I Can Build My Own PC, Here’s Why I STILL CHOOSE Maingear
From Father and Son Builds to the Maingear Family
I’ve been building PCs since the days of neon lights in plexiglass cases. In college, I even designed and Dremel-cut my own custom case, then hand-assembled my first rig, and miraculously it worked on the first try(sadly the dorm room floor had seen better days). That success sparked a father and son tradition: every time my dad and I needed upgrades, we’d spend a day together researching parts and building our new machines.
Those were great times, and we learned the ins and outs of PC hardware. Fast forward to today, and I could still build my own PCs… but I choose Maingear to build them instead.
(My Original Article: https://craftingworlds.com/maingear/)
Why would a capable DIY builder hand that job to someone else? In my case, it came down to wanting more: more performance, more reliability, and less hassle. As my projects got more demanding (extreme overclocks, custom water loops, etc.), so did the potential for things to go wrong. DOA parts, blue screens from a bad tweak, mysterious overheating from a loose fitting, you name it.
I could still build my own PCs… but I choose Maingear to build them instead. (My Original Article: https://craftingworlds.com/maingear/)
And when you’re a freelancer whose income depends on a working PC, constant tinkering and downtime from failed parts isn’t just annoying, it’s a deal-breaker.
I needed a PC I could count on day in and day out, with minimal downtime and top-notch support if anything went sideways. In short, I wanted the kind of worry-free experience Mac users(used to) brag about, but in a powerful Windows workstation I could also game on. That’s exactly the “Apple customer experience” I was looking for, but in a PC, and Maingear excels at treating you as a person, not an order number.
Once my dad discovered Maingear (he bought a beastly “Obelisk” tower years ago) and told me about their quality and killer warranty, I gave them a shot, and I’ve never looked back. I jokingly say Maingear “ruined” our father and son build ritual, because ever since that first Maingear, neither of us has felt the need to build our own PCs anymore. Instead, we’ve become part of the extended Maingear family of customers.
Maingear excels at treating you as a person, not an order number.
Craftsmanship and Performance: “One Man | One Machine”
One step into Maingear’s New Jersey facility and it’s obvious this company is run by PC enthusiasts. The vibe isn’t some sterile factory, it’s more like a high-end garage full of passionate geeks and builders. Every Maingear PC is hand-built from the inside out by a single master builder, not an assembly line.
Maingear’s mantra is “One Man | One Machine.” That means the person who builds your system owns the process start to finish. This leads to immaculate craftsmanship. Cables are artfully routed with zip-tie precision. Components are chosen and tuned for synergy.
Maingear doesn’t just throw parts together, they fine-tune and test each system to its max potential before it ships. My machines have all come professionally overclocked and stress-tested so that they run blazing fast yet stable. In fact, Maingear PCs often run quieter and cooler at full tilt than my old DIY builds did at idle.
The attention to cooling design is that good. No more office sounding like a jet engine.
Even custom paint jobs are applied with car-quality finishes.
When I first saw a Maingear up close, it truly felt like a high-end sports car in both looks and performance.(one of their original custom painted Rush Machines to the left)
As time goes on, their customizations have gotten even more modular, advanced, and utilizing tech, 3D printing, and adding a unique flare beyond the normal Paint Job. (images below)
And crucially, when a Maingear PC arrives, it just works at maximum capacity while remaining stable. There’s no tweaking needed out of the box, no driver drama, no mysterious crashes, just pure performance.
That “just works” reliability is something I used to only associate with out-of-the-box Apple products. Yet Maingear delivers it in a custom Windows PC built exactly to my specs.
Simply put, the Maingear difference is having a PC that’s crafted with a level of skill and care you can immediately see and feel, and that translates into better performance and peace of mind for me as a user.
Support That Treats You Like Family
Impressive hardware is only half the story. The real reason I’ve stuck with Maingear for over a decade is their incredible customer support, support that has treated me more like family than just a customer.
One of Maingear’s core promises (and one they actually deliver on) is:
“The same people who build your machine, support your machine.”
When you call for help, you’re often speaking to the very expert who assembled your PC, or at least someone on the build team who knows it inside-out. It’s a one-on-one, personalized experience, not a ticket in some corporate queue. It’s a team that is passionate about their positions, gaming, computers, tech, cars, you name it! (should see some of the unique vehicles in their parking lot!)
