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Need help choosing

Post Date: 2010-08-04
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Utopi View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		  Quote Utopi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: Need help choosing
    Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 11:27am
Price : 2800$ (see below for the specs)

I don't know which motherboard to choose from (I don't know anything about motherboards... )

I'd also like some input about the RAM..Power Supply...

Lasty.. the cooling system. I choosed Stage 6 but to same some bucks I'd go for Stage 5 I think since I dont know the difference between those 2 stages.

If anyone feels like it, build me a nice gaming PC. I have a 2500-3000$ budget, and not willing to go overbudget. Underbudget is ok :) With liquid cooling :)




Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Black OPS HailStorm Edition
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 930 2.8GHz (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS Rampage II GENE (Intel X58 Chipset)
System Memory: 6GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 750W Digital Storm Certified (Dual SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition Recommended)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (1.5TB Seagate Barracuda (7200 RPM) (32MB Cache)
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 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 1.5GB (Includes PhysX Technology)
Add-on Card: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 6: Sub-Zero LCS Dual Loop: CPU & Single Video Card
H20 Tube Color:White Tubing with High-Performance Fluid (UV Lighting Reactive)
Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: - No Thanks
Enhancements: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: FREE: Stage 1: Overclock the processor between 3.3GHz to 3.9GHz (Cooling Upgrade Recommended)
Boost Video Card: FREE: Yes, Overclock the video card(s) as much as possible with complete stability
Boost OS: FREE: Yes, Disable and tweak all of the non-crucial services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit Edition)
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Utopi View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		  Quote Utopi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 11:35am
Also wondering about Assassin case VS. Black OPS Hailstorm.

Assassin is focused on Air Cooling, so I could save money cause I wouldn't buy liquid cooling system. (Or get better pieces with the money saved)

With Black OPS, I'd go with liquid cooling and get lesser pieces.

I am really worried about the cooling. My current laptop died due to overheating so I dont want to have to worry about heat again.

Thanks!
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!ender_ View Drop Down
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Posts: 4219 		  Quote !ender_ Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 12:01pm
are you only worried about liquid cooling becuase of your last build overheating?
 
the assassin isnt the only case that has great air cooling, you dont need LC to do anything except super overclock a video card, you can get over 4ghz on air with a noctua easily.. you could get a LOT more power into your price range by skipping LC and using the money on a second 480
 
 
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Utopi View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		  Quote Utopi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 12:06pm
I dont mind not having LC. Sound of the fan might be an issue but the PC is going under my desk so I think it'll be ok.

I've read in another thread that 2x 480 isnt really necessary unless you go above 1920x1200.

As far as overclocking, I dont know how to do it. Thankfully, DS do it for me ;) I choosed the CPU at 3.7-3.9 and Video card at maximum overclocking with stability.


EDIT : Also wondering about using a SATA 64gig as Primary HD and getting a 1T for second hard drive.


Edited by Utopi - 04 Aug 2010 at 12:08pm
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Dragoonseal View Drop Down
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Posts: 2247 		  Quote Dragoonseal Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 12:20pm
Originally posted by Utopi

EDIT : Also wondering about using a SATA 64gig as Primary HD and getting a 1T for second hard drive.

No. Angry

You'll want a SSD for OS/apps. Stick with an Intel 40GB or 80GB. Or even 160GB if you really want extra room for games, but games don't tend to benefit as much from SSD speeds so definitely not necessary or recommended.
Lilim
Intel Core i7 920 @4.2GHz
HAF 932 - Dual SLI Nvidia GTX 480s
3x Intel X25-M G2 (80GB) SSD RAID0
R.I.P. Sinbad the cat (November 16, 1996 - April 18, 2011)
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Utopi View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		  Quote Utopi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 12:24pm
I meant SSD sorry.
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Dragoonseal View Drop Down
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Posts: 2247 		  Quote Dragoonseal Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 12:26pm
I figured that may have been the case. But none the less there are no 64GB variety SSDs worth considering getting. Just stick with Intel SSDs.
Lilim
Intel Core i7 920 @4.2GHz
HAF 932 - Dual SLI Nvidia GTX 480s
3x Intel X25-M G2 (80GB) SSD RAID0
R.I.P. Sinbad the cat (November 16, 1996 - April 18, 2011)
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!ender_ View Drop Down
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Posts: 4219 		  Quote !ender_ Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 12:54pm
alright, so with a budget of 2800 youre already over all you need for gaming, which is currently this:
 
this, to me, is where price:use peaks, going over this you start to get less out of your money, not saying that no one should ever go over it, just saying its the base to for sure have if you want a gaming rig and you budget is over 2k
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=428879%20
 
you could choose to go up in a few different ways from here, a simple example would be adding more storage with a 1tb secondary drive, or increasing your HD speed by going to a primary SSD and a secondary storage drive
 
another idea, if you gave me 2800 and said get me the most gaming power possible from DSO, would simply be to add a 2nd 480. its easily done under $2800 and is really the only thing you can change to give your gaming experience any substantial benefit, though not very cost effective
 
liquid cooling definitely has a big awesome factor, but if youre trying to save money, its not even on the table, the cost:benefit ratio is probably the absolute worst when it comes to adding liquid cooling to a system
and as far as overheating... that happened becuase of bad hardware or bad workmanship, neither of those can be avoided by simply adding a loop to your config. if the pump gives out on you, or its not hooked up right, youll still overheat. so put those fears to rest. not only is that kind of sloppiness not applicable with DSO, its also covered in thier warranty. so if they screw something up then they will cover it
 
long story short, take the build i linked up there and then just add the things you want to it, it already has what you need to game
 
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Utopi View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		  Quote Utopi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 5:55pm
I just need to choose a MB at this point.

