First time DS buyer

Hello DS community. I've been thinking about getting a new gaming rig and having put together my last one I knew that while I was all-in on the advantages of a custom build, I don't particularly feel like doing it myself. After discovering DS I was sold, but I could use a bit of help with my configuration before I pull the trigger.

I couldn't decide on which of the base machines I wanted, so I bounced around the forums until I found a build I liked and customized from there. The following is what I've come up with so far. You may notice the lack of a spinning-disk hard drive, but that is because I am planning on pulling in the drives from my current machine as well as putting in a nice 3TB Barracuda I've got sitting on my desk. As to the "Not Too Heavy" remark, my current machine is a death-sentence to move. It's in a Thermaltake LCS SwordM case, which has handles, wheels, and weighs 60lbs on its own, not counting the other components! I'm not necessarily looking for something I can carry in my backpack, but anything that doesn't threaten to tear your arms off would be appreciated.

Thanks so much for the help.

Budget:
Around $3000 give or take

Expectations:
Quiet, Not Too Heavy

Usage:
High-end Gaming, Video Editing & Production, Software Development

Special Needs:
None

Saved Ticket #: 910971

Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Digital Storm ODE V3 <b></b>
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 3930K 3.2GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme Overclocking) (Six-Core) <b></b>
Motherboard: ASUS P9X79 PRO (Intel X79 Chipset) (Features USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s) <b></b>
System Memory: 32GB DDR3 1600Mhz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 1200W Corsair Pro Platinum Series with Corsair Link (CP-9020008-NA) (Quad SLI Compatible)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x) <b></b>
Storage Set 1: 1x (128GB Solid State (By: Samsung) (Model: 840 Pro Series)
Storage Set 2: - No Thanks <b></b>
Storage Set 3: - No Thanks
RAID Config: - No Thanks
RAID Card: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 2x SLI Dual (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 4GB (Includes PhysX) <b></b>
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
HPC Processor: - No Thanks
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 Extreme Performance <b></b>
H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected <b></b>
Chassis Fans: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: - No Thanks <b></b>
Airflow Control: - No Thanks <b></b>
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks <b></b>
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks <b></b>
LaserMark: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Standard Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Automatic Overclocking <b></b>
Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-Bit Edition) <b></b>
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows CD)
Virus Protection: - No Thanks
Office: - No Thanks
Game: - No Thanks
Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks <b></b>
Portable Gaming: - No Thanks
Exclusive T-Shirt: FREE: Digital Storm T-Shirt - Black (Extra Large) <b></b>
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty (3 Year Labor & 1 Year Part Replacement)

I will agree with danjw1 on 2 points - upgrading the SSD to 256GB & the 780ti SC GPU (many graphics programs don't support SLI and many games don't either). On Win8.1, I don't think the Pro version offers any real benefit to a home user even if the system is for work - here's the comparison. I would also recommend a Stage 1 OC on the CPU as that will boost all cores and not just one. The PSU is overkill - the Corsair 850RM will work fine even for 2 GPUs and multiple hard drives. One last option would be to upgrade to the Sabertooth motherboard. It has a 5 year warranty vs 3 and from what I can tell have all the same connections/ports. Here's a modified configuration for you to consider: 911183 $3155 - I believe the ODE case has an additional space for another 200mm fan which can be requested under special instructions (I think it's $30).

Your system, with the suggested edits: http://www.digitalstormonline.com/compload550d.asp?id=911219

Since you have built systems in the past, if you want to add more fans you shouldn't have a problem doing that yourself. Otherwise you can add the upgraded "chassis fans" option. Asus's AI Suite contains a fan control module that can automatically tune the system fans.

The noise suppression packages are recommended for the 550D, it being the quietest case here and those that pick it usually do it for 'as quiet as possible'. To keep the quiet you'd need to keep the default 120mm rad cooler. It does have decent airflow for single video card setup but is still closed on top and the sides. That noise package is a waste on the 600t and HafX case. No place for noise suppression material and the fan optimization isn't needed.


The HafX is a big case but has exceptional airflow and is also quiet but not as quiet as 550d.   It is the best for air cooled rigs. It also allows the Noctua D14 cooler, an excellent, quiet and reliable unit. I don't believe the Noctua fits in 550d.


The ODE 600t case is in between the other two. A real nice case, I have it, more airflow than 550d but not as much as HafX. Larger than 550d but smaller than Hafx. You get the point.

For your build and what you seem to want, I suggest either 600t or Hafx. Either work.

I don't know much about the Enix but it rated very good in testing. It's size does mean a micro mobo and is a little tighter to work on. If you want the X79 for its wider memory bandwidth and 6 core chip, the Enix doesn't have that option. There are micro X79 boards so DS could probably do it but charge extra for special orders.

Personal choice in size and looks sometime is the deciding factor.

Hope this helps.



Edited by bprat22 - 31 Dec 2013 at 3:17am

Originally posted by bprat22 The noise suppression packages are recommended for the 550D, it being the quietest case here and those that pick it usually do it for 'as quiet as possible'. To keep the quiet you'd need to keep the default 120mm rad cooler. It does have decent airflow for single video card setup but is still closed on top and the sides. That noise package is a waste on the 600t and HafX case. No place for noise suppression material and the fan optimization isn't needed.

The 550D has removable covers on the side and top. There are fan ports there that can be populated. Here is a good review that will let you know what the cooling potential of the 550D is:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5708/corsair-obsidian-550d-starting-to-specialize

Edited by danjw1 - 31 Dec 2013 at 8:01am