Don’t believe me, just watch Linus Tech Tips’ Secret Shopper. Maingear kills it, each and every time:
Maingear’s team goes above and beyond to keep you running. They offer:
- Warranty:
Gaming PCs include a 1-year limited hardware warranty; workstations typically include 2 years. Extended warranties up to 3 years total are available. All factory-installed components are covered against failure due to normal use during the warranty period. Additional hardware coverage may be available through individual component manufacturers. - Lifetime Support and Labor:
Every Maingear PC includes lifetime support and free repair labor. - System Upgrades:
Maingear provides upgrade services for all PCs purchased within the last 5 years. Labor is free for single-component upgrades (excluding Apex liquid cooling systems). Components must be purchased through Maingear. - International Shipping:
Maingear ships internationally to select countries. Canadian customers can order online directly; others can contact Maingear for a shipping quote. International customers are responsible for customs fees and taxes. - Financing Available:
Financing is offered for US residents aged 18+ at checkout. Not currently available internationally. - Rigorous “Burn In” QA:
Every PC undergoes comprehensive quality assurance, including OS installation, driver updates, BIOS configuration, fan curves, power optimizations, and intensive stress-testing with proprietary software to ensure reliable, optimal performance out-of-the-box. - Not Just Gaming PCs:
Maingear also specializes in high-end professional workstations suitable for AI, CAD, 3D rendering, motion graphics, feature films, and general home or office use. - Watch Your PC Built Live:
Optionally see your PC built on Maingear LIVE, their weekly livestream, by contacting Maingear beforehand.
I’ve called for a part I upgraded myself and got the best support of my life without feeling rushed, while being in a rush!
“I’m talking to you Windows 11, hold the power button 3 times and recite a Harry Potter spell to get it into recovery mode!”
In my experience, these aren’t just bullet points on a sales brochure, but real practices. If a component fails, Maingear has overnighted me a replacement part before I even shipped the faulty one back. They’ve invited me to bring my machine directly into their shop when I ran into a perplexing issue, spending hours troubleshooting with me until it was fixed, all with smiles and genuine concern for my workflow.
I’ve even had them pick up and drop off a system from my office when I was on an impossible deadline. Likely cause they wanna drive their insane Maingear truck.
One particularly memorable example: I had a minor issue with a temperamental power button on my case. Maingear’s response? They replaced the entire chassis, motherboard, and power supply just to be absolutely sure the problem was gone, added extra fans to boost airflow (at no charge), and then hand-delivered the fully repaired PC back to me.
Who does that? Maingear does.
That kind of proactive service is priceless when your livelihood depends on your PC being up and running. All of this support means more uptime and zero headaches on my end. I don’t have to navigate dozens of separate manufacturer warranties or wait weeks for RMA turnarounds, Maingear handles it, fast and painlessly. They understand that every hour my workstation is down, I’m potentially missing deadlines or losing revenue.
Warranties WORTH Buying
And they truly honor their warranties over the long haul. With the standard included warranty (and even longer extended options up to 3 years), I know I’m covered for whatever happens, well beyond the typical 1-year parts warranty you’d get building yourself.
In fact, I used my first Maingear (a “SHIFT”) for 4 to 5 years straight, more than double the lifespan I got out of my previous self-built PCs, thanks to the quality and the support keeping it in peak shape.
Perhaps the best way to describe Maingear’s customer care is:
“They’ve always got your back.”
Even long after your PC has shipped, they don’t forget about you.
As I wrote in my original review years ago https://craftingworlds.com/maingear/
“Maingear has you covered. They don’t stop having your back when your machine leaves their shop. They are always there, like the creepy ex who texts you every Christmas years after a breakup, minus the creepy part, to make sure you know they are still thinking of you!”
It’s a funny analogy, but it’s true, Maingear genuinely checks in and cares about your experience. Years go by between builds and they still know me by name, treat me as if they are still that 3-5 man team, and are like that friend you pick right up with when ya go without talking for a bit. That personal touch builds real trust and loyalty. I don’t just feel like a customer to them; I feel like part of the Maingear family.
And that feeling is mutual, I’ve recommended Maingear to my own friends and relatives. My dad, myself, and several friends all have Maingear rigs now, and every one of them has had the same stellar experience.
Growing Bigger Without Compromise
Maingear started as a boutique shop for hardcore enthusiasts. When I bought my first system from them, they were still small, focused entirely on high-end custom rigs. But what stood out back then wasn’t just the gear, it was the culture.
Their founders were car guys. Real car guys. I’m talking fully modded-out rides in the parking lot, paint jobs so clean they looked dipped in candy. There were times it felt like there were more cars than computers being built.
And in the back? A dedicated garage turned paint lab, an actual dust-proof room for automotive paint jobs. But instead of cars, you’d find stripped PC chassis hanging like raw frames at a body shop, waiting to be transformed. These were real car-grade paints, applied with the same precision and pride you’d expect on a luxury vehicle. (hundreds of paints they had on their shelves!)