I'll be using
- 6gig RAM from DS
- *** 2x 480 (I dunno which one to pick, there' 4 choices of x2 480. Please help on this :) ***
- 40 gig SSD (Intel)
- Buying a green 2TB for ± 100$ somewhere else.
- Air Stage 1 : Noctua Dual 120mm fan (Is it enough or should I take stage 2 Noctua? Will it fit?
- CPU, Video and OS Boost.

That covers it!

Also still not decided on which case to pick. Prolly HAF 922.

Thanks!
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Utopi View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		  Quote Utopi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 6:43pm
/bump
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Ch3ssplay3r View Drop Down
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Posts: 164 		  Quote Ch3ssplay3r Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 7:51pm
Motherboards? 2x 480s? The EVGA X58 LE should be just fine, unless you want the additional features of the more expensive mobos.
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Matt6767 View Drop Down
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Posts: 14 		  Quote Matt6767 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 8:12pm
Originally posted by Ch3ssplay3r

Motherboards? 2x 480s? The EVGA X58 LE should be just fine, unless you want the additional features of the more expensive mobos.
 
I was researching the LE earlier and I read that the 3 pci x16 slots are locked at x16, x8, and x8 so you can lose some performance of the sli cards when the 2nd gtx 480 is in the x8.
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Ch3ssplay3r View Drop Down
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Posts: 164 		  Quote Ch3ssplay3r Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 8:16pm
Oh really? I wasn't aware of that, probably because i never considered SLI at all in my build. The performance loss is minimal though. you should probably get one with x16 and x16 capability, if possible.

Edited by Ch3ssplay3r - 05 Aug 2010 at 8:19pm
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Dragoonseal View Drop Down
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Posts: 2247 		  Quote Dragoonseal Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 8:17pm
Originally posted by Matt6767

I was researching the LE earlier and I read that the 3 pci x16 slots are locked at x16, x8, and x8 so you can lose some performance of the sli cards when the 2nd gtx 480 is in the x8.

Sure, a whole 2% performance loss using a 480 in a x8 lane instead of a x16 lane. Nothing really saturates x8 lanes yet. Sure a motherboard with two full x16 lanes would be preferable but you usually have to pay a lot more for one and it really is just plain not worth the extra money for 2% extra performance, it can be better spent elsewhere.
Lilim
Intel Core i7 920 @4.2GHz
HAF 932 - Dual SLI Nvidia GTX 480s
3x Intel X25-M G2 (80GB) SSD RAID0
R.I.P. Sinbad the cat (November 16, 1996 - April 18, 2011)
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Utopi View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		  Quote Utopi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 8:37pm
This is what I'll be ordering. Any last thoughts ?
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=429419
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Dragoonseal View Drop Down
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Posts: 2247 		  Quote Dragoonseal Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 9:06pm
Er, a conventional HDD? Unless you're supplying your own.
Lilim
Intel Core i7 920 @4.2GHz
HAF 932 - Dual SLI Nvidia GTX 480s
3x Intel X25-M G2 (80GB) SSD RAID0
R.I.P. Sinbad the cat (November 16, 1996 - April 18, 2011)
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Utopi View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		  Quote Utopi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 9:08pm
Suppluying my own, Choosed a SSD 40 gig from Intel but I have a 2TB here
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JJJJ_Shabadoo View Drop Down
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Posts: 320 		  Quote JJJJ_Shabadoo Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 9:12pm
If you're going with two GTX 480's, you MUST upgrade your power supply, 750 will NOT cut it. Most folks here recommend going with the 1200w supply.


Edited by JJJJ_Shabadoo - 05 Aug 2010 at 9:14pm
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!ender_ View Drop Down
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Posts: 4219 		  Quote !ender_ Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 9:15pm
looks good if you have the extra HDD
 
what jjjj said, 1200 or 1250 enermax for those cards
 
consider a sound card and maybe some case lighting Cool


Edited by !ender_ - 05 Aug 2010 at 9:16pm
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JJJJ_Shabadoo View Drop Down
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Posts: 320 		  Quote JJJJ_Shabadoo Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 9:21pm
The 1250 Enermax no longer shows up in the configurator (why I said the 1200).
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Utopi View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		  Quote Utopi Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 9:45pm
Lightning I so much prefer Alienware for that cause you can change it to almost any color.. I dont want color cause I'll want to change it everyweek... but if I get some It's gonna be green, dont like red and everything is blue nowadays.

Which sound card do you recommend? I currently only have a sub woofer and 2 little speakers. and I have to ditch the sub woofer due to ***** neighbors
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JJJJ_Shabadoo View Drop Down
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Posts: 320 		  Quote JJJJ_Shabadoo Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 10:14pm
I'm a huge standalone soundcard proponent, but if your speakers aren't very good, you won't notice the difference.
If you do get better speakers in the future, you can always drop a soundcard in then (extremely easy to do).

If you still want to get a soundcard, I'm very happy with my Creative Fatal1ty.
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