Installation of hard drives and optical drives into computer case
- Installation of fans, power supply, and any other tower-bound components into computer case
- Install system RAM, CPU, and CPU cooling assembly to motherboard
- Installation of motherboard into computer case, all components connected with optimal cable management to benefit airflow
- Power on test and troubleshooting, BIOS configuration
- Adjust hardware settings for optimal performance and cooling
- Full 48-Hour system hardware stress test and real-world testing to ensure all parts are defect-free
- Installation and configuration of Windows and system drivers
- Installation and configuration of internet security suite
- Apply all Microsoft Updates for security, stability, and functionality
- Transfer over all desired files and data from your other computers
- Installation, troubleshooting, and configuration of any desired software (you provide discs or request to download. NO pirated software)
- Delivery of new system to your home
- Setup and connection of basics (monitor, keyboard, mouse, power)
- Perform, troubleshoot, and secure any necessary networking and establish internet connection
- Installation and troubleshooting of any desired external devices and hardware
- One-on-one Q&A session, customization and tweaking to your liking, and brief tutorials on basics of anything you want to know.
- You give the system a "test-drive" to thoroughly to ensure your satisfaction
- Clean-up, tune-up, and finalize system
- Professional recommendations given to help protect your new investment, increase its performance and reliability, prolong its lifespan, and safeguard your data
Laptop and Netbook Computers
I specialize in building desktop computers, but due to lack of standardization in the market for mobile-PC components, it is impossible to truly custom-build a laptop or netbook from scratch. The rare DIY kits in existance are very restrictive and too expensive for simply being a pre-built system with key components left out. On the bright side, there are many vendors that allow you to order these portable PCs online and even allow you to customize them to a certain extent. Of course I can offer the same personal-shopper service for you online or in-store as well, and make sure you get a system that is price-performance optimized just for you. If you decide to purchase a portable PC like these, whether it was bought off the shelf or customized online, I offer setup and networking services for new computers to get you up and running without the headache, and help you get started on the right foot for a trouble-free computing experience.
Three-Year Warranty
One thing every computer owner should know is; no matter where you get your computer from, there is always the small chance of defective parts, or those that fail prematurely. These failures can happen to you whether you have me build you a system, or whether you buy one elsewhere. When I assemble a system for you, the quality and integrity of installation and labor is guaranteed. Your system will be thoroughly tested and stress-tested to guarantee that all hardware is functioning 100% properly and rock-solid at the time of assembly. However, since I did not manufacture the parts, I obviously cannot promise you how long they will stay that way. I build with only top-quality parts, but even the best manufacturers in the history of man haven't been able to achieve a 100% defect-free track record.
To address this, I offer a three-year in-shop service warranty on all my "Premium Service" builds. This warranty covers the labor fee for diagnosis and replacement of the failed part, followed by installation and testing of the new part. You also have the option of upgrading this warranty from an in-shop warranty to a house-call warranty that covers basic on-site diagnostics, pick-up, delivery, and in-home installation in addition to the warranty service itself. If your computer turns out perfect and never needs warranty service, don't worry, your warranty won't just go to waste! If you do not require warranty service for 13 consecutive months, after the end of the 13th month, you qualify for a free diagnostic and tune-up service as long as your warranty is still valid. Please contact me for complete details on terms and warranty.
Take good care of it!
Just because you have a new system, doesn't mean its over. Every computer needs proper care, preventative measures and maintenance to deliver a long and reliable lifespan. Please visit the Care and Prevention section for more information.
Got Computers?
If you have more than one computer now, its time to set up your network! Networks can allow multiple computers to share one internet connection and also share files, printers and more! For more information, please visit the Setup and Networking section.
Learn to do it on your own!
Would you like to learn how perform some of the services Stealth performs for you? If so, you may be interested in my Training and Tutorial service...
