Out of loop- Decided to purchase gaming pc

Budget:
$800-$1300. i am willing to spend all of this on the computer itself. That is, I won't be purchasing accessories or a monitor out of this amount.

I have a monitor. This one actually: (wouldn't not let me link) But it's just a 22 inch LG, model number: LG 22MP56

I realize it's nothing too special, but I could potentially upgrade down the road.

Expectations:

I'm really just looking for a solid gaming computer. I have an MBP that I use for work related stuff. I'm not the type that needs to play the latest FPS on ULTRA settings. But at the same time- if spending an extra $200-300 would help future proof my system then that's fine. I'm actually getting this to play Pillars of Eternity, which I realize is not a demanding game. I haven't considered myself a pc gamer for probably a decade. So now that I've got the bug, I figure I might as well spend some extra money and get something "okay". For instance, I'd like to play Fallout 4 on high settings.

Usage:

Please see above under expectations. I will pretty much only be using this for gaming.

Special Needs:

Silly question... but I gather that this computer doesn't come w/ the ability to connect wirelessly to my router. I'll need this. We have very good internet here, and I have a nice apple router (imo). Anything wrong w/ just using the usb to connect?

Saved Ticket #:

N/A

Specifications:

I am looking at the Vanquish Level 2 or Level 3. I guess my concern is that I've read that the motherboard on the level 2 system doesn't leave much/any room for upgrading in the future. Is the level 3 much better in this regard though and worth the extra cash? I must admit I'm quite the newcomer to this stuff. What little I know I've learned from 4 or 5 hours of research in the last couple of days.

I've heard fantastic stuff about Digital Storm. Thanks!

Oh- and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Edited by Jdot - 25 Dec 2015 at 3:49pm

Originally posted by bprat22 Hi jdot... The h110 motherboard in the level 2 is more barebones but neither it or the z170 in the level 3 allow sli if that's the expansion you had in mind.   The h110 also only has 2x DIMM slots for ram vs 4 for the other, but both can accommodate more ram than gaming needs. The level 2 h110 doesn't allow for overclocking. The level 3 does, but the CPU in level 2 isn't a K chip for overclocking anyways. The biggest difference between the lvl 2 and 3 for most would be the graphics card. The lvl 3 970 is about 40% stronger than the 960 and would be my choice if at all possible. The 960 will play Fallout 4 but the 970 does allow smoother play and is definitely stronger longevity as games get more demanding. Neither have a wifi motherboard. A USB wifi adapter will work just fine. The level 2 will play most games on medium to high and is a strong gaming rig for the price. The level 3 offers more and worth the extra money if the budget allows. Hope this helps and good luck.

That's actually VERY helpful information. It seems like the level 3 is more than worth it for the price difference over the level 2. After my original post I did some more research, specifically on these forums. Now I'm trying to decide between the level 3 and level 4. (not much of a price difference there)

I note that through reading the forums that the level 4 used a better processor but w/ the 970. More recently, due to difficulty obtaining the i7, Digital Storm is keeping the i5 (for now) but added the 980 graphics card. I believe this would even be a better deal for gaming than the i7. So now I'm thinking I should hurry and perhaps order the level 4 while it has the better graphics card!

Thoughts on this?

Also- I'm not sure what "sli" meant so I had to google it. I really wasn't sure what I meant. It was just something in a review I read. Hey thanks again for all your help. I look forward to joining the party/cult that is Digital Storm soon!

Originally posted by bprat22 I agree with you on the present level 4.  I'd rather have the stronger 980 and the i5 than the 970 with i7.  For gaming, the hyperthreading in the i7 doesn't do much right now.    Best bang for your buck is the level 3.  The level 4 gives you more ram and the 980 which is about 20% better than the 970.     If in the budget, get the level 4.  If its a tight squeeze on the wallet, the level 3 is excellent also.  I have a 970 with 8gb ram and play most games on max.   But, things will only get more demanding.Sorry about the sli terminology.  We're so used to tossing sli, cpu, psu, mobo, around we forget not everyone is used to the shortcuts.

I really appreciate your assistance. It's sort of difficult coming from the outside. I'm getting really excited. I think I'm just going to say *&^$ it and go for the Vanquish level 4. I'm not sure if this is the right place to discuss, but about overclocking... I read one review that indicated that Digital Storm sends you software, etc. that makes it very easy to do this yourself. On the other hand, I see references to Digital Storm overclocking the machine for you.

I'm probably getting ahead of myself, but it's fun to learn. Thoughts on this?

So I will need to specify during my order to have them overclock it? As you put it, sounds like it's a relatively safe thing to do. So recommendations on whether to request it? Any idea how much they charge?

