Bolt 3 - IT'S HERE!!

Ok, my current DS system is 8 years old and has served me very well. I think it is about time to make a new purchase. I am really interested in the Aura and the form factor really fits where this PC would go in my house. I haven't completely made up my mind on the Aura though but I don't game near as much as I used to but it will probably fit my needs perfectly. Due to my schedule and kids, life, etc..I may game a couple of hours a week or even less. But still enjoy sitting down and trying to play something when I can.   But there is possibility of VR purchase at some point and it would see more use from my kids.

Details and configs are below. Also, what are your thoughts on the M.2 SSD - 512GB Samsung 950 PRO (NVM Express) vs a 500g Samsung 850 EVO? Can go with the EVO to cost some costs but it isn't a deal breaker.

Budget:
$3,000 - $3,500 (can go over some if necessary)

Expectations:
A system for gaming on high or max settings with an Ultra-Wide Monitor for the next 3 - 4 years. I don't mind upgrading the video card down the road as I did with my current DS system.   Also, I may make a VR HTC Vive purchase at some point as my kids are begging me for one!! I really enjoy a speedy performing computer in general use so I'm thinking SSD for OS and second one for storage. Low maintenance if possible which is another reason I like the Aura. It will sit up high off the floor on my desk which helps with the dust. I do have two dogs so I constantly blow out my system.

Usage:
General computer use, listening to music and gaming (Civ IV, Total War Series, X-Com, RPGs, Arma 3). Possible VR Gaming in the future

Special Needs:
None really, but am interested in the form factor of the Aura.   I don't require a lot of storage as I have an external network drive that holds all my music, etc...I usually don't store anything important on my storage drive on my desktop PC.    I have two configurations below. I would be interested in knowing which mobo has the best onboard audio either the ASUS Z170I PRO GAMING or ASRock X99E-ITX/ac. I don't mind upgrading to the 6800k if the audio experience may be a little better. I'm not an audiophile but curious which option is best.    

Saved Ticket #: 1516992 & 1517011


Specifications:Configuration Code: 1516992
Total Price with Instant Savings: $3,547.00

Direct Load URL: https://www.digitalstorm.com/configurator.asp?id=1516992

Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Pre-built Digital Storm Aura (ETA End of November)
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 6700K 4.0GHz (Codename Skylake) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS Z170I PRO GAMING (Intel Z170 Chipset) (Mini-ITX) (Up to 1x PCI-E Device)
System Memory: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Digital Storm Performance Series
Power Supply: 450W (80 Plus Gold Rated) (Supports up to GTX 1080)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: - No Thanks
Storage Set 1: M.2 SSD - 512GB Samsung 950 PRO (NVM Express) <br><strong></strong>
Storage Set 2: SSD - 480GB Digital Storm Performance Series <br><strong></strong>
Storage Set 3: - No Thanks
RAID Config: - No Thanks
RAID Card: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 1x GeForce GTX 1080 8GB (NVIDIA Founders Edition) (VR Ready)
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
HPC Processor: - No Thanks
Extreme Cooling: Digital Storm Vortex Liquid CPU Cooler
HydroLux Tubing Style: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected
HydroLux Fluid Color: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected
Cable Management: Premium Cable Management (Strategically Routed & Organized for Airflow)
Chassis Fans: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: - No Thanks
Airflow Control: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
LaserMark: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Standard Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Automatic Overclocking
Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Factory Reset Feature (Restore Windows + Drivers) (Partition up to 25GB of Storage)
Virus Protection: FREE: McAfee AntiVirus Plus (1 Year Service Activation Card) (Not Pre-installed) ($35 Value)
Office: - No Thanks
Game: - No Thanks
Display: Custom Color Calibration Monitor Profile By Professional Sensor Tool
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks
Branded Gear: - No Thanks
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 4 Year Limited Warranty (4 Year Labor & 2 Year Part Replacement)


