Bolt 3: LV3 vs. LV4

Hi LDLD... Not sure what you're using it for but for gaming, the Z97.4790k cpu and a 980TI with AIO 240mm cooler should be great.

The X99, if you want the added cores, I would drop to the 5820K cpu and save a ton of money.   We can no longer say more than 4 core isn't used for gaming, but a 4 core 4790k is still plenty, IMHO.   The 5960x would be for the added cache and allow more extreme oc.   Too expensive for the small if any benefit.  The 5820k is the same as the 5930k with less PCie lanes and with a single card, the added lanes aren't needed.  

The 980Ti is basically a Titan X with 6gb vram vs Titan X 12gb and doubtful 12gb will be useful for gaming anytime soon.   Gaming performance even at 4K is within a couple of % points. 

My pick would be the lvl 3 with a gtx 980TI and drop the water cooling, unless you just want it. Select the AIO 240mm rad or the cpu only extreme  if you want the water.     The extreme cooling /water will keep it a few degrees cooler but the other is also very good for less money.     The cpu and gpu under water will probably be cooler, but the AIO for cpu and  gpu on air should stay well within limits.   Really depends on the budget and whether someone wants a water setup for looks and the extra cooling.  

DS does thermal check the systems and wouldn't build a unit prone to overheat.

Just my take and hope it helps. 





Edited by bprat22 - 01 Jul 2015 at 8:01am

They only have the one mobo for the X99 chipset in small form factor, anything else would be a special order.  Extra for the special order and special orders aren't covered by the DS warranty.  The manufacturers warranty still apples.

My guess is they don't have a water block for the X99 cpu that fits the Bolt's small form factor case.   Not sure anyone like EK even makes a water block for it yet, but haven't checked in awhile. 

By liquid cooling I'm assuming you mean the water cooling with seperate hose, pump, etc.   The AIO, all in one, sealed liquid units do fit like they offer.

I'd ask them for verification.  Things change here all the time.


Edited by bprat22 - 02 Jul 2015 at 6:55am

That's a good question.   I think I remember Alex mentioning that with the X99 they couldn't make liquid cooling the gpu and cpu together workable.  Might not be enough room to air cool the cpu and liquid cool the gpu either with the tightness of the case.  Not sure the issue. 

If Alex drops by maybe he can elaborate or email/call them.   

You don't really need liquid cooling for the graphics card. We've been able to push the GTX 980 Ti overclocked on air cooling inside the BOLT 3 and have it match the performance of a TITAN X. This is all without it overheating and running a full 4K resolution as well.

In regards to X99 and liquid cooling, the motherboard does not support our custom liquid cooling system, so we have to use a closed loop all-in-one system for the CPU, which also means we don't have access points to integrate a GPU water block, this is why the X99 BOLT 3 cannot have the graphics card liquid cooled.