For context and to frame the below I provide this review as:• a former CETsr(Certified Electronics Technician-Senior Level)(10 years)• a former IPC Trainer for 600,610,620 and J-STD (bare PCB, Populated PCB, Cable&Wire Harness, and Solder) (16 years)• Worked in Dod Electronics/Computer Engineering, Manufacturing, Networking and Integration (16 Years)• Have built close to 1000 Computers (Servers, PC's, Workstations, SFF) in my career. (with my own hands)I chose DS for their advertised relationship with Nvidia. Earlier this year I hunted for a vendor that could acquire RTX GPUs in a more timely manner than the general public. I wanted a quality product that could act as a foundational layer of my home AI dev lab. DS appeared to check all the boxes. I also had some familiarity with DS as I had purchased a similar machine via my role at one of the largest Defense Contractors and had nothing but a stellar experience (Purchase, communication, delivery, set-up and use). Little did I know that my previous experience would be an exception and not the rule.I configured My PC and locked in my configurations. It would be a Large purchase ($15K+), but I had felt it would be more than worth it. However, every step of the way was a nightmare:1. Had to purchase Via Money Order, circumventing consumer protections when using credit card. There was no guidance regarding this on their website and was informed via email.2. Very poor information delivery, called repeatedly and got nothing but excuses, non-comital phrases and over used platitudes.3. 90+ days between order and delivery4. Upon delivery the pc wouldn't boot.5. Called customer service, was told someone would call me back in under 48 hours.After the extend timeline and poor previous experience with Customer Service I decided to handle the problems my self. I set the PC up and opened it up to evaluate hardware layout and integration methods in my home lab. Upon close inspection I found the following:1. Leaking coolant through out the lower shelf on the MoBo side of the case. • RC: Every single coolant hose connection point was loose• CA: A. Removal of all hoses from MoBo side of the caseB. Evaluation of all hose seals, thread and connection pointsC. Pat dry of interior space of MoBO side of the caseD. Re-Connection of all hose, ensuring proper torque was applied to insure no further leakage• RESOLVED2. Horrible cable routing placing undue strain on cross-case harnesses. The deeper I investigated the worse it got•RC:A. Inadequate strain-relief on all cable assemblies.B. No anti-chafe grommets or harness protection mechanisms applied at cross case 'passthrough' pointsC. Connectors to MoBo poorly connected, several causing bent pins (MoBo side)D. Zip-ties, if and when used, were only to 'bundle' excess harness lengthE. Both GPUs were very difficult to disconnect due to the horrible routing and the stress on the connectors•CA:A. Disconnected all cables from the MoBoB. Pulled all cables and harnesses through central wall cable passthrough pointC. Measured lengths of cable needed from cable passthrough point to connections on MoBoD. Using mini Zip-ties, intended for harness building, built up proper power distribution harness with multiple break-outs and appropriate lengths for correct strain-relief•RESOLVEDAll in the above took me approximately 6 hours of my own time. For a machine, that cost as much as a used vehicle, from a company that advertises a rigorous Quality Control Process I was highly disappointed. It’s surprising that, at the purchase price, I'd still have to invest approximately $500 more in my own labor to have the machine fully functional. The average civilian consumer does not have my background or experience. It is infuriating to think that DS is delivering product to its customers, and their consumers have to deal with issues like I had found, especially when we pay for a premium product at a premium price-point.Needless to say, I am highly disappointed with all aspects of my recent business with DS. I will no longer consider DS when it comes to fulfilling any business needs I may have, both for my personal business or my role in the Defense Contracting industry. I will be sharing this review far and wide for a singular purpose.BUYER BEWARE!
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