Configuration for advicePost Date: 2008-09-08 |
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Lawdog 
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Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 64 |
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 Topic: Configuration for advicePosted: 08 Sep 2008 at 4:51pm |
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Alright after months of looking around and putting it off I'm thinking we are pretty close to pulling the trigger. It will be used primarily for gaming on a 24" monitor. I mainly play MMOs, RTS, and occasionally a FPS. I looking at a budget of around $3000-$3500 and really don't want to go much over the $3500 mark if I can help it. Chassis: Digital Storm 850Si
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Interior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Power Supply: 1000W Corsair HX (Dual/Triple/Quad SLI Compatible) Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz (1333MHz FSB) (12MB Cache) Motherboard: Asus Rampage Formula (Chipset: Intel X48) (Supports CrossFire) System Memory: 4GB DDR2 OCZ at 1066MHz (SLI-Ready Edition) Hard Drive 1: 74GB Western Digital Raptor (10K RPM) (8MB Cache) (SATA) (Extreme Speed) Hard Drive 2: 500GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA) Optical Drive 1: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x) (LightScribe Edition) Wireless Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 4870X2 2GB Sound Card: Razer Barracuda AC-1 (Recommended) Extreme Cooling: Liquid Chilled FrostBite CPU Only Internal Lighting: Blizzard Internal Lighting (Blue Edition) (Cold Cathode Tubes) Boost Processor: Yes, Overclock the processor as much as possible with complete stability Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s) Boost Memory: Yes, Overclock memory timings (Includes Memory Fan Kit Installed) Tweak Windows: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system Windows OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-Bit Edition) (For Enthusiasts) Restore Kit: Digital Storm Specialized Recovery System (DVD Image Based) Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty This is ticket 179261 and the total comes to $3528 Edited by Lawdog - 08 Sep 2008 at 4:52pm |
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DST4ME
DS ELITE 
Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
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Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 4:54pm |
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only think I would change about that is the warranty to 4 years, other then that looks like solid build
If you con't mind going COSMOS S, then do so. its got good air and space for water cooling. Get it good look at it here Edited by DST4ME - 08 Sep 2008 at 4:58pm |
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rai-zero
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Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 98 |
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Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 6:07pm |
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I am also going for a similar PC,
-how important is the add-on sound card? I am debating shoud I get one or going with the built in sound card, if I get an add on sound card which one to get and why?
-how important is the 10K RPM HD? I am debating if I should get one (I am getting two HD either way).
-how important is the 4-year warranty? I could use the money for a soud card for example.
-how important is the liquid cool of the CPU?
thanks Edited by rai-zero - 08 Sep 2008 at 6:11pm |
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DST4ME
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Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
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Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 6:22pm |
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sound card is if you needed it, sound like you don't need it, the integrated will do just fine.
10K hdd, is good ads a bit of speed ;) its good to put the OS on 10K so things move a bit faster 
4 years of worry free PC owning is most definitely worth it liquid cooling can get you speed/stability that fan cooling can't |
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Tyler Lowe
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Joined: 14 May 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0 |
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Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 11:10pm |
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I've got nothing bad to say about that configuration. The 850i case is an outstanding selection. I would ask about upgrading the case fans to combine the stage 3 cooling for your chasis with that liquid cooling for the CPU. Otherwise, that is a rock solid build. Very well thought out.
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DST4ME
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Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
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Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 11:35pm |
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I liked the 850si but when I saw comos s, I like it better now, its like 850 and 950 combined
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Lawdog
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Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 64 |
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Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 11:48pm |
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Thanks for the advice. Why do you think the Cosmos S DST?? Is it because it's bigger to better handle the liquid cooling and still allow for excellent air flow? The 850 won't cause me any problems you just feel that the Cosmos is better suited I'm guessing.
Yes Tyler I was considering asking about that when I called to order since I'd have to get a price quote on it and the first thing gone will be that sound card to make up for it I'm sure. I need to talk to them about the memory as well. I would assume 4gb of ram is going to come in 4 DIMMs while I'd rather have it come in 2 DIMMs so I'll have to find out what the change there is going to cost as well. I'm hoping the sound card will come at least close to offsetting the modifications.
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DST4ME
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Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
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Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 11:57pm |
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Honestly I'm a big fan of 850si but after reading about cosmos s and looking at it, I like it alot better, its got best of both worlds, it got good air flow and more room for liquid cooling. did you look at the link I provided in my first post? take a good look at it lots of pics and from different angles.
