New DS Slade Review

I'm very impressed with my new Slade computer, so I thought I'd share my experience.

I spent a lot of time online looking at various makes, running through various configurations, etc..., but kept coming back to Digital Storm for the options available along with the positive reviews. Each time I thought I had my configuration finalized, I'd learn something new and then go back and change it. For anyone else doing this for the first time, I recommend reading (googling) about all components thoroughly before configuring a system. That sounds like an obvious thing to do, but I did it backwards.

Anyhow, I wanted a computer to fulfill my flight sim hobby. I've been simming for many years, but always with a less than adequate system. The computer this replaces is in fact 7 years old, so I'm very slow to upgrade. I also wanted a very quiet system, because my previous one was very loud in graphic intense scenarios.

I was originally going to purchase an L4 Vanquish, but I decided I wanted the Skylake CPU. I also wanted two SSD's and one HDD. Some are comfortable with liquid cooling, but I was not so I selected an air cooler. MS FSX doesn't require a top of the line graphics card, so I went with the GTX 970, which is still plenty solid.

I received my computer and immediately loved the Corsair case. I like it's build quality, ease of access and how quiet it runs. When I say quiet, it's like comparing a Cadillac to a farm tractor. You only hear a slight hum, and this is even when I'm playing FSX. I'm an older guy, so this computer should meet all of my needs for years to come.

My previous computer averaged around 18fps in FSX. My new Slade averages between 41 and 80fps, depending on the plane and scenery in use. Best of all it's super smooth, no stutters and I couldn't be happier with the performance.

Not everything was perfect, however, but my problems were quickly solved. First, the overclock on my system wasn't stable, and I was getting blue screens regularly with various error messages. A forum member had me take my BIOS to default removing the overclock and that solved the problem. I could go back in and overclock, but my performance is so outstanding that I have no need. The Windows update feature was disabled on arrival, so tech support resolved that for me. The last issue was the power options in Windows 10 weren't working, and I found that there's an issue with the Extreme 3D joystick that interferes with Windows 10. It will take Microsoft to fix that bug.

So all in all, it's an excellent system and I highly recommend it for those wanting a powerful and quiet system.

Hi curt1,

Thanks for the review.

If you call tech support and tell them you have problems with the OC they will walk you through adjusting it. A simple process with DS helping you. I would do it right away instead of waiting. You have a great CPU and should take advantage of all it can offer.

Frank

Edited by FrankW - 02 Oct 2015 at 4:30pm