I said directions, but the review made it would like some of the included software made it easy to do so perhaps that's what the reviewer was playing around w/.

Edited by Jdot - 26 Dec 2015 at 4:55pm

Hmm- perhaps I'm being a bit dense, but I don't seem to see the option. When I go to checkout I can view the configuration which in part states,

CPU Boost: Overclock CPU 4.4GHz (Extreme Performance)
Graphics Boost: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Memory Boost: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory

But- I didn't select that. It seems to be the way it comes? Maybe I didn't make it far enough through the checkout process?

I may order this damn thing tonight. Thanks again for all your help!

Well I did pull the trigger last night. I must say that I did not expect to be so excited. I want it like now! (would be perfect timing w/ my work level at the moment as well) Unfortunately, I assume it will be at least next week. I went w/ the level 4 because why not. Seems like an awesome graphics card.

Originally posted by db188 here's a guide for overclocking Skylake: http://www.overclock.net/t/1570313/skylake-overclocking-guide-with-statistics

Hey thanks! But... doesn't the CPU come from DS over clocked? (newbie here)

Originally posted by db188 i've always been one to do my own overclocking.  a number of people on these boards have relayed system instability directly related to oc issues.  now, these reported problems are a minority considering the number of systems that DS ships; however, it pays to check other people's work.  i have no way of knowing what amount of effort/testing goes into their oc service as there is no documentation of the process in any of the materials that were supplied to me upon receipt of my system.  for all i know they could be charging for an auto oc and forget it.  proper oc'ing can take an entire weekend to truly dial in with worry-free stability.  YMMV...the drawbacks of an unstable oc can lead to OS and Data corruption, along with system instability.

Yikes- now you have me a little worried. I'll try to learn up a bit. But I probably need to start w/ a beginner guide and then try to check what was done. Learning is half the fun I suppose!

Goodness... there should be a support group for us who have ordered and are waiting. I want to join the pc gamers so badly! :)

Originally posted by tfg1955 If you can afford the level 4 I would go with that. If you want the best value for your money go with the level 3. You CANNOT find a better built machine ANYWHERE with the specs and support that come with this machine. I've had my level 3 for alittle over a month now and could not be happier. You name a company that builds custom pcs and see what happens when you chat with them and tell them Digital Storm offers the exact same system for 2 hundred dollars less and see how long the chat lasts. Buy whatever you can afford. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you. I've done my research, and I'm confident that I've made the right decision. Thanks to people like on this forum. I just get a really good vibe from this company. Now that I've educated myself a bit, you can really tell what value DS offers. Oh- and btw I ordered the level 4 on Sunday already. I am very excited for it to arrive. I probably would have been just as happy w/ the level 3. But the graphics card on the level 4 put it over the edge for me. Thanks again for your reply.

I ordered my level 4 last Sunday. I was told that it would take about 5 days before it's shipped and then about 5 days for shipping to the east coast). So far- it still says stage 1. I'm not even sure what these stages mean. The fact that there are 7 or more stages is not encouraging though! I assume stages 2-7 will be very quickly since I expect to have it by Friday... :)

Originally posted by bprat22 Hi jdot....  If you mean the Vanquish level 4, then last I heard the Vanquish, being pre-built,  do not follow the same 7 stages of build as the custom rigs.  They go from stage 1, payment approved, to stage 7 just before shipping.   Hope this helps.

Helps as in- YES you just made my day. My last post, as you likely detected, had a bit of sarcasm (I was worried I'd be stuck in multiple stage for days). Great to know. Not that I have been yearning for one my entire life, but I've never had a dedicated gaming rig. Today I moved around some stuff in my home office and have her home waiting for her. :)

Originally posted by bprat22 I know the anxiety of waiting all too well.  I think this coming Monday the 4th would be the 5 business days before shipping if you ordered on Sunday the 27th.  Gotta back out weekends and Holidays.    Hang in there.

Yep- I think you're right about the timing. I may contact them about upgrading shipment. :) Seems a little silly to spend the extra money, but if could make the difference of getting it before the weekend, I'd be tempted. Speaking of which, I need to order my mechanical keyboard. I think I've decided on the relatively new Strafe- RGB by Corsair w/ the brown cherry keys. This will be my first mechanical keyboard as well...

Originally posted by hoserator Congratulations and welcome to DS. You got a good video card on that one.Hope you get it soon. These long weekends create havoc with s&h.

Thanks! Yea- I think you can't really find a cheaper system w/ this graphics card. It's impressive. I read that DS originally was using a better processor but a notch down for the graphics card.

I'm very glad to join the community.

Congrats! ...