FAQ
TL;DR: 44×2"×2" boards cost $90, and one run took “a bit more than a month” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065] “The boards arrived right on time and look good.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621067] GoldPhoenix delivers in ~1.5 weeks [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621068]
Why it matters: For engineers choosing low-cost PCB prototyping, this FAQ compares price, lead time, and reliability so you can hit deadlines without surprises.
Quick Facts
- PCBCORE capability noted: min trace/space 3 mil; drill down to 4 mil (site observation shared) [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621063]
- PCBGeek “200 in²” order: 44 pcs of 2"×2" for $90; that run took just over 1 month [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065]
- PCBCORE timing reports: “arrived right on time” and “shipped the day they were supposed to” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621067][Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621069]
- GoldPhoenix proto deal: ~$120 for up to 100 in², 2‑layer, masks, top silkscreen, E‑test; ~1.5 weeks delivery [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621068]
- EverythingPCB lists many fabs and offers a 2% PCBwing discount link [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621070]
Which is faster right now: PCBCORE or PCBGeek for prototypes?
User reports show PCBCORE shipping on schedule: “arrived right on time” and “shipped the day they were supposed to” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621067][Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621069] One PCBGeek order took “a bit more than a month,” though support replied to emails [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065] Lead time varies by queue and shipping, but the thread favors PCBCORE for timing consistency [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621067][Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621069]
How much can I really get from PCBGeek’s 200 in² service, and what did it cost?
One user received 44 boards sized 2"×2" for $90 under the 200 in² service [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065] Quantity is not selectable in that service; it depends on panel yield [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065] That specific order arrived after a little over a month [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065]
What real users said about PCBCORE board quality?
“The boards arrived right on time and look good” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621067] Another user received three different boards (five pieces each) with shipping on the promised date and recommended PCBCORE [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621069] A separate commenter noted PCBCORE is well regarded among several shops [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621070]
What design rules did people see for PCBCORE?
A participant noted PCBCORE’s site listed min trace/space of 3 mil and a 4 mil drill, indicating advanced capability for fine features [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621063] Always confirm current DRC limits on the vendor’s site before release [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621063]
Is GoldPhoenix a viable alternative for small runs? What do you get?
Yes. Reported offer: ~$120 for up to 100 in², 2‑layer, soldermask both sides, top silkscreen, electrical test, delivered in about 1.5 weeks [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621068] The same user used them many times without a real problem [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621068]
Any recommendations for Chinese PCB houses mentioned here (e.g., PCBwing, mylydia, ABP)?
Recommendations cited: PCBwing has an excellent reputation and a 2% discount via EverythingPCB links [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621070] mylydia.com was flagged for attractive small‑run pricing, but no follow‑up results were posted [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621064] ABP Electronics actively offered fast prototypes; one user reported they caught a design fault before fab [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621071][Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621073]
What’s an example of an edge case or failure I should consider?
A PCBGeek order arrived after “a bit more than a month.” The user speculated it was lost, failed yield, or stuck in customs, but had no confirmation [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065] Boards were fine on arrival [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065] “A month is a long time to wait for a proto-board,” another user noted [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621066]
Can the fab help catch my mistakes before production?
One user said, “They recognized a fault I've done and asked about it so I could adjust it before production,” praising the service and quality [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621073] Proactive DFM checks reduce respins and delays [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621073]
How do I choose a PCB house quickly based on this thread’s data?
- Match timeline: If you need predictable timing, PCBCORE had on‑time reports; GoldPhoenix was ~1.5 weeks [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621067][Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621069][Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621068]
- Fit your budget: PCBGeek’s 200 in² yielded 44×2"×2" for $90 [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065]
- Confirm capabilities: Target 3/3 mil and micro‑drills only if your design requires it [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621063]
Do any services here offer online order status or better online quoting?
One user highlighted PCBCORE’s better online quote/ordering flow, broader options (thickness, finish), and online order status [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065] This helps track schedules without repeated emails [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065]
What if email responses slow down—how should I follow up?
The PCBGeek customer received replies but with slowing cadence during a delayed order [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621062][Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621065] Ask for a shipping commitment or status page link. If timelines slip, consider parallel ordering at a shop with on‑time reports (e.g., PCBCORE) to protect milestones [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621067][Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621069]
Is in‑house prototyping worth it to avoid delays?
One poster suggested bringing prototyping in‑house with an LPKF rapid PCB system, noting you could make several boards in the time spent waiting [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621079] This reduces shipping and customs risk but requires capital and process setup [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621079]
Can I get a quick quote for 2‑layer, 50×50 mm, 5 pcs to Europe?
A vendor asked for Gerbers to provide accurate pricing and lead time via Skype contact [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621074] Share stackup, copper weight, finish, soldermask color, and panelization for a firm quote [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621074]
Any notes on aesthetic quality like soldermask and finish?
One user said cheap board houses worked fine electrically, but the soldermask looked “really cheap” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621063] PCBCORE and PCBfabexpress were noted positively for quality outcomes [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621063] PCB Solutions was also praised for reliable service and many finish options [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621078]
Who else is well regarded in this thread?
PCBCORE, GoldPhoenix, PCBfabexpress, and PCBwing received positive mentions [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621070] EverythingPCB aggregates many manufacturers and offers a small discount link for PCBwing [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621070]
Is there any feedback on mylydia.com beyond pricing?
Only an initial note that mylydia.com had attractive pricing for small production runs was posted. No delivery or quality follow‑ups appear in the thread [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621064] Consider requesting samples or a small pilot first [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21621064]