Configuration Code: 1517011
Total Price with Instant Savings: $3,760.00

Direct Load URL: https://www.digitalstorm.com/configurator.asp?id=1517011

Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Pre-built Digital Storm Aura (ETA End of November)
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 6800K 3.4GHz (6-Core) (Unlocked CPU)
Motherboard: ASRock X99E-ITX/ac (Intel X99 Chipset) (Mini-ITX)
System Memory: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Digital Storm Performance Series
Power Supply: 450W (80 Plus Gold Rated) (Supports up to GTX 1080)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: - No Thanks
Storage Set 1: M.2 SSD - 512GB Samsung 950 PRO (NVM Express)
Storage Set 2: SSD - 480GB Digital Storm Performance Series <br><strong></strong>
Storage Set 3: - No Thanks
RAID Config: - No Thanks
RAID Card: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 1x GeForce GTX 1080 8GB (NVIDIA Founders Edition) (VR Ready)
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
HPC Processor: - No Thanks
Extreme Cooling: Digital Storm Vortex Liquid CPU Cooler
HydroLux Tubing Style: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected
HydroLux Fluid Color: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected
Cable Management: Premium Cable Management (Strategically Routed & Organized for Airflow)
Chassis Fans: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: - No Thanks
Airflow Control: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
LaserMark: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Stage 1: Overclock CPU - Up to 4.4GHz (Depends on Cooling and Motherboard)
Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Factory Reset Feature (Restore Windows + Drivers) (Partition up to 25GB of Storage)
Virus Protection: FREE: McAfee AntiVirus Plus (1 Year Service Activation Card) (Not Pre-installed) ($35 Value)
Office: - No Thanks
Game: - No Thanks
Display: Custom Color Calibration Monitor Profile By Professional Sensor Tool
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks
Branded Gear: - No Thanks
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 4 Year Limited Warranty (4 Year Labor & 2 Year Part Replacement) <br><strong></strong>




Edited by williamsw2 - 06 Dec 2016 at 3:35pm

Ok so now I am also giving serious consideration to a Bolt 3. Same needs/details as above. I am currently on a 24" monitor but will purchase an ultra wide for 3440 x 1440 gaming.

The reason I am looking at the Bolt and Aura are the form factors. My current DS Hailstorm System sit on the ground and I am looking to keep the new system off the ground on my desk or on a table besides.

Here is Bolt 3 config:
Configuration Code: 1518025
Total Price with Instant Savings: $3,414.00

Direct Load URL: https://www.digitalstorm.com/configurator.asp?id=1518025

Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Pre-built Digital Storm Bolt 3
Exterior Finish: Black Brushed Aluminum Hairline Finish
Side Window: Edge to Edge Premium Acrylic
Processor: Intel Core i7 6700K 4.0GHz (Codename Skylake) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS Z170I PRO GAMING (Intel Z170 Chipset) (Mini-ITX) (Up to 1x PCI-E Device)
System Memory: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Digital Storm Performance Series
Power Supply: 750W Lian-Li PE-750 (Platinum Rated) (Supports up to GTX TITAN X)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 8x / CD-Writer 8x) (Internal)
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD M.2 (512GB Samsung 950 PRO) (NVM Express) (Extreme Performance) <br><strong></strong>
Storage Set 2: 1x SSD (500GB Samsung 850 EVO) <br><strong></strong>
Storage Set 3: - No Thanks
RAID Config: - No Thanks
RAID Card: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 1x GeForce GTX 1080 8GB (NVIDIA Founders Edition) (VR Ready) <br><strong></strong>
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
HPC Processor: - No Thanks
Extreme Cooling: Digital Storm HydroLux PRO (CPU Only)
HydroLux Tubing Style: Flexible Tubing (Requires HydroLux Liquid Cooling System)
HydroLux Fluid Color: Red Fluid (Requires HydroLux Liquid Cooling System)
Cable Management: Exotic Cable Management - Red - (Cable Combs with Custom Color Sleeved Extension Cables) <br><strong></strong>
Chassis Fans: Standard Black 120mm Fans
Internal Lighting: Software Controlled Internal + Front Panel RGB LED Lighting (Requires Airflow Control Upgrade)
Airflow Control: Digital Storm Thermal Management Control Board & Software
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
LaserMark: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Standard Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Automatic Overclocking
Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Factory Reset Feature (Restore Windows + Drivers) (Partition up to 25GB of Storage)
Virus Protection: FREE: McAfee AntiVirus Plus (1 Year Service Activation Card) (Not Pre-installed) ($35 Value)
Office: - No Thanks
Game: - No Thanks
Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks
Branded Gear: - No Thanks
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 4 Year Limited Warranty (4 Year Labor & 2 Year Part Replacement) <br><strong></strong>

I'm not really interested in the Vanquish.  I purchased one for my son a couple of years ago and it has been great but I'm not interested in one.  Also, there is a chance the Bolt could be in my living room at some point to use the space for VR gaming. 

