My DS System ReviewPost Date: 2011-03-04 |
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damet
Newbie Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 81 |
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Topic: My DS System Review Posted: 04 Mar 2011 at 7:48pm |
I've had my DS computer for about 3 days now and decided to write an early review. I will update my thread with more pictures and bencmark results as I do them, and also any important thoughts I have on the system. I will also do another review of the system after 6 months. Computer Specifications
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Cooler Master 942 HAF X
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish Processor: Intel Core i7 2600K 3.40GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme Overclocking) (Quad Core) Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 Deluxe (Intel P67 Chipset) (Features USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s) System Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested) Power Supply: 1000W Corsair (Dual/Triple/Quad SLI Compatible) Expansion Bay: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (160GB Solid State (By: Intel) (Model: X25-M MLC Edition) (Extreme Performance) Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: 1x (1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM) (64MB Cache) (Model: Black Edition WD1002FAEX) Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks Optical Drive 1: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x) Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card(s): 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 1.5GB (Includes PhysX) (EVGA Black Ops 015-P3-1583-AR) Add-on Card: - No Thanks Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 1: Noctua NH-U12P SE Dual 120mm Fans High Performance Cooler H20 Tube Color: - Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Red) Enhancements: - No Thanks Chassis Mods: - No Thanks Noise Reduction: - No Thanks CPU Boost: Stage 1: Overclock the processor between 4.0GHz to 4.7GHz (Cooling Upgrade Recommended) Graphics Boost: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s) Memory Boost: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory OS Boost: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit Edition) Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD) Processor Speed GHz: 4.6
CPU Multiplier: 46 Voltage CPU VCore: 1.296 VDroop Control: Yes i7 - BCLK MHz: 100 Monitor: Dell Ultrasharp U2311H
Pictures
First off, this box is huge. I'm a pretty big guy and I had a hard time carrying the box up to my apartment.
The case on the side with the filling still inside.
Took the fillings out to take a peak inside. As you can see everything was nicely arranged, clean and organized wiring. You can also see the VGA bracket and the air duct (is that what it is?) that the HAF X case comes with. You know that brand new smell of something? Well, it never smelled better!
A closer look at the Noctua U12P fans.
*UPDATE* Here is the system from the front turned on. Here is the system from the top. Nice lighting as you can see. Picture of my current setup. I know..it isn't the best setup, but I have too much stuff on my desk. I need to clean up my desk and then I will put the computer in a better spot. System Review
The performance of this system has met my expectations. Without a doubt, this is the best computer I have ever owned. The first thing I noticed when I turned on the computer was that the fans were kinda loud. However, I believe DS makes the fans speed at maximum for the maximum air flow, so I guess I was ok with that. Anyways, on to the next thing. Windows 7 booted up in about 10 seconds. I can't tell you how awesome that is since my last PC took 2 mins to boot up. The second I saw my desktop I was able to open Firefox instantly and starting surfing. That's just incredible. SSD all the way guys. Everything just loads instantly.
The first game I installed was Starcraft II. Of course, it ran perfectly on Ultra settings. Since then I have installed many other games, such as Crysis, Metro 2033, and L4D2. Everything ran smoothly and the computer didn't even seem to finch. Hell I could run Starcraft II and Crysis at the same time.
As you can see the processor is clocked to 4.6ghz. During the idle time because of intel speed step the computer will clock itself down to 1.6ghz. The second it realizes it needs more speed it will clock up to 4.6ghz. Pretty good feature if you ask me. Another good thing is that the voltage drops when the system is idle, saving power and cpu life. At full load the voltage jumps up to as high as 1.346. Sandy Bridge is definitely a beast of a processor. My last comp had a C2D E8500, so this was a huge step up for me.
The only thing that I wish was better were my CPU temps. After a few hours of Prime 95 and LinX tests, my max CPU temps ran around 78C. That's pretty high, but I can live with it. Might be because of my high ambient temperatures (my room doesn't have A/C), as I live in Hawaii. I probably would have ordered the Noctua D14 fans instead of the U12P fans if I could go back.
*UPDATE* 3D Mark 11 Performance Run (GTX 580 overclocked to 900/1800/2200) 3D Mark 11 Xtreme Run (GTX 580 overclocked to 900/1800/2200) 3D Mark Vantage Performance Run (GTX 580 overclocked to 900/1800/2200) Customer Service
I think this is the area where DS really shines. Their customer service is unmatched. Everytime I called in, I got a real polite representative that cared about my concerns and questions. The technicians actually knew what they were talking about and went out of their way to explain certain things to me. Alex was very helpful and fast. Everytime I emailed him, he would get back to me within 10 hours. Alex kept me updated on my order and never failed to address me on an issue. Finally, I really like their stage process and how up-to-date they keep it. The second my computer reaches a new stage I get an email. The stages are well explained and keeps the customer well informed. Excellent customer support system if you ask me.
There is one thing that DS did fail to do. I noted in my computer order to add the 200mm fans on top, and even called in to make sure they had that noted. Sarah confirmed they reached the note and will install the extra fan. She also mentioned it will be an extra charge of about $20. I said ok. Well I didn't get the extra fan in the case, but it's no big deal since I wasn't charged for it either. So yah, meh, no biggie.