That obsession carried right into their PCs. The finishes weren’t just for flash, they were part of the brand’s DNA. It was about finish. It was about pride. That hasn’t changed.
Their older machines with custom paint jobs.
…bigger now, but still operates with a boutique mindset…
Today, Maingear has grown, around 50 employees now, a wider range of systems including affordable prebuilt options, but walk into their office and the vibe is still the same: builders who care. Every new hire seems to share that original ethos of craftsmanship, performance, and attention to detail. But, even at the end of the day, passion for the gaming/PC world.
And the growth hasn’t hurt them. If anything, it’s made the brand stronger.
In 2022, they teamed up with Shroud, who was already a fan thanks to Deadmau5, and launched the MG-1 Shroud Edition. Shroud was so impressed he became co-owner. A move like that usually screams “marketing stunt,” but here it didn’t feel that way. He’s involved, but the core team is still doing what they’ve always done: building damn good PCs.
The MG-1 line is now the intro point for folks who want boutique quality without going full custom. It still has the same no-bloatware, hand-built quality Maingear is known for. Whether it’s an entry-level setup or a top-tier Fractal, it’s getting the same level of care.
They’ve scaled without selling out. They’ve gotten bigger, not bloated. And that’s rare.
Maingear’s growth hasn’t dampened its quality. It’s also telling that industry experts consistently heap awards and praise on Maingear’s builds. Year after year, Maingear PCs win Editor’s Choice awards from PC Gamer, PCMag, Digital Trends, Tom’s Hardware, and more. At CES, they’ve snagged titles like “Best Gaming Desktop.” This track record speaks to a company that might be bigger now, but still operates with a boutique mindset focused on quality and customer satisfaction above all.
Beyond PCs: Maingear’s Passion for Everything They Create
The attention to detail, craftsmanship, and quality Maingear puts into their computers doesn’t stop at just PCs. They approach every single product with the same obsessive care, thoughtful design, and dedication to usability and durability. It’s genuinely impressive how much heart they put into everything bearing their name.
- Maingear Backpack:
What I initially expected to be standard company merch turned out to be the most rugged, reliable, and practical backpack I’ve ever owned. Years later, it’s still my daily carry, surviving countless trips and proving Maingear’s commitment to quality, no matter the product.
▶️ Watch My Maingear Backpack Review
- Forma GT Gaming Chair:
This chair was another example of Maingear’s excellence extending beyond computers. Through countless long editing sessions, gaming marathons, and all-nighters, it provided superb comfort and support. It finally retired gracefully after exceeding its expected lifespan by years, a testament to Maingear’s consistent quality across their entire product range.
▶️ Watch My Forma GT Gaming Chair Review
What I’m highlighting here is simple but powerful: Maingear doesn’t cut corners, period. Whether it’s a cutting-edge gaming rig, a rugged everyday backpack, or a comfortable and reliable gaming chair, they pour genuine passion and craftsmanship into everything they create. Things they want to use everyday. It’s this consistent level of care and attention that’s earned my trust.
Why I’m a Customer for Life
At the end of the day, I haven’t stuck with Maingear all these years just because they can assemble a killer PC. Plenty of companies can slap together high-end parts. I stick with Maingear because they remove the worry from owning a high-performance computer.
I know that when I power on my Maingear, I’ll be greeted with a stable, finely-tuned system that’s ready to work (or play) at its fullest potential. No fuss required.
And on the rare occasion that something does go wrong, I have absolute confidence that Maingear will have my back immediately, whether that means walking me through a fix on the phone, overnighting a part, or even saying “bring it in, we’ll take care of it right now.”
That kind of peace of mind is priceless when you rely on your PC as much as I do.
Yes, a Maingear may cost a bit more upfront than a home-built rig. I’ve done the math, and depending on the build, you might pay a few hundred to maybe a thousand-dollar premium(if you really go nuts on the RGB) for equivalently specced Maingear versus DIY.
But for me, that difference vanished the first time Maingear saved me from a potential multi-thousand-dollar loss by preventing downtime.
As I wrote in my original article:
“If my main workhorse PC breaks down, I am out of work… since my first machine, I would pay that difference any day of the week for the peace of mind.”
I’m happy to invest in peace of mind, in knowing that I have a team behind my machine.
In the end, Maingear feels less like a vendor and more like a partner. They share my passion for technology and understand my needs as a creator and gamer. They’ve earned my loyalty not just through amazing PCs, but through years of proving that they care about me and my family’s computing happiness.
My dad and I may no longer spend weekends elbow-deep in PC parts, but we have something even cooler: the same Maingear “family” looking after both of our systems with the kind of care and expertise we simply couldn’t match on our own.
Maingear has been, and remains, the best custom PC builder out there in my book, and importantly, they’ve become like family along the way.
