A Few Questions

Hello,

I am narrowing down my new PC search and will likely go with DS based on all the positive feedback, but haven't settled just yet. I had a few questions the community might be able to answer which would help me decide.

1. I don't have any previous experience with overclocking, computers I've built in the past I left stock. On a system that is overclocked to 3.7 for example, does this mean each core(quad core cpu) is running at 3.7 when under load?

I'm curious how this relates to the new 1156 chips that have a 'built in' turbo which kicks in for programs that only use 1 or 2 cores (example - WoW?), putting the other cores in idle.  To get to 3.7 or 4.0 does DS have to turn off the turbo and in that sense, does the 'turbo' become meaningless when the chip is cranked up anyway?

Basically I am weighing the option of going with an 1156 socket cpu vs. 1366.

2. How loud is the Enermax power supply? (compared to the 'silent' supplies that are offered)

3. Who manufactures the Hailstorm case, and does anyone have more information on it? I can't find much on the 'net about it, such as specs. 

4. 2x275 seems to be the accepted 'best bang for the buck,' however the 295 comes pretty close does it not? How much of a difference is there (-10% more or less for single gpu programs?)

I"m open to build suggestions, here's what I"m into:

24 inch monitor, 1900x1200, gaming - mostly WoW but would like to be able to play Crysis and other top end games, Photoshop, Illustrator, video editing/recoding.
 

Originally posted by JackButler Hello, I am narrowing down my new PC search and will likely go with DS based on all the positive feedback, but haven't settled just yet. I had a few questions the community might be able to answer which would help me decide. 1. I don't have any previous experience with overclocking, computers I've built in the past I left stock. On a system that is overclocked to 3.7 for example, does this mean each core(quad core cpu) is running at 3.7 when under load? I'm curious how this relates to the new 1156 chips that have a 'built in' turbo which kicks in for programs that only use 1 or 2 cores (example - WoW?), putting the other cores in idle.  To get to 3.7 or 4.0 does DS have to turn off the turbo and in that sense, does the 'turbo' become meaningless when the chip is cranked up anyway?

Yes, each core would be running at 3.7 under load.

Turbo mode is, for all practical purposes, a form of 'built-in' overclocking.  Overclocking is...well...overclocking.  Generally speaking, turbo mode is disabled as it is functionally useless (or maybe even counterproductive) to have it enabled while overclocking.  Turbo mode is mainly for people who run their processors at stock speeds.

The main advantages of the 1156 lie in overall power savings/heat reduction, plus cheaper motherboards to match; the chips are much cheaper as well.  The main advantages of 1366 lie in slightly faster performance in some cases due to triple channel memory, but you pay a premium for it.

Honestly, right now, I'd say the only 1366 worth purchasing is the i7 920.

1. yes all four cores are oced.

3. hailstorm = Corasiar Obsidian 800D

4. 2 x 275 cost less and has better performance then 295.


either go with a custom build, or a prebuild but your best bet is either an i7 920 or i7 860.

Edited by DST4ME - 21 Sep 2009 at 3:26pm