Level 2 ODE with slight tweaksPost Date: 2014-05-04 |
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BandGap 
Newbie 
Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 47 |
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 Topic: Level 2 ODE with slight tweaksPosted: 04 May 2014 at 3:59am |
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Well I'm back to buy another DS computer. I really meant to write a review of my previous machine but never got round to it. Hopefully though, the fact I'm here and about to spend another ~ $2.5k will make my feelings clear... Please check my configuration below. This machine will be primarily for gaming – minimum resolution will be 1920 x 1200. I've basically just chosen the ODE Level 2 with slight tweaks. These include an upgrade to the “GTX 780 EVGA Superclocked ACX Cooler Edition” (which has slightly higher frame rates and is slightly quieter compared to the stock GTX 780. For the slight premium this sounds worth it) and to Win 7 Professional 64 bit. Also, can you let me know how noisy this machine is likely to be? I was very worried about what the noise level would be for my first machine (HAF case, GTX 670, Noctua-cooled CPU), but I have to admit the noise has not bothered me even once (at most a slight high pitched hum from the GPU, but nothing annoying). Having said that the new machine will probably be on a desk instead of the floor and hence closer to ear height. Thanks for your advice!
Configuration Code: 959854 Specifications:
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bprat22
DS ELITE 
DigitalStorm East -- (Unofficially!)
Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 20391 |
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Posted: 04 May 2014 at 6:20am |
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Hi BandGap... That build looks great.
The 780 OC with the ACX cooler will give you about a 10% boost in gaming over reference and run a little quieter in most cases. Being a dual fan , it will empty some of the heat into the case instead of all out the back, but for single card it shouldn't cause any issue. The ODE 600T case's fans will probably be a little noisier than the HafX but the video card should be a little quieter than the 670 under load. Noise is subjective, but it should be fine. I have the 600T case sitting next to me and have no problem with it. For strictly gaming, the 4670k cpu will work just as well by today's standards and save you some money. I would up the psu to the EVGA 750 w Gold SuperNova. A more efficient psu with much longer warranty...10 years as opposed to 3 years with online registration. Hope this helps and good luck.  Edited by bprat22 - 04 May 2014 at 6:40am |
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danjw1
Senior Member 
Joined: 07 Jul 2013 Online Status: Offline Posts: 667 |
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Posted: 04 May 2014 at 8:17am |
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You may also want to consider the Gryphon Z87 motherboard. It is a smaller motherboard, but it isn't as basic as the Z87-K you selected for just $41 more. The only think you really lose with the Gryphon is 1 PCIe 1x and the 3 PCI slots. Also the Gryphon doesn't have PS2 keyboard and mouse ports, if you need those. With the Gryphon, you get better audio, Intel LAN, power, ...
The Gryphon would also allow you go go with a smaller and less expensive case, the Virtue (Corsair 350D). Here is a system with the changes that bprat22 and I suggested: 959929 Good luck! Edited by danjw1 - 04 May 2014 at 8:26am |
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BandGap
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Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 47 |
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Posted: 04 May 2014 at 4:02pm |
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Thanks very much both for your quick responses. I will upgrade the power supply as recommended. Will stick with the 4770k since price difference is small and will be the same as my current machine. Re the motherboard: I know precious little about these components but the better audio sounds good so I'll go with the Gryphon (I don't intend to buy a dedicated sound card). I think though that I will stick with the 600 T since it's a really nice looking case IMO - maybe overkill but what the hell, right?
Finally, I'm toying with buying a 120 Hz monitor for reputed smoothness. Any particular recommendation for a good 1920x1200 120 Hz? Thanks again.  |
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bprat22
DS ELITE
DigitalStorm East -- (Unofficially!)
Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 20391 |
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Posted: 04 May 2014 at 5:37pm |
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The ODE 600t is a real nice case. Lots of room and definitely not overkill.
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BandGap
Newbie
Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 47 |
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Posted: 04 May 2014 at 11:49pm |
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Ok!
Now hopefully my last questions: How noisy is the "Vortex 120mm Radiator Liquid CPU Cooler"? Which Corsair system is it based on? The earlier ones like the H100 were/are said to be noisy. How does it compare to the Noctua NH-D14 (which is on my current machine)? Could I choose the Noctua instead, i.e. is it compatible with the Gryphon board? Edited to add: It seems that the Gryphon does not have wireless built-in like my current ASUS Deluxe. What Wi-Fi card should I buy? Thanks again. Edited by BandGap - 05 May 2014 at 12:27am |
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bprat22
DS ELITE
DigitalStorm East -- (Unofficially!)
Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 20391 |
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Posted: 05 May 2014 at 3:14am |
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The Vortex 120 is , I think, bases on the H80 and can get noisy on high settings. Turning it down in Bios or AI Suite or using the button on the cooler if it's that version will help quiet it down.
Noctua D14 will fit and is always my choice. I don't mention it much anymore since the smaller H coolers took off in popularity. It cools just as good if not better, is quiet and dependable with no pump, etc to go wrong. Just works for years.
I don't know wifi cards. A $15 USB WiFi dongle works great. It mounts external into USB. Either work great. Good luck. |
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