Purchase Advice Needed: 1st DS Gaming PC

Budget:
$1450 (not including monitor and keyboard) though if I could spend less than this I would like to.

Expectations:
I am looking to get a budget-friendly but nice computer that can do some graphic design and run RTS and RPG games.

Usage:
I would like to be able to play most modern video games on higher settings without slowdown. I predominately play RPGs and utilize Adobe CS4

Needs:
I would like some small amount of future-proofing with the understanding that I mostly play games like Baldur's Gate and don't expect my computer to last forever. I'm transitioning from a terrible HP Pavilion laptop.

Three Configurations I am looking at:

Vanquish II Level 4:
Specs:
- NVIDIA GTX 970 4GB
- Intel Core i5 4690K CPU
- 8GB 1600MHz Memory
- 120GB Samsung EVO SSD
- 1TB 7200RPM HDD
- Upgraded CPU Air Cooling
- GIGABYTE Z97 Motherboard
- 600W Corsair CX Power Supply
- DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW
- Microsoft Windows 8.1

Vanquish II Level 3
Specs:
- NVIDIA GTX 960 2GB
- Intel Core i5 4590 CPU
- 8GB 1600MHz Memory
- 1TB 7200RPM HDD
- ASUS H81 Chipset Motherboard
- 600W Corsair CX Power Supply
- DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW
- Microsoft Windows 8.1

Eclipse (preconfigured level 2)
Specs:
Specs:
- NVIDIA GTX 970 4GB
- Intel Core i5 4690K CPU
- 8GB 1600MHz Memory
- 120GB Samsung EVO SSD
- 1TB 7200RPM HDD
- H97 Chipset Motherboard
- 400W Power Supply
- Microsoft Windows 8.1

I am wondering about ventilation issues with the Eclipse and whether the power supply would be sufficient.

Edited by fakepalindromes - 23 Feb 2015 at 5:29pm

I agree with ummm whatshisname   

the 4g GTX970 will be a benefit and the Vanquish II lvl 4 will more than suit your needs with great upgradability.



Edited by Pacesetter - 23 Feb 2015 at 9:29pm

Hi fakepalindromes,

As all ready stated, the Vanquish II is your best choice for performance and future upgrades. The Eclipse level II is a poor choice for future upgrades due to its small power supply. It has the performance but you are better off with the Vanquish. I personally don't like the looks of the Eclipse case.

Frank


Edited by FrankW - 24 Feb 2015 at 5:07am

Thanks everyone! I will get the vanquish 4.

By the way, do people have particular feelings about either of the cases?

Edited by fakepalindromes - 24 Feb 2015 at 5:37pm

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/forums/vote-which-vanquish-case-do-you-like-tidf24189/

poll is there