Gaming PCs have come a long way in recent years. With powerful graphics cards, fast processors, and flashy RGB lighting, prebuilt machines from companies like NZXT and Digital Storm can transform your gaming experience. But which brand should you choose for your next rig?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll evaluate NZXT and Digital Storm gaming PCs across several categories to help you decide which is best for your needs and budget. We’ll look at:
- Brand Overview & Reputation
- System Options & Customization
- Price & Value
- Performance & Capabilities
- Design & Aesthetics
- Customer Service & Support
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of NZXT and Digital Storm so you can pick the ideal gaming PC. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | NZXT | Digital Storm |
| Price Range | $899 – $2,999 | $1,500 – $10,000+ |
| Customization Options | Limited preconfigured upgrades | Extremely extensive customization |
| Performance Focus | 1080p/1440p gaming | 4K gaming & max speeds |
| Design Style | Minimalist, clean aesthetic | Bold “gamer” cases with lighting |
| Customer Support | Very good phone, email, chat support | Excellent lifetime support & service |
| Best For | Budget-conscious gamers | Power users wanting max performance |
Key Differences Between NZXT And Digital Storm PC
- Brand Overview & Reputation
First, let’s look at the background and reputations of each brand.
NZXT
Founded in 2004, NZXT is a U.S.-based company that specializes in computer cases, cooling products, and prebuilt PCs aimed at gamers and PC enthusiasts.
Their gaming desktops launched in 2017 under the “Starter” series name.
NZXT has established itself as a reputable brand known for high-quality cases and power supplies.
Their PC building experience translates well into manufacturing clean, minimalist gaming rigs.
However, as a newer player in the system market compared to Digital Storm, they don’t share the same long-standing reputation for prebuilt PCs specifically.
Digital Storm
Digital Storm was founded in 2002 and has offered custom-built gaming computers for almost 20 years. Based in California, it’s one of the most recognized names in prebuilt high-performance PC gaming systems.
The company has a strong reputation for using top components, providing comprehensive customization options, and outstanding customer service. As an established authority in the gaming PC space, Digital Storm has a proven track record.
When it comes to brand awareness and reputation, Digital Storm has the edge over the younger NZXT. But NZXT is rapidly gaining ground with its quality products and compelling value.
Also Read: Is NZXT PC Better Than Origin PC?
- System Options & Customization
A major aspect to consider is the variety of system configurations and how much you can customize your build.
NZXT
NZXT offers preconfigured Starter, Streaming, and Pro gaming PCs. Within each series, you can select from different base models that determine your core components – things like the CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and more.
From there, you have some limited customization options:
- Switch between AMD or Intel CPUs on certain models
- Pick RAM speed up to 3200MHz
- Choose SSD capacity up to 2TB
- Select additional data HDD up to 2TB
- Switch the CPU cooler (AIO or air)
- Change case color for certain models
- Pick extra case fans or case lighting
The flexibility here is decent but not extremely extensive. NZXT aims for an optimal prebuilt configuration that doesn’t require much modification.
Digital Storm
Digital Storm focuses heavily on customization across its many PC lines like Vanquish, Aventum, and Lynx.
With any model, you can customize:
- CPU (AMD or Intel)
- GPU (NVIDIA or AMD)
- RAM (speed, capacity up to 64GB)
- Storage (M.2, SSD, HDD, with RAID)
- Motherboard (chipset, brand options)
- Cooling (AIO, custom loop)
- Fans & lighting
- Cases and colors
- Operating system
- Much more
This covers nearly every component. You can tailor almost everything to your exact preferences and budget. Digital Storm lives up to its reputation with seemingly endless customization.
For those who value personalization and control, Digital Storm has a clear advantage. But NZXT offers suitable options for most gamers.
- Price & Value
Pricing often comes down to your budget and what you get for your money.
NZXT
Across the Starter, Streaming, and Pro series, NZXT gaming PCs range from $899 to $2,999. The more affordable Starter models compete with entry-level prebuilt pricing starting under $1,000.
At the same time, they pack quality components like NVIDIA RTX graphics and AMD Ryzen CPUs. Even low-cost builds include SSD storage and 16GB RAM. You’re getting modern, speedy parts that can run modern games smoothly at 1080p or 1440p resolutions.
The Streaming and Pro models scale up to provide serious performance at reasonable mid-tier and high-end pricing. Value is a strength of NZXT systems.
Digital Storm
You’ll pay a premium for ultimate personalization with Digital Storm. Entry-level configurations start at around $1,500. High-end systems can exceed $10,000 when maxing out top-shelf components.