I did look at the Apollo but it is still a little too big for where the computer will end up. 

All the customer reviews on the Bolt 3 are very positive so I think it will be perfect. 

Not sure yet but I'm really leaning towards the Bolt 3!

Would you go to stage 2 overclock?

EDITED:  Last two questions I think. 

1.)  Is it worth upgrading to High Static Pressure - Corsair Air Series SP120 Fans (2x 120mm) for $29 or just stick with the chasis fans?

2.) Should I at least do Stage 1 overclock or leave it stock with no overclock?



Edited by williamsw2 - 09 Nov 2016 at 7:39am

The Bolt with Pro cooling doesn't have any chassis fans, just the fans on the rad. I would keep stock.

I would do stage 1 overclocked, even though it's not as big a difference with multi core enhancement as it used to be.

For the Bolt and its limited airflow, I would stick with a single fan card like Founders and Asus. The multi fan cards dump the heat into the case. I'm sure the multi fan will stay safe, but my personal preference is single fan.

The noise level should be lower if the graphics card is under water. The card is usually the noisiest part of a rig and the water cooling eliminates its fan.   Under water, the EVGA acx 3.0 would work with its fans gone, and would give you a better built card, circuitry wise.

Originally posted by williamsw2 Thank you so much! How hard is it to upgrade the graphics card in a few years if it is under water cooling? The time is near to pull the trigger.

It depends on the card themselves. Most likely if you do upgrade to a new card in the future, you'll be upgrading to a card with a different form factor. Depending on which route you go, you'll either buy the card as a whole ready for water cooling or buy the card and the block separately.

Originally posted by williamsw2 Ahhh. Didn't think about that.  Would need a whole new waterblock for a different card. I watched video on how to install a water block.  It doesn't seem too complicated but I've never done it.  I wonder if DS would send the new card with the block already installed.  That would be great.   A GTX 1080 should last me a several years though.

More and more manufacturers are offering their cards with a water cooling option, so assuming the trend continues you might be able to get a new card with the water block already installed down the road. All you'd have to do is install the fittings and switch out the card if you choose to go that route.

Congrats! 

Congrats Man. I purchased my Bolt 3 in March. The only downside was the month long wait for it to arrive. Otherwise the thing sweet!I had a SoundBlaster X1 in my old pc. The onboard audio chipset on this Gigabyte puts it to shame.

Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Pre-built Digital Storm Bolt 3
Exterior Finish: Black Brushed Aluminum Hairline Finish
Trim Accents: Edge to Edge Premium Acrylic
Processor: Intel Core i7 6700K 4.0GHz (Codename Skylake) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: GIGABYTE Z170N-Gaming 5 (Intel Z170 Chipset) (Mini-ITX) (Up to 1x PCI-E Device)
System Memory: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series
Power Supply: 600W SilverStone SX600-G (Gold Plus Rated) (Supports up to GTX TITAN X)
Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 8x / CD-Writer 8x) (Internal)
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (250GB Samsung 850 EVO)
Storage Set 2: 1x Storage (1TB Seagate / Western Digital / Toshiba)
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 4GB (VR Ready)
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: Digital Storm HydroLux PRO (CPU + Graphics Card)
HydroLux Tubing Style: Flexible Tubing (Requires HydroLux Liquid Cooling System)
HydroLux Fluid Color: Blue Fluid (Requires HydroLux Liquid Cooling System)
Cable Management: Premium Cable Management (Strategically Routed & Organized for Airflow)
Chassis Fans: Standard Black 120mm Fans
Internal Lighting: Software Controlled Internal + Front Panel RGB LED Lighting (Requires Airflow Control Upgrade)
Airflow Control: Digital Storm Thermal Management Control Board & Software
CPU Boost: Standard Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Automatic Overclocking

Stage 6 notification today!

Shipped Friday 12/2!!!

2-day Air!!!

Congratulations, enjoy. That is a nice system