Deep thoughts about Digital StormPost Date: 2008-12-07 |
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JamesAstro 
Senior Member 
Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 624 |
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 Topic: Deep thoughts about Digital StormPosted: 07 Dec 2008 at 4:45am |
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I'm beginning to see the true value of Digital Storm.
Previously I would purchase a computer from Best Buy or Micro Center, and keep it for a couple of years. Eventually I would sell the computer on eBay for an enormous loss, and then buy a new computer. It was expensive to do that every couple of years, but that's what I did to keep up with the latest games. I can see things being very different in the future now that I've discovered Digital Storm. I'll buy a computer from DS. Eventually the computer will be too slow for my needs. However, rather than replace the whole thing, I'll just purchase a new motherboard and CPU from Digital Storm, and let them upgrade it for me. It will cost thousands less than a new computer, and I'll get to hang on to all the other components that I like so much. This has really changed the way I think about my computer. Now rather than looking at my computer as a semi-disposable box on the floor, it becomes an investment. Things like the case, power supply, hard drive, and cooling system can be viewed as long term investments. Other items like the CPU and motherboard can be viewed as medium-term investments that I can upgrade from time to time. The video cards can be viewed as short-term investments that will be replaced frequently. This way of thinking has influenced several choices that I made regarding my new computer. For example, now that I view the case and hard drive as long term investments, it made more sense to get an attractive aluminum case, and a 10,000 RPM drive. I never would have purchased those items in the past, because I saw them as things I would just sell on eBay within a couple of years. Anyway, those are my deep thoughts for the day. Digital Storm really has changed my perception of what a gaming PC is. James |
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Nomak
Senior Member
Joined: 15 Aug 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 442 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 8:16am |
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Thats DS.
What system are you planning on?
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DST4ME
DS ELITE 
Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 9:57am |
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That is one of many reason why we love DS, right now if you get a i7 system, you can upgrade to the next cpu without change of mobo
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JamesAstro
Senior Member
Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 624 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 2:10pm |
Here it is. I can't wait!!! Chassis Model: Digital Storm 950Si Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Interior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Trim Accents: Paint Chassis Vents and Grills (Red) Processor: Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 965 3.2GHz (Quad Core) (Extreme Performance) Motherboard: EVGA X58 3X SLI (Intel X58 Chipset) (Supports Triple SLI or CrossFire) System Memory: 6GB DDR3 1600MHz Corsair DHX (High-Performance) Power Supply: 1200W Thermaltake (Triple and Quad SLI Compatible) (Toughpower Edition) Card Reader: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 300GB Western Digital VelociRaptor (10K RPM) (16MB Cache) (Extreme Speed) Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks Optical Drive 1: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x) Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card(s): 3x SLI Triple (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280 1GB) (Includes PhysX Technology) Add-on Card: - No Thanks Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 3: High-Performance Liquid Chilled FrostBite System For CPU Liquid Color: Red: Non-conductive High-Performance Fluid (Requires H20: Stage 3 Cooling Package) Chassis Airflow: Upgrade Chassis With Zalman Performance Fans Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Red) Enhancements: - No Thanks Chassis Mods: 950Si Case Only: Processor & Video Card Area: Drill and Mount Two Side Window 120mm Fan Blow-Holes CPU Boost: Yes, Overclock the processor as much as possible with complete stability Graphics Boost: Yes, Overclock the video card(s) as much as possible with complete stability Memory Boost: Yes, Overclock memory frequency (Includes Memory Fan Kit Installed) Windows Boost: Yes, Disable and tweak all of the non-crucial 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) Virus Protection: - No Thanks Office: - No Thanks Benchmarking: - No Thanks Pre-Install Game: - No Thanks LCD Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: - No Thanks Speakers: - No Thanks Keyboard: - No Thanks Mouse: - No Thanks External Storage: - No Thanks Exclusive T-Shirt: - No Thanks Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty |
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stilkster
Senior Member
Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 244 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 2:56pm |
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Sweet, Astro!!!
 Have you ordered it already? If not, I am sure DST4ME will tweak your order some if you would like him to...I'm sure with the holidays, DS will be busy, but to get an idea of how long your rig will take to build, check out the reviews...You won't be disappointed!
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950Si 1000W PSU QX9650 4.0GHz 790i 8GB 1600MHz Dominator DHX 2x GTX 280
LC Dual Loop CPU/Dual Card |
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Nomak
Senior Member
Joined: 15 Aug 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 442 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 3:16pm |
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Theres hardly anything to tweak in that config.. cept for a 5 year warranty.
... and by a long shot ASUS's mobos.
PS: Just noticed, drop the OC on everything but your CPU. Now as to why you need to do that - contact DS.  Edited by Nomak - 07 Dec 2008 at 3:18pm |
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JamesAstro
Senior Member
Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 624 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 3:50pm |
I'm afraid there is no time for tweaking. It's already being built. Woo hoo! I think that 3rd 280 GTX will help though. I've got a 30" display, and I love to crank up the quality settings. |
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JamesAstro
Senior Member
Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 624 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 3:55pm |
I was on the fence about the video and memory OC. Then I figured why not since I'm getting all the extra fans. Oh well. Either way, I can't wait to get this baby. I love the ASUS Rampage II mobo also. However, I went with eVGA because it's the only board that supports 3 air-cooled video cards. Christmas is coming early this year! |
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Nomak
Senior Member
Joined: 15 Aug 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 442 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 3:57pm |
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There is still one thing you can change.. extend your warranty to five years.
3x280s will run whatever you can throw at them.
Having them tweak your OS is your choice.
Having them OC your memory could lead to stability issues. I talked to DS both in mIRC and through e-mails, and i was told that most of the tech. support calls they get are related to memory stability issues from overclocking. Edited by Nomak - 07 Dec 2008 at 4:01pm |
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JamesAstro
Senior Member
Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 624 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 3:57pm |
DST4ME gave me a lot of good advice, and it definitely influenced my configuration. That guy is full of useful info! :) |
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stilkster
Senior Member
Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 244 |
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Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 6:37pm |
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Yep, he is darn good!
 You could save yourself some dough by dropping the oc on graphics (seen other threads where you can tweak it yourself through the drivers) and also the windows boost as DST4ME has the link to modifying Vista yourself...shouldn't be too late to contact DS about that...
Otherwise, you got a solid rig!!
p.s. post pics when you get it!!!
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950Si 1000W PSU QX9650 4.0GHz 790i 8GB 1600MHz Dominator DHX 2x GTX 280
LC Dual Loop CPU/Dual Card |
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JamesAstro
Senior Member
Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 624 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 07 Dec 2008 at 7:06pm |
Oh yeah. I'll post some pics, and maybe a movie. Edited by JamesAstro - 07 Dec 2008 at 7:07pm |
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