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Lawdog
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Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 64 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 12:10am |
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I did look at it quite a bit. I was simply verifying your motive for suggesting that case in my previous post. Your personal opinion is that the Cosmos S may be a better fit for the build I've laid out. Not that the 850i wouldn't serve me well. |
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DST4ME
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Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 12:41am |
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well the comos s was build for both air and liquid, so since you have liquid, it would fit in an 850si but 950si or cosmos s would have more room, comsos s has more openings/vents then 950si, and more room should = better airflow = better temps, and more room makes it easier for you to change/add things in your PC.
lastly I love how it looks and it does not have a front door we need to open every-time the DVD drive needs to open. those are the reasons that make up my opinion [;0], if you got the extra $26, I think its well worth your investment now and down the line. Edited by DST4ME - 09 Sep 2008 at 12:43am |
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Tyler Lowe
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 10:46am |
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4 120mm fans are going to push more air directly onto the motherboard and it's components than a single 200mm fan, particularly with a fan uprade. The side fan on a Cosmos S pushes 150CFM, which is very respectable, and also relatively quiet while doing it. The 850i, with 4 high performance fans installed is going to push at least 200 CFM with very low noise, and closer to 300 - 400CFM if noise is not a concern. I have read the reviews on both cases, seen the temperature tests. The Cosmos S is more stylish (matter of opinion there as well), and will operate at lower noise levels, but I would not necessarily place it ahead of the 850i for air cooling. I've worked on a system inside an 850i, and believe me, you don't need a wider case than that, and the temps are disgustingly low even without all of the fan mounts filled. There are absolutely high points to the Cosmos S, and it's styling and performance are certain to gain it a very loyal following. I don't see it as any better at it's task then the 850i however, just quieter, and prettier to look at. Doors are something I have never cared for on a case, fortunately, they are easy enough to remove.
Edited by Tyler Lowe - 09 Sep 2008 at 10:57am |
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DST4ME
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 2:21pm |
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air cooling I would say 850 and cosmos s are the same but with liquid cooling 850 can't compete with comsos s.
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widdlecat
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Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 840 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 6:44pm |
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If you're going to liquid cool just the pc, then the 850 has greater potential for air cooling the rest of the system. If you liquid cool the graphics cards as well as the cpu, then the cosmos or even the 950 is a better choice as far as cooling potential. Looks are important too, and ultimately these cases are all good.
As far as audio, IMO any time you think you'll be needing to use headphones and you prefer high quality sound, go for a discrete audio card. If you use Sennheisers or Grados, you'll certainly hear the difference. My top choice for musical purity goes to the ASUS Xonar D2X, with a couple choices like the top cards from Auzentech and followed up by Razer's Baraccuda. Creative soundcards are fine when they work, but too many people have issues with the drivers and Creative's lack of support. |
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Lawdog
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Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 64 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 9:48pm |
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Yeah WC I think I'm going to drop the sound card all together at the moment since I'm already slightly over budget and opt for the 4 year warranty. I called DS today and to upgrade the fans to stage 3 it's going to cost me about $50 wether I go with the 850Si or the Cosmos S. So doing that I'm still right at $3600 plus a fee to get the RAM in 2 x 2gb as opposed to the 4 x 1gb. I can always add a sound card later easily enough and my understanding is that the on board sound with the Asus Rampage is fairly good.
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DST4ME
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Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 9:59pm |
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I would go with cosmos, the rest sounds great
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Lawdog
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 11:09pm |
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I think I remember reading somewhere that you would DST
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DST4ME
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Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 11:17pm |
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lol sorry getting repetitive there, so which have you decided LD?
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Tyler Lowe
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Joined: 14 May 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 11:17pm |
There's no way to make a bad choice between those two cases Lawdog. If you can go with a Cosmos S without pushing too far over budget, I'd do it. If not, I'd just grab an 850.
Actually, that's notr strictly true. I'm a bit of a tight-wad and would probably go with the cheapest solution that would give me favorable enough results to meet my expectations.
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Lawdog
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Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 64 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 11:21pm |
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Think I'm going with the Cosmos as it's only $25 more over budget. I'll probably be ordering in the next week or so once I figure out all the financial repercussions
 You tend to be passionate about your choices DST...nothing wrong with that.Edited by Lawdog - 09 Sep 2008 at 11:22pm |
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Clinton
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Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Online Status: Offline Posts: 298 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 11:48pm |
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Just taking a wild guess here, but I think DST might like the Cosmos case. Just a wild guess, I could be wrong. :P
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DST4ME
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Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
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Posted: 09 Sep 2008 at 11:58pm |
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After looking at what you need I think I have finally made a choice.
I think you should go with the cosmos s 
great choice LD, tell me what you think of it when you get it, I think you will feel the passion then yourself
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