Conclusion
I've done a lot of things in my life that I really regret, but I am happy to say that buying a DS computer is not one of them! Edited by damet - 04 Mar 2011 at 11:09pm |
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maxyme
DS Veteran Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1514 |
Quote Reply Posted: 04 Mar 2011 at 8:20pm |
haha nice review, i'm guessing you didn't go with the intel b3 sata 6gbps fix why not?
but really nice review, if you ask alex i'm sure he'll be sure to send over the 200mm fans they forgot. and show some pics of the rig on ur desk plz. |
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Steam:pcmaster160
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Alex
Admin Group Digital Storm Supervisor Joined: 04 Jun 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 16314 |
Quote Reply Posted: 04 Mar 2011 at 8:45pm |
@damet,
I'm glad to see that you're happy with your system! Please send me an email: [email protected] with your order number and reference the fans. I'll check your order, and if you did tell us about this and they were not in there, I'll try to get you a free set shipped and we'll cover the shipping on them too. |
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damet
Newbie Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 81 |
Quote Reply Posted: 04 Mar 2011 at 9:44pm |
@maxyme
I didn't go with the B3 version because the only thing connected to my SATA2 is my CD drive. My SSD and HDD are connected to SATA3. I barely ever use CD drive as I download most programs and don't do much burning. So the problem will most likely never affect me. Edited by damet - 04 Mar 2011 at 9:44pm |
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damet
Newbie Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 81 |
Quote Reply Posted: 04 Mar 2011 at 10:32pm |
Updated some pics of my rig and some benchmarks.
Edited by damet - 04 Mar 2011 at 10:41pm |
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maxyme
DS Veteran Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1514 |
Quote Reply Posted: 04 Mar 2011 at 11:54pm |
hey you have the same speakers i have for my parents computer they cost $5 on amazon i think lol
and eventually you will have to get a addon card for the cd drive because it will stop working at all eventually. |
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Steam:pcmaster160
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RiceEatin2000GT
DS Veteran Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1699 |
Quote Reply Posted: 05 Mar 2011 at 4:06pm |
congrats!
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DST4ME
DS ELITE Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758 |
Quote Reply Posted: 05 Mar 2011 at 4:15pm |
Oh man that pc with the Dell Ultrasharp U2311H monitor
Congrats Your temp of 78c is very good actually for a warm room and full stress, but IMHO its more important you see what your max temps are with your use, linx and etc puts the pc under load that normally it would not do, so check and see after a full day use, what your max temp was. 4.6 oc with air cooler and 78c load temp in a warm room is pretty good IMO. Edited by DST4ME - 05 Mar 2011 at 4:19pm |
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Karn
Newbie Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 53 |
Quote Reply Posted: 05 Mar 2011 at 9:34pm |
Congrats!
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45BDE
Newbie Joined: 12 Feb 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 81 |
Quote Reply Posted: 05 Mar 2011 at 11:34pm |
Congrats!
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damet
Newbie Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 81 |
Quote Reply Posted: 16 Mar 2011 at 2:21pm |
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure DS connected my CD drive to the Marvel Ports. Therefore, I don't think I'm at any risk as nothing is connected to my SATA2 ports. Even if my CD drive was connected to my SATA2 port, the chance of degradation is 5-15% and that's over constant use, which I only use the CD drive like once a month lol.
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Alex
Admin Group Digital Storm Supervisor Joined: 04 Jun 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 16314 |
Quote Reply Posted: 16 Mar 2011 at 2:36pm |
@damet, That is correct.
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maxyme
DS Veteran Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1514 |
Quote Reply Posted: 16 Mar 2011 at 2:51pm |
Oh I thought threre were only 2 sata 3gbps ports
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Steam:pcmaster160
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Regent Square
Groupie Joined: 08 Feb 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 143 |
Quote Reply Posted: 16 Mar 2011 at 6:10pm |
I am glad for for you man! BTW how your pc works, is it quiet or loud?
Thank you |
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damet
Newbie Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 81 |
Quote Reply Posted: 16 Mar 2011 at 6:51pm |
It's alright. The fans are a little loud, but you get use to it and it doesn't bother me anymore.
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maxyme
DS Veteran Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1514 |
Quote Reply Posted: 16 Mar 2011 at 6:56pm |
i think everyone over reacts to the fan loudness in cases. Like i've had a cooler for my laptop because it has no internal cooling and it overheats if i don't have it on. And its noticeable and bugs you for the first week but after that you get used to it or play music or something to drown it out. But it does vary per person but to me its not really a big issue because you can just adapt to it.
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Steam:pcmaster160
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Regent Square
Groupie Joined: 08 Feb 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 143 |
Quote Reply Posted: 16 Mar 2011 at 8:55pm |
Yep, what should i except from a beast powerful machine. Noise of power!
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damet
Newbie Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 81 |
Quote Reply Posted: 18 Apr 2011 at 3:05pm |
maxyme
DS Veteran Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1514 |
Quote Reply Posted: 18 Apr 2011 at 4:23pm |
Nice looks like my desk except I have another desk behind me for my laptop and schoolwork
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Steam:pcmaster160
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