buy pre-built combos from Monarch?

[seattledesi]

I'm tempted to get my amd64 system from them for their decent prices and good extras for free HL2 and FarCry.

But I'm nervous these guys might be using returned parts / open box parts for the mobo and cpu..

What's your take?

 

[montag451]

if their prices are DECENT, then they are using cheap RAM, cheap PSU, cheap 5400rpm drive, etc etc

 

[seattledesi]

their combos are only mobo + cpu + optional memory

===============
http://www.monarchcomputer.com...e=M&Product_Code=80152

Included with all AMD Combos: Motherboard with Retail Box, all cables, manuals and drivers. (We also load the latest BIOS, and optimize the BIOS settings for optimal settings.) Processors (CPU) are available in either OEM or Retail version. Retail Box CPUs come with a heat sink/fan. (If you choose a non-retail box CPU, you will need to choose a heat sink/fan to be installed). Monarch Warranty options: free 90 days option, or optional 6 months, 1, 2, or 3 year can be added.

Combos are set up with CPU, fans and memory installed, tested, and made ready to run for you by AMD Certified Technicians (at no charge), then shipped direct to you. Although thermal compound is optional, Monarch does recommend including this with your combo, as it will make your CPU run at a lower temperature. Support is available at no charge if you have any problems with installation of your combo.

Available Heatsink and Fans represent those which have been determined safe for shipping, primarily due to weight. Fans selected will be installed and shipped on your Motherboard Combo. If you select "None" (for Retail-Box CPUs) and choose another Heatsink and Fan from Monarch Computer with your order, this fan WILL NOT be installed on your combo.
==================

 

[seattledesi]

bump..

 

[LikeLinus]

Call and ask?

 

[seattledesi]

i should add that I called them up..

they insist on building the combo for me to get the free games.. if I just get the retail mobo and cpu and assemble it myself, they tell me I can't get the free stuff..

what's the logic in that? Makes me even more nervous that they are using open box / returned / older parts.

 

[LikeLinus]

Originally posted by: seattledesi
i should add that I called them up..

they insist on building the combo for me to get the free games.. if I just get the retail mobo and cpu and assemble it myself, they tell me I can't get the free stuff..

what's the logic in that? Makes me even more nervous that they are using open box / returned / older parts.

WTF are you talking about. Of course they insist they build the combo to get the free games.

How about you call them and instead of asking for free games for nothing....ask if they use open box stuff!!

I'm sure they don't.

 

[seattledesi]

dude!
i don't get your post..

if I'm paying for the parts (mobo + cpu) which makes up their "combo", but I don't want them to put their time in assembling it for me, why can't they just ship the parts and still give me the freebies?

It doesn't make sense to me that by allowing them to assemble (their waste of time.. im not paying for assembly), only then i qualify for the free games.

I asked them if they use open box stuff.. of course their response is "no.. we use the contents in the retail box, and ship the boxes to you too".. heck if that's the case, i'm saving them the effort for not assembling it.

Assembling should be an option for a combo, not a requisite, especially when assembly charges are free.

 

[Yossairian]

I wanted to do the same thing, they told me to order the parts seperately and forget the games, or get the combo. I ended up saying F'it and getting the combo.

I think they do it to cut down on possible RMA's, I doubt they are trying to pass of returns as new. Just FYI, my combo appeared to be brand new + worked perfectly.
The mobo came in the box, all the cables manuals etc came bagged new. It did not come with the processer box, but they threw the little stickers in the mobo box.

 

[Blazer]

on combo orders it gives them a chance to pretest and YES cut down on RMAs

 

[BentValve]

Dont't worry , that is dishonest and I doubt Monarch thinks people are that dumb.

I am 100% certain that my motherboard and CPU had never been used...if it was used its pretty obvious if a mobo has been installed or not due to the screw marks.

 

[Dravic]

Originally posted by: seattledesi
I'm tempted to get my amd64 system from them for their decent prices and good extras for free HL2 and FarCry.

But I'm nervous these guys might be using returned parts / open box parts for the mobo and cpu..

What's your take?

They're curently a bit more expensive them mwaves combos. I was looking at monarch until they jacked up the price of the 3000+ 939 retail to $189. that $36 more expensive then mwave, and mwaves motherboards at slightly cheaper.. no free games at mwave though unless you buy 3500+ or above.

I already own farcry (used at EB $24). Iit would have been nice to have the extra copy for lan gaming, but not anymore @ ~$40 more expensive for a 3000+ retail setup. I'm going to try and see how far i can overclock the 3000+ retail with the standard HSF, and only buy an aftermarket HSF if temps seem to be a limiting factor.

Mwave's cpu bundles 754 & 939

 

[GlobalHPSJoe]

Originally posted by: seattledesi
I'm tempted to get my amd64 system from them for their decent prices and good extras for free HL2 and FarCry.

But I'm nervous these guys might be using returned parts / open box parts for the mobo and cpu..

What's your take?

Combos allow us to pre-test the components to yes, cut down on RMAs. Its also a free service to save our customers a step in the build process. We use whatever parts you choose. (OEM if you choose OEM, Retail if you choose retail) Additionally we put a Monarch warranty on the setup.

Just a note...

We had a ton of boards come back when the 90nm A64s first came out, due to the majority of boards needing the latest bios flashed. (And with most boards, the only way to flash the bios was to initially install a 130nm chips, which most did not have lying around)

 

[GlobalHPSJoe]

Originally posted by: montag451
if their prices are DECENT, then they are using cheap RAM, cheap PSU, cheap 5400rpm drive, etc etc

We use whatever a customer selects in the build, be it a combo, barebones system, or custom pc. We try to not push the cheap stuff, no one wants to process an RMA.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

I recently bought a combo from Monarch because of their low prices and you get HL2 and Far Cry free! I couldn't pass that up.

I got it and everything was perfect, except I wish they would have sent the CPU box, not that I need it, but I still would like to have the WHOLE box, not just part of it.