However, you get what you pay for – their PCs live up to their prices with elite performance and build quality. A maxed-out system will deliver incredibly fast speeds.
And Digital Storm runs frequent sales, so you can often snag big discounts on popular configs. Value depends on your budget – you can build economical or balls-to-the-wall PCs. But expect to pay more overall than NZXT.
If budget is your primary concern, NZXT provides better bang for your buck. But Digital Storm enables no compromises for those who want the very best.
Also Read: Differences Between Digital Storm And Build Redux PC.
- Performance & Capabilities
Gaming PCs need power. Let’s see how NZXT and Digital Storm stack up for speed and gameplay abilities.
NZXT
Thanks to wise component selection, NZXT gaming rigs offer great 1080p and 1440p gaming performance even at low prices.
The Starter series can run AAA games smoothly at 60+ FPS on high settings at 1080p. The Streaming and Pro series bump up to handle 1440p, high refresh rates, and max settings through top-tier NVIDIA RTX cards and new Ryzen CPUs. All support current gaming technologies like ray tracing.
You’ll be equipped for high FPS competitive gaming or visually immersive single player experiences. Performance is optimized for each series’ target gamer.
Digital Storm
No matter your budget, Digital Storm can configure a monster machine for elite gaming performance.
Systems with high core count Ryzen or Intel CPUs plus an NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti GPU will devour 4K gaming and beyond.
Liquid cooling and expert cable management ensure component thermals never throttle speeds.
Digital Storm fine-tunes systems for ultra power users wanting extreme 200+ FPS competitive gaming or buttery smooth 4K.
Benchmarks rankings consistently place Digital Storm among the top-scoring rigs thanks to bleeding edge hardware and meticulous tuning. Performance is their specialty.
If you want good 1080p/1440p gaming on a budget, NZXT gets the job done. But for uncompromising 4K gaming speeds, Digital Storm is king.
- Design & Aesthetics
Both companies offer systems with customizable RGB lighting and angular chassis designs inspired by gaming culture.
NZXT
NZXT sticks to a simple, clean aesthetic with their cases and components. Their signature H-series cases feature steel builds with tempered glass side panels to showcase internals.
Minimalist looks and clever cable management keep interiors looking tidy. You’ll also find customizable RGB case fans and AIO CPU coolers to add flair. The refined style attracts gamers who want power without over-the-top gaming branding.
Digital Storm
Digital Storm fully embraces “gamer chic” with cases sporting sharp angles, lighting flourishes, and windows to see inside. Their proprietary Aventum and Bolt cases especially exemplify the gaming look.
With configurable RGB throughout and liquid cooling tubes on display, their systems embrace high-tech enthusiast styling. The vivid lighting effects and visible internals make quite a statement.
NZXT offers streamlined aesthetics while Digital Storm is all about bold, gaming-inspired designs. Pick your preferred visual style.
Also Read: Is Origin PC Better Than Maingear?
- Customer Service & Support
Having good technical support can make all the difference.
NZXT
NZXT receives positive reviews for their customer service. Their support team is based in the U.S. and offers assistance by phone, email, chat, Reddit, and Discord.
The company is responsive to technical issues and returns. They provide clear instructions for self-troubleshooting through the NZXT Cam software. RMA and warranty service is straightforward if you receive a faulty component.
Digital Storm
Digital Storm also earns high marks for customer support. Their California-based tech support team offers lifetime labor and phone support along with 3-year part replacement warranties.
Many gamers rave online about smooth RMA experiences and quick, friendly tech assistance by phone and email. The company does an excellent job ensuring you’re satisfied with your purchase.
With both NZXT and Digital Storm, you can expect knowledgeable staff and efficient service if any problems arise. They aim to please their customers.
Final Verdict
In the end, if budget is your priority, NZXT gaming PCs offer excellent value and performance for the money from their preconfigured systems. You get strong 1080p or 1440p gaming at lower costs thanks to smart component selection. Clean, minimalist designs appeal to many gamers.
However, if you demand ultimate power and customization, then Digital Storm’s elite configurations, wide personalization options, and superb 4K speeds are worth the premium pricing for hardcore gamers who want to max out performance. Their service reputation also assures a quality experience.
On the other hand, NZXT’s entry level prices cater well to budget-conscious gamers who still want modern components and great 1080p gameplay. Their systems strike an ideal balance of price and performance.
So choose NZXT for an affordable powerhouse or Digital Storm for a fully personalized 4K gaming monster. Either way, you really can’t go wrong! Both companies make fantastic gaming PCs.