I wouldn’t trust my rigs with anyone else.
The Life Cycle of My Different Maingear Rigs in Photos
Over the years, I’ve had multiple Maingear builds, each marking a new chapter in my creative and professional journey:
- SHIFT:
The powerhouse that started it all, lasting solidly and dependably for nearly five years. It set a new bar for my expectations. - ▶️Video of me first unboxing looking at it (OLD video!)
- ▶️
- RUSH:
A sleek, refined, and quieter evolution of what the SHIFT pioneered. It improved on every aspect of airflow, sound dampening, and aesthetics. I remember hitting the power button and actually not realizing it was on and restarting it by accident it was so quiet!
- BENEXT Creator Build:
Maingear sponsored this build as part of their former BENEXT creator initiative. We live-streamed the entire assembly, showcasing Maingear’s dedication to craftsmanship and collaboration. It was truly one of the best interactive experiences of my career. ▶️ Watch the BENEXT Live Build + Interview - ▶️Timelapse of build
- FRACTAL:
With its Fractal case, this rig melts seamlessly into any room, what you see is a sleek exterior hiding a true sleeper powerhouse. There’s no gaudy RGB or bargain-bin parts in sight, just whisper-quiet Noctua fans, a single tasteful LED accent, and some of the most insane specs I’ve ever owned. Every cable is neatly stashed and a 3D-printed brackets that serve both function and flair holds onto the behemoth 4090. The result is a flawless blend of form, function, and beauty: it’s so unobtrusive you almost forget it’s on, yet it still commands attention. - PHOTO GRAND REVEAL AT END!
These rigs don’t just represent upgrades in technology. They tell the story of my evolving relationship with PCs, from DIY passion projects with my dad, to trusting an incredible team at Maingear to carry forward that passion and still nerd out over how far me and my Dad could push our rigs in silent competitions with each upgrade!
Buy Maingear!
Looking Ahead: My Unexpected New Chapter with Maingear
I wasn’t planning to upgrade this year. Honestly, my last Maingear still had plenty of life left. But then, without warning, catastrophe hit, a full-blown hardware failure. It couldn’t have come at a worse time. I wasn’t financially prepared, work is insanely busy, and the last thing on my mind was a new build. It was a blow that went beyond tech; it struck directly at my workflow, creativity, and sense of security, where minutes count for day to day projects.
But seriously, peace of mind in a situation as hectic as this is hard to come by.
But Maingear stepped in, immediately and compassionately. They treated my situation as urgent, not because I was special, but because that’s genuinely how they treat all their customers. They valued my time, respected my stress, and moved swiftly to help me rebuild, both technically and emotionally(ok maybe I dreamt they hugged me or did I…).
And so I was free to continue my week and prioritize rebalancing everything else of importance while they covered me on the PC end. It felt like the warm embrace I still am hoping they include standard with the 3 year warranty… But seriously, peace of mind in a situation as hectic as this is hard to come by.
When my new 2025 Maingear rig arrived, it felt different. Unboxing it wasn’t just exciting; it was comforting. But more importantly it was once again the Maingear Standard of Function and Form. Wow… This might be one of the most beautiful builds I have had from them. Not only that but they have even innovated more since I last bought a PC with 3D printed per order brackets for these monster video cards and shipping protection(over that pink foam crap)! Color me impressed.
New Rig Reveal
Don’t take my word for it, here is the situation of “A photo speaks a thousand words, or maybe a “few” photos:
Here was a machine built with genuine care, empathy, and understanding of how deeply my work depends on reliable tools. It symbolized more than just an upgrade, it marked a fresh start, born not from desire, but from necessity, and softened by incredible support.
Gentle Reminder
It reminded me again why I transitioned from those beloved father-and-son builds to trusting Maingear in the first place.
It wasn’t about leaving something behind; it was about becoming part of something bigger, an extended family that always has my back. Or if you wanna be less sappy, a professional team of professional professionals who do professional things for other professionals!
As I powered on this latest rig for the first time, I didn’t just see a beautiful, powerful PC. I saw years of trust, loyalty, and genuine human connection behind it. I’ve made real life friends with so many of the Maingear employees. It was a testament to how Maingear has never let me down, especially when it mattered most.
In this unexpected chapter, Maingear once again proved that they aren’t just PC builders, they’re partners who genuinely care. They turned a stressful setback into a meaningful renewal, reinforcing why I’ll continue to trust them for years to come.
It is true, TIME IS MONEY, especially with your computer crashes and doesn’t restart!
Here’s to another chapter, one I hadn’t anticipated, but now embrace wholeheartedly, grateful to continue my journey alongside the incredible team at Maingear. Thanks guys and girls!
