The Computer Council - Clocked Gamer Quad
Introduction, Ordering & Delivery
Published: 7th July 2008 | Source: TCC | Price: £999.00 |
Introduction
When purchasing a new pre-built PC, it can sometimes be hard to find a company that is small enough to give you that "personal touch" while also having the knowledge and experience to build a system based around the very latest technology. Larger companies such as Dell and Voodoo often have the latter down to a "T", managing to push out base units with the latest graphics cards and processors on a production line scale. However, while these companies are more than capable of getting your new purchase out the door in a record time, there is one thing they all distinctly lack: a personal level of service.
A personal level of service is one of those things you don't really realise you need until you find yourself on the phone to tech support, being thrown between "departments" and generally being forced to explain your problem over and over again. We've all been there, and this is exactly why many people make the choice of getting a friend or local company to build their new PC for them. The Computer Council (or TCC for my lazy fingers) IS one of these local companies, and based out of Staffordshire in the UK, their small team of dedicated engineers have almost a decade of experience in selecting components and building PC's. Here's what TCC list as their core competencies on their website:
- Effective communication with our customers.
- Excellent customer service.
- Comprehensive after sales service.
- Superior build quality.
- Value for money.
- Financial success.
- Excellent customer service.
- Comprehensive after sales service.
- Superior build quality.
- Value for money.
- Financial success.
As we can see, A large portion of TCC's morals are built around customer service. This certainly isn't a shock either considering their staff have a combined total of 15 years support experience in the IT industry. TCC also showcase their systems on a monthly basis over at the Bristol Computer Fair. This allows potential buyers to take a good look at the systems, play the latest computer games on them and chat to the TCC staff before making any decisions. Interestingly, TCC only sell their systems online, meaning that there are no salesperson pushes to 'sign on the dotted line' when viewing the systems.
Ordering & Delivery
Being a "web only" style company, you would certainly expect TCC to have a top notch website. Many other manufacturers and PC builders have interactive websites that allow you to custom-build your dream machine while keeping a running total of how much the machine will cost along with an updated image of what it will look like once completed. However, having gone through the whole order process as a customer would, things certainly pick up after placing your order. TCC are extremely verbose during the build process, keeping you up-to-date every step of the way via either e-mail or telephone. There is also an online order tracking facility available via their website, but in all honesty we found the regular exchanging of emails between the team at TCC and our reviews mailbox to be more than adequate at keeping us informed.
TCC also provide free UK Mainland delivery on all of their base units as standard - with DHL being the courier of choice. All PC's are double boxed to ensure that they are well protected against shipping damage, and we're pleased to say that our system arrived in pristine condition.
Most Recent Comments
The review (page 1 in particular) read more like a sales pitch for the company than an independent unbiased review.
also,
I think you should of pushed on this point a bit more, and not left it at "no pushy salesmen". Very few people would choose an online only company over one with a shopfront.
I really cant help but feel that the first page was written by "the computer council". Sorry.
Perhaps that is actually a reflection of the quality of the service? And it is felt that their service deserves to be promoted, just like any review which gives pleasing results?
anyway entitled to your opinion
Petty it isn't water cooled.
i can see why water cooling may be an issue (Transit may cause a leak)
We have an extreme watercooled system on the horizon for those with a bigger budget. We'll also be providing free delivery/setup personally by one of our technicians on this system, to eliminate the problems of shipping a watercooled system. :)
Well done guys, looks like a nice system.. I would try and make the site a little more 'attractive' though, but in all fairness it works well and it is extremely easy to navigate.
It's great that we're able to receive direct feedback this way - thanks for all your comments so far. :)
There are definate plans in place to give the site a facelift, and hopefully integrate a whole new ordering system with much better options for customer's to configure their own PC. It'll be even easier to navigate around and find exactly what you're after - with a much wider choice. :D
There are definate plans in place to give the site a facelift, and hopefully integrate a whole new ordering system with much better options for customer's to configure their own PC. It'll be even easier to navigate around and find exactly what you're after - with a much wider choice. :D
Good review, seems to me that it's a good way of getting value for your money if you're looking for an "all-in-one" solution with minimal work required. I guess it's too expensive for me, but if people were looking to buy a new PC and asked me, I'd be sure to point them in TCC's direction if they didn't want to get seperates.
I would try and make the site a little more 'attractive' though, but in all fairness it works well and it is extremely easy to navigate.
Hi all - we've been working hard since the review to make improvements.
We have now addressed this issue with the launch of a new website and ordering system. Feel free to have a nosey. :)
Based on feedback given from Overclock3D TCC have just released their new website. We revisit the site to see whats changed.
The site is much better, also for the review price you can now have the 280, 4gb and 2x500gb in raid0 (or the review one for £300 less).
Yes there is a vast improvement over the old site. Well done TCC :)
CSS Valid
also,
I think you should of pushed on this point a bit more, and not left it at "no pushy salesmen". Very few people would choose an online only company over one with a shopfront.
I really cant help but feel that the first page was written by "the computer council". Sorry.