ODE Lvl 1 Questions

To start off, I did not post this in the configuration section since it's not a custom rig so I hope this is the right sport for this.

Anyways, had some questions about the ODE Lvl 1. I had previously been looking at a $3k custom build but do to some unforeseen circumstances (current system is failing) I will not be able to go down that road and I don't have the money on hand for anything more right now.

First thing, has anyone heard anything about the drive shortage letting up any time soon so that we might see the ODE's switching back to the better hardware they used to have? I sort of don't want to risk the current pricing too much longer but would really like a better quality hard drive then the economy version WD drive that the ODE 1 comes with at the moment. Even the Black version of the same drive would be nice.

Under the specs for the case it says "Side panel with cutout for window AND mesh with room for four 120mm fans — both included!" Does that mean the will be a mesh panel in the box that I can use instead of the clear window panel? And does that mean I can mount fans on to that mesh panel?

Next issue is with the CPU OC'ing. I know that changing anything on an ODE costs an extra $50 but am I able to make any special requests with the CPU overclock with out it costing more? I actually want to keep it on the lower end, sub 1.4v like other people say to shoot for on the forums. I'm not going to setting any benchmarks with this system so I rather take it a little easier on the CPU. Also for the CPU, some reviews I have read say there is a clearance issue with CPU fan coolers and the 200mm top fan. Are there any clearance issues or are their any changes specific to the Lvl 1 to address this problem?

Lastly, the warranty. I hate not even having the option for SLI later on with out having to replace the MOBO but does adding any hardware affect my warranty at all? Obviously if I break something that's on me but I want to make sure that it does not just void my warranty by adding something on my own. I'll definitely be adding an extra HDD as soon as I get this thing and will more than likely upgrade to one of the new Nvidia GPUs some time next year after they are out for a little while.

This is more of a suggestion but I'd actually like to see another level of ODE offered with some different options. Say an ODE with a i5 2500k, instead of the i7 2600k, but take that cost savings and put it into some better base hardware that leaves more room to upgrade later. Say the i5 but with a better MOBO that actually supports SLI and/or better a HDD. Kind of mirrors my issues above but it would be nice to have that option. As is the Lvl 1 severally limits your options later on.

This build is a good example, I would think you guys could find a way to knock $150 off that to bring it in line with your current ODE Lvl1. I would think you guys are getting a discount on the ODE cases compared to everything else since you are probably selling more of them.


Edit:
Sort of a side question I forgot to ask. Anyone have an opinion on expansion slot fan cards? I have one in my current system that helps draw air out of the system from that dead spot underneath the GPU that otherwise has no intake or exhaust fan in that area. It's a double slot card with a 120mm fan that exhausts the air out the back of the system just like a double slot GPU does. In the ODE it would grab hot air from above the battery before it made it's way to the GPU.

The ODE case sort of lacks in fans IMO but as I don't have one myself I don't exactly know how good the air flow is. I just know in my current system it does help.

2nd Edit:
Sorry to be a pain but another question about the HDD. The ODE Lvl 1 comes with the WD 500GB Blue (16MB Cache) as it's main drive. Is the Cache size only important for file transfer purposes or does it have any effect on performance. I know the drive is not that great to begin with but I currently have the Black version (32MB Cache) of that same drive that is used for file storage that I will be installing into my ODE machine.
 
I am trying to get some answers on performance differences so I can find it if I would be better off putting most of my games on to the second HDD instead of the main OS drive that will come with the system for better performance and load times. Yes I know it does not affect FPS. The main OS drive on my current system is really small but with the ODE I could put those files on the main drive and my games on the second HDD since performance wise my games are more important.


Edited by jmaster299 - 20 Nov 2011 at 11:11pm

1. Good to know but unfortunately too late for my needs.

2. I figured I'd have to swap it out myself but so long as I can get it with out having to pay the $50 ODE change premium I'll be happy. Hopefully Alex can confirm that it's free since they say that they include all extra parts with your system.

3. I'll look in to that when I go to buy it this week.

4. I figured their warranty was good and yeah I know that if I break it it's on me. Some companies can be weird and void warranties if you touch anything. Not specifically computers but I've seen it with other things.

5. That may be an option but it defeats the purpose of what I want since it only has a 560 and not a 570 and still does not have a MOBO that supports SLI for future upgrades.

6. I know a SSD is the best option, it's just not an option I can afford.

Thanks for the answer DST, your points are spot on as usual. If the discounts hold I think I may just go with the custom build I'm considering. With the sales it's an $86 price difference but it has a better HDD, better MOBO (can do SLI later) and better CPU cooling. It does not have the fan controller that the ODE has but I like the Cooler Master case better. It's only the i5 but a few months from now I can stick a second 570 in it with out needing a new MOBO and PSU. I'll post the build in the config section to get some feedback on it.

All resolved and I've made my purchase. Info is in my config thread.I like my shiny new Verified Customer tag


Edited by jmaster299 - 21 Nov 2011 at 2:17pm