ODE 1 HHD

Hi, I just recently purchased the ODE level 1 and should be receiving it sometime this week. I absolutely cannot wait to setup and try my first DS rig. Let me start by saying, I'm certainly no expert when it comes to the insides of a computer. I did do  a lot of research on general knowledge of parts, as well as ODE specific stuff. I first started out with my own desktop config, but quickly realized that the ODE 1 had almost everything I wanted, and for a better price. So there's no doubt I have made the right selection for my needs.

My biggest(and only real) concern with the ODE 1 was its hard drive. The default is the 500GB Western Digital Caviar Blue. From what I've collected, this is a pretty basic/low end HDD. I've come across several threads on these forums that suggest upgrading to(or possibly adding?) a SSD... the Intel 320 SSD is the name I've seen come up most.

So basically, I wanted to see if I could get more information regarding the ODE 1 and its HDD, and a possible upgrade for it. Keep in mind, I have already ordered my system and it has completed all the stages and been picked up for delivery already, so I would be unable to substitute anything on my system for the $50 charge DS offers. I actually did not know it was possible for the DS guys to do such, until it was too late...I figured since it was a prebuilt system I was stuck with the HDD and could explore my options once I received it. I'm not broken up about it, but I'd like to hear anyone and everyone's opinion on the matter.

What are the best options for replacing or adding to the HDD?

What kind of improvements would I see for gaming/general use?

Is it worth the money to upgrade it, knowing I already went $100-200 over my budget?

Would there be any possibility of compatibility issues/errors with the rest of the ODE 1 parts or overclock-age?

And let's say I were to upgrade or add a SSD...Is that something doable for a guy with basic knowledge and no experience moving around parts inside a computer?

Feel free to add anything else that may be helpful.

I'm not sure if it will help any, but I'll be using a 22" monitor with 1680x1050 resolution. I'm considering moving to a 1920x1080 but I haven't decided whether or not it's worth the money and harder work load on my GPU. I'd take suggestions in regards to monitors too if anyone has them. Thanks in advance for anyone with insight.

Thanks for the reply DST4ME. I may pick up a 320 SSD and stick with the Caviar Blue for my storage HDD. We'll see how I feel after I can finally try out my new system.

You said I should be more concerned about the psu? Could you enlighten me further? A couple questions come to mind.

What are the advantages of upgrading to a better psu?

What psu would you recommend for the ODE 1?

What is the downside/dangers of keeping the 600W Corsair that comes with the ODE 1?

Thanks!

Hey thanks again for the information. I am writing this post from my new ODE1 and I was wondering how to get the red internal lighting to come on... I can see it sitting there in the bottom, but cannot find a switch for it. Should it come on by itself or am I missing something?

Hi Kslo4 ..... For your internal red lighting there is a switch on the ODE back panel, below where monitor hooks to gpu. Flip throw switch.          pos beat me.      Welcome aboard.

Edited by bprat22 - 13 Jan 2012 at 7:06pm

Yep, red usually means DANGER. Not in this case luckily. ENJOY