For gamers and power users looking to get the most out of their PC, going the custom build route can provide a level of performance and personalization pre-built options simply can’t match.
Two of the top players in the custom PC space are Maingear and Digital Storm, both offering high-end components, quality craftsmanship, and customization options galore.
But which one is right for your needs?
This comprehensive guide will compare Maingear vs Digital Storm across a range of factors to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Maingear | Digital Storm |
| Background | Founded 2002 in New Jersey | Founded 2003 in California |
| Customization | Complete component selection down to every part | Curated configuration focused on key components |
| Craftsmanship | Cutting edge exotic solutions like automotive paint, custom cables and immersion cooling | Clean, meticulous builds with premium touches |
| Performance | Benchmark pushing extremes with exotic cooling | Well balanced configs aimed at real world use |
| Support | Lifetime US based support with 1-3 year warranty | 3-5 year warranty with dedicated tech support team |
| Ordering Experience | Extremely robust configurator perfect for PC experts | Streamlined configurator great for those wanting fewer a la carte options |
Overview and Background
Maingear
Founded in 2002, Maingear is one of the OG custom PC builders, launched in founder Wallace Santos’ garage.
Over the past two decades, they’ve cemented themselves as a premier boutique builder known for crafting high-performance yet artful rigs.
Maingear is based in New Jersey and ships worldwide. All their systems are hand built and tested in the US using premium components.
From their trademark painted exteriors to immaculate cable management, Maingear’s attention to detail and craftsmanship shines through.
Maingear focuses exclusively on custom PCs for both consumers and businesses. Their systems range from affordable yet capable builds to drool-worthy dream machines packing the latest and greatest hardware.
Also Read: Is Maingear Better Than Falcon Northwest PC?
Digital Storm
Digital Storm launched a few years after Maingear in 2006 and has likewise earned a reputation for engineering outstanding custom gaming systems.
Based in California, Digital Storm crafts high-end PCs for gaming, streaming, content creation, AI and deep learning applications.
Each system is meticulously assembled by expert technicians and undergoes rigorous testing prior to shipping.
In addition to their bleeding edge flagship systems, Digital Storm offers more modest pre-configured builds to suit a range of budgets.
They’ve also branched out into stunning boutique pre-builts like the Vanquish PC line, combining top-tier hardware with unique chassis designs.
Differences Between Maingear And Digital Storm PC
- Pricing and hardware options
Both Maingear and Digital Storm give you tons of flexibility when it comes to components, allowing you to customize everything from the case and cooling to peripherals. Generally speaking, Maingear tends to offer greater personalization and broader configuration options.
Maingear allows you to hand pick every single component in your system, creating your dream machine from the ground up. Options range from mainstream to extreme, including exotic cooling, custom paint jobs, specialized cases and more.
Of course, with this level of customization comes premium pricing. Expect to pay a surcharge for hand selecting parts, especially high-end GPUs and CPUs which are allocated to fully configured systems first.
Digital Storm also offers deep customization, but with a more curated selection of components focused around performance. You can customize key elements like the GPU, CPU, RAM and storage but aren’t building from the ground up.
Pricing is generally more accessible than Maingear, though still a premium for complete customization. Digital Storm also offers financing options.
Both use premium components including parts from renown brands like ASUS, EVGA, Corsair, Noctua and Samsung. You can equip your rig with high-end parts like RTX 3090s, 12th Gen i9 CPUs and large capacity gen 4 NVMe SSDs.
Cooling and PSUs are robust as well, ensuring optimal thermals and clean stable power.
- Craftsmanship and build quality
A major advantage of going with a custom builder is exemplary craftsmanship and attention to detail from experts. Both Maingear and Digital Storm deliver in spades when it comes to pristine, artisan-level builds.
Every system undergoes thorough inspection and testing. Internals are meticulously routed with velcro ties and custom sleeved cables for optimal airflow and clean aesthetics. Components are carefully selected and precision assembled for flawless compatibility and performance.
You can even watch your system’s build process via live webcam for true peace of mind.
Maingear is renowned for their craftsmanship and cutting edge designs.
Their systems feature detailed paint jobs, exotic cooling solutions like immersion and chillers and unique touches like automotive paint.
Fully custom builds often integrate specialized cases like the Maingear Red Shift for ultimate personalization.
Digital Storm also delivers incredible attention to detail and rigorous QC testing. All wiring is meticulously routed and secured, with a focus on optimal thermals. Though not as exotic as Maingear, they incorporate premium touches like individually sleeved cables and etched acrylic windows.
For those wanting next-level personalization, the luxurious Vanquish PC line offers stunning customizable chassis with exotic cooling.
No matter which company you choose, you’re getting a meticulously crafted dream machine far exceeding off-the-shelf builds. It comes down to your budget and desired level of exotic flair.
- Performance and engineering
Given their boutique nature and premium components, both Maingear and Digital Storm build exceptionally powerful, fast systems excel in gaming and beyond.
Every build is extensively stress tested and benchmarked for real world performance. Whether you’re gaming in 4K 120FPS, crunching through video edits or compiling code, these custom rigs deliver.
Maingear’s hyper-customizable systems let you push bleeding edge builds to their absolute limits with extreme cooling and overclocking potential. Their craftsmanship also ensures each hand-tailored component works in harmony.
