I have not played with the blizzard kit, and I take everything in here and else where with a grain of salt regarding theirs or any other vendors products. There is always the slightest possibility that CPU/Fx-OCH had a batch of bad products go out. It may have been they were in a hurry to get the product to a customer (no excuse) or someone in quality control F'd up. (still no excuse) On the other side of the chip, there is also the possibility that they really have a slack quality control, unless a unit is shipped to a reviewer, then it may receive 'special' attention. I'm not saying this is the case, but a possibility.
So, that being said, here is why CPU/fx and OCH will not get my business, nor anyone else selling their product,
and not in any particular order.
Sales terms
"We "will" and have the legal right to bill your Credit card within 48 hrs of order receipt. This is to ensure your product is allotted to you as most items in our shop are configured to your needs. Our items are hard to find products and many are custom built."
My problem with this is it's rude. "will" as opposed to do is arrogant. I understand that they do have the right, and the need to stress it to avoid angry emails from people that don't understand that most companies do not charge until the order is shipped is a courtesy to show trust, not a requirement by law (with the exception of a few states) If they would've said "we do have the right to, and will bill your credit card..." I wouldn't have a problem with it. except for, "This is to ensure your product is allotted to you as most items in our shop are configured to your needs." This is bullshit, there are many other ways to ensure that a product is allotted to the person who ordered it w/o charging their card." Our items are hard to find products and many are custom built." ??? What kind of reason is this for charging before shipping?
"After 15 Business days of receipt of Items ordered." This bugs me because standard business model is 30days for a return, many now moving to 90 days to save customers warranty hassles. This makes me wonder why? do their parts tend to break after 15 days?
"Unless previous arrangements are made with an RMA number for defects or damaged goods. Damaged Items can be returned for a replacement for the sale amount. Shipping charges may be incurred based on the nature of the item and distance traveled."This is pretty standard. I do wonder though, if you make previous arangement, can you no longer return an item for the sale amount?
"All sales outside the Continental United States are "FINAL". Unless
www.CPUfx.com or
www.Overclockershideout.com has given written consent of agreed return arrangements." This is understandable.
"ALL peltier or tec units are non returnable after being used as are all items sold through
www.CPUfx.com and
www.Overclockershideout.com ." I kind of understand the reasons for this. OK
"All Items sold through
www.CPUfx.com and
www.Overclockershideout.com are sold for the hobby aspect of Overclocking and are recognized as so for this purpose. Any attempt to overclock any warranted computer or component will null and void any existing warranty for said or said items that you may own or posses. All items are considered experimental and are sold as this and are NOT guaranteed to achieve any specific result for any given device." I understand and accept this, except for "NOT guaranteed to achieve any specific result for any given device." The reason being is they show results all over the sight with what temps you can get. If you don't guarantee certain temps, don't give them unless clearly stated as an example. i.e. "out testing showed..."
"CONDENSATION is always an issue with super cooling with water and peltier or tec devices within a computer environment. We provide a certain amount of parts to help assist in prevention of condensation with the parts or application. However all systems are different and the industry is constantly changing which eliminates the possibility to provide all and any parts that may be needed to achieve this. As the end user you will be responsible for the installation of super cooling components.
We will not be responsible for damaged or lost data and or computer components with the application of water cooling devices sold within our stores @
www.CPUfx.com or
www.Overclockershideout.com." This again I find acceptable and understandable.
Shipping Policy
"Shipping policy.
Internet fraud is a concern to everyone. We take every step conceivable to protect our customers and their orders.
No exceptions!!!
· We ship to billing address only
· All order outside the US are subject to verification with fax or scan of documents we require
· We ship most products with the exception of kits and reservoirs within 48 hrs or 2 business days
· Kits and reservoirs will take 1-2 weeks to ship from time to time based on demand near holidays or peak seasons
· We do not ship on Saturday or Sunday
· Saturday delivery is available
· We only ship with UPS and tracking is provided
· We refuse to use US mail except APO orders that will required faxed or scanned documents "
Pretty standard, shitty for me because I live in Alaska and UPS only ships 2-day to here, but I can't knock em down for that.
The sight in general.
I don't trust it. why use both secure and non-secure items on the same page? What isn't secure?
The other problem I have is the sight design is not consistent I think I've counted 12 different variations. If you're going to redesign a site, finish it. If your too lazy to finish your site, how do I know you not too lazy to build be a quality product? This doesn't even begin to touch on how easy it is to lose your way in the site.
"Why Buy from OverClockers Hideout?"
"1. All systems and water blocks are tested for several days." I'll give em a point for that one, I don't trust it for reason stated above, but I'll give em points for doing it.
"2. We are the only water cooling kit provider to include all the parts you need in your kit." Bullshit
"3. SOLID piece water block construction." What do they mean by solid? Strong and sturdy? one piece? It isn't liquid?
"4. All devices use 3/8" fittings enabling easy integration of other cooling devices." Sure, product from your site.
"5. Online instruction with pictures and Toll-Free Assistance." 1/2 point for having online instructions, and 1 point for a 800 number. Still it would be nice to know if there was a paper manual also. If you need to tear down your only computer to install the kit, an online manual does you no good. Sure you could print the manual before tearing it apart, but you shouldn't have to for a 'kit'.
"6. OverClockers Hideout was founded by overclocking enthusiasts."Being enthusiastic about overclocking, doesn't make one an expert.
"7. All products made in the USA." 5 point for Slytherin. But FYI, my 81 VW Rabbit was built in Ohio, my 89 Caravan that I had was built in Canada, and my Toyota was built in Kentucky. I don't think Fixitt has declared himself an independent sovereign nation.
"8. All packages Domestic and International have a Tracking Number!" They make people use UPS! of course there is a tracking number. Don't take credit for it.
"9. European and overseas 230v pumps available." Cool, just remember their made in the USA.
Quotes on the main page:
"By researching and purchasing a more "safe" and guaranteed watercooling kit, like the Blizzard unit the risk of leaks is greatly reduced.- Mad Onion, 2001" I thought there was no guarantee? or is it guaranteed to be a water cooling kit?
"it screams! It outperforms all waterblocks we have as well as all the aircooled heatsinks we ever tested ...- Overclockers Online " Well I should hope it doesn't scream, I want H2O for silence. and I should hope it cools better than an air cooled system.
"I have used damn near every "complete" cooling set up out there, and this is the one I choose to run on my rig. Good stuff, check it out.-Steve, HardOCP" This, like the quote above do not say what kit they are talking about, how old of a quote it is, nor the reason why Steve runs it in his system. I would probably run one too if they gave it to me. maybe. If I could find a warranty or guarantee for the pump.
then there is this:
http://www.resellerratings.com/selle...seller_id=1591
for as many negative comments, they have a pretty high rating, although I noticed their own employees seem to have rated them. (I did some background work)
I have emailed my concerns many times, but have yet to ever receive a response. -3000pts for och.
I can come up with more, but I have other things to do today. and I will probably not bring this up again. This "there products suck" is the reason I left the "other" forum. There are enough legitimate threads as to why there product/service are bad, post a link. or tell someone to search. Otherwise it's just a opinion not based on any evidence. and yes I realize that other sites have some of the same things I complained about, but 1, they are not at issue here, and 2. Not anywhere near as many, and not all at once.
OK i'm done.