Have you ever heard of ZT Systems?

May 30, 2011 10:25 AM

Does anyone have experience with ZT Systems computers, sold through Costco?

My father is considering buying a ZT Affinity with a I7-2600 processor (model number 7613Mi) from Costco. He's attracted to the deal because the system looks reasonably powerful for a home machine and easily expandable. The only negative review he's read is that high end gaming graphics cards may require a new power supply, but this machine will not be used for any game more graphics intensive than Farmville. FWIW, my father is above-average tech competence - retired EE, willing to add his own RAM, etc.

Do you have any experience with the quality of the machine? Repairs and reliability? Does it hold up?

posted by maryr to computers & internet (6 answers total)

Over the past two years I've had a couple of friends get them. No issues at all (though I've always recommended the Intel systems).

I did some minor upgrades (memory and a new drive) and found them easy to work with.

Costco's return policy us top notch, too.
posted by jz at 10:47 AM on May 30, 2011

I've never touched a ZT desktop, but I use ZT servers extensively at work. They build a no-nonsense product that does exactly what is says on the tin.
posted by b1tr0t at 11:05 AM on May 30, 2011

What's their policy for warranty repairs? Do they send the tech to your house? Or do you have to box it up and take it in or ship it some place?
posted by dgeiser13 at 11:17 AM on May 30, 2011

I bought one of these from Costco about a year ago. Mine ended up failing because of the power supply. Fortunately it was still within the return period so it was no problem to return it. Overall, I think it is a decent product. I think I might have just gotten a dud. I would have had no qualms about getting another one, but I re-evaluated my needs and went in another direction.

In your Dad's specific situation, I would go ahead and get it from Costco. Use it heavily in those first three months. If there is a problem, it should show up. You will still be able to return it with their 90 return policy.
posted by poyorick at 1:52 PM on May 30, 2011

Use it heavily in those first three months.

Agreed. I'm a fan of running various "burn-in" programs (Memtest86, Sandra, CPUburn) to stress-test the machine, especially right off the bat so you can return it if something fails.
posted by xedrik at 4:29 PM on May 30, 2011

I just bought one myself. Mine is the quad core cpu with 8 gb of ram. I've put it through a couple stress tests, ran like a champ. Personally, I would like a bigger graphics card but I can always upgrade. I did a lot of research on ZT's products. The only negatives I could was it could a bigger supply. I've been very happy with mine straight from the box!
posted by cliffster99 at 12:06 AM on May 31, 2011