Digital Storm also engineers high performance machines but with a more restrained approach. Their builds focus on balance rather than maxing every part. This translates to systems with exceptional real-world speed while running cool, quiet and reliably.
For zero-compromise speed, Maingear allows you to push benchmarks to the extreme. Digital Storm prioritizes accessible performance balanced across the entire rig. Either will provide a level of speed and response far beyond off-the-shelf options.
- Customer service and support
Buying a custom built PC is an investment, and the quality of included customer support is paramount. Both Maingear and Digital Storm back their craftsmanship with strong customer service and warranties.
Maingear offers lifetime support for any system related issues over email, live chat and phone. Their US-based team are PC experts that treat you like family and go the extra mile. All their builds come with a 1 year base warranty with the option to extend up to 3 years.
Accidental damage protection is also available.
Digital Storm provides stellar support via email, ticketing and phone. Their knowledgeable gaming gurus aim to resolve any PC related issues swiftly. Systems come with a 3 year base warranty upgradable to 5 years. There is also a dedicated tech support number for quick assistance.
Overall, both provide excellent domestic customer service critical for specialized custom builds. Maingear focuses on personalized care while Digital Storm touts options for extended support.
- Configurator and ordering experience
The online configurator is core to crafting your perfect custom build. Both builders offer slick configurators to spec out and purchase your dream machine.
Maingear’s configurator is extremely robust, reflecting the depth of personalization they offer. You can dive into each and every component to hand select your perfect parts complemented by helpful buying guides. Extra touches like custom paint and cable combs abound.
Digital Storm’s configurator streamlines selections down to key components like GPU, CPU, RAM and storage. There are fewer a la carte options but still room for personalization.
Budget-conscious buyers can start with a ready build template and make modest upgrades. Their recently updated configurator adds clarity to the ordering process while still allowing for extensive customization should you desire it.
Maingear is ideal for buyers who know exactly what specialty parts they want. Digital Storm caters to a range of budgets while still delivering on performance. Both allow you to create a tailored high performance rig backed by master craftsmanship.
Also Read: Is Origin PC Better Than Maingear PC?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the key competitors of Digital Storm include:
Maingear – Another premium US-based custom PC builder known for craftsmanship.
Origin PC – Top competitor offering personalized boutique builds and lifetime support.
Falcon Northwest – High-end systems focused on design and liquid cooling innovations.
CyberPowerPC – More affordable mid-range custom systems compared to boutiques.
iBuyPower – Massive custom configurator with innovative case designs.
Puget Systems – Workstation and business focused custom PCs.
CLX – Competitively priced gaming systems with unique case mods.
Maingear competes with the following custom PC builders: Digital Storm, Origin PC, Falcon Northwest, CyberPowerPC, iBuyPower, CLX, Velocity Micro.
Yes, Digital Storm utilizes high-quality components from top brands in their custom PCs including:
1. NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards – RTX 30 series or latest Radeons.
2. Intel and AMD CPUs – Latest Core and Ryzen processors.
3. Corsair, Crucial or HyperX RAM – High speed DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
4. Samsung, WD or Seagate storage – M.2 NVMe SSDs and high RPM HDDs.
5. ASUS, MSI or Gigabyte motherboards – Featuring robust power and cooling.
6. 80 Plus Gold or better power supplies – From EVGA, Seasonic and Corsair.
7. Noctua or Corsair cooling – Premium liquid and air cooling options.
All parts are meticulously assembled and tested for performance and reliability. Customers can also request specific premium components during ordering for a custom build.
Yes, Maingear is highly regarded for engineering exceptional custom built PCs. Their hyper-customizable systems provide an unparalleled level of performance, personalization and aesthetics. Maingear PCs are crafted with extreme attention to detail and customer service. They are undoubtedly one of the premier custom PC builders for gaming and workstation rigs.
Also Read: Comparison Between NZXT And iBUYPOWER.
Which Custom PC Builder is Right for Me?
So when it comes down to Maingear vs Digital Storm, which custom boutique is best for bringing your dream desktop to life?
For value-focused buyers wanting premium performance with fewer exotic options, Digital Storm is appealing. Their systems still offer personalization where it counts while keeping pricing accessible relative to fully custom builds.
Enthusiasts pursuing the ultimate zero-compromise dream machine will feel right at home with Maingear. Their near endless a la carte combinations let you craft a PC that is truly one-of-a-kind. Expect to pay for the privilege though.
In the end, you really can’t go wrong partnering with either builder for your next high-powered desktop. Both produce breathtaking works of PC art that provide an unparalleled platform for gaming, creating and beyond. It comes down to your budget and how unique you want to get with personalization.
The most important factors are:
- Budget – Digital Storm configurators simplify selections tailored to different budgets. Maingear offers ultimate flexibility but at a premium.
- Level of personalization – Maingear enables complete a la carte selection for a one-of-a-kind build. Digital Storm streamlines common preferences for a more curated approach.
- Performance requirements – Both build exceptionally fast PCs but Maingear pushes limits for bleeding edge extremes.
- Support needs – Maingear provides white glove lifetime support with option to extend to 3 years. Digital Storm offers up to 5 years warranty with dedicated tech support.