Third DS Machine

Bought my last machine in 2012. It still works and I use it, but it is time for an updated system. I don't game nearly as much as I used to and don't have a lot of time to tinker, so I want a system that won't require much maintenance or upkeep.

Budget:
Preference is under $4k, can go over if it would provide a major boost.

Expectations:
High end gaming with little need for upgrades for at least a few years.

Usage:
Gaming at 1440 minimum and 4k possibilities would be a plus. Open to monitor suggestions. Still using the one DST4ME recommended 13 years ago.

Special Needs:
The room that it will be in can be warmer in the summer. Average room temp is about 77-80 degrees in the summer. I have a house project to add a fourth A/C unit to keep that part of the house cooler, but not sure when I will do it.

Saved Ticket #: 4627893

Specifications:
Configuration Code: 4627906
Total Price with Instant Savings: $3,709.00

Direct Load URL: https://www.digitalstorm.com/configurator.asp?id=4627906

Specifications:
Chassis Model: Digital Storm Lumos
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i5-13600KF (5.1 GHz Turbo) (20-Thread) (14-Core) 3.5 GHz (Raptor Lake)
Motherboard: ASUS Prime Z790-P D5 (Wi-Fi) (Intel Z790 Chipset) (Up to 3x PCI-E Devices) (No SLI) (DDR5)
System Memory: 32GB DDR5 5200MHz Kingston FURY Beast
Power Supply: 850W Corsair RMx Series (Modular) (80 Plus Gold)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: External USB - Blu-Ray & DVD Multi-Drive (Burn + Play Blu-Ray & DVDs) (6x BD-R)
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD M.2 (2TB Samsung 980 PRO) (NVM Express)
Storage Set 2: 1x SSD M.2 (1TB Samsung 980 PRO) (NVM Express)
Storage Set 3: - No Thanks
RAID Config: - No Thanks
RAID Card: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 1x GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB (VR Ready)
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
HPC Processor: - No Thanks
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black (Extreme Performance)
HydroLux Tubing Style: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected
HydroLux Fluid Color: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected
Cable Management: Premium Cable Management (Strategically Routed & Organized for Airflow)
Chassis Fans: Cooler Master MasterFan Halo (RGB Fans) (Remote Control Only)
Internal Lighting: Remote Controlled Advanced LED Lighting System (Multiple RGB Color Modes)
Airflow Control: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
LaserMark: Option Not Available
Boost Processor: Turbo Boost Advanced Automatic Overclocking
Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Home (64-Bit)
Recovery Tools: USB Drive - Windows Installation (Format and Clean Install)
Virus Protection: Windows Defender Antivirus (Built-in to Windows)
Office: - No Thanks
Mouse Pad: - No Thanks
Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks
Branded Gear: - No Thanks
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 4 Year Limited Warranty (4 Year Labor & 2 Year Part Replacement)

Originally posted by Nomad1970 Looks like the one I just ordered except I have a third SSD drive.. Looks good to me.

That's because I used yours as a template and changed the SSD around. You already incorporated all the previous suggestions/best practices I'd seen on the forum so figured why not use it.

I do want to ask about whether the air cooling can handle the higher room temps on my third floor without any additional cooling though.

Just coincidence that we're both on purchase #3!

Thanks for all the feedback, I realize it is mostly an already reviewed build from Nomad but appreciate everyone answering my specific questions.

Real quick, I have room in my budget to bump from the 4070ti to a 4080. Does anyone have a strong opinion one way or another on the value add? Would it impact my cooling concerns in the warmer room?

Also, any monitor recommendations?

Looking to purchase in the next day or two.

Originally posted by Cretae Not for my money. Here's a couple of comparisons for you: https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-RTX-4070-Ti-vs-Nvidia-RTX-3090/4146vs4081 https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-RTX-4080-vs-Nvidia-RTX-4070-Ti/4138vs4146 You can see how powerful the 4070 Ti is on it's own. The premium to step up is $510. That's ~60% for a 20% boost that's of questionable value to you. "In the budget" is always a good thing, but so's saving for future upgrades.

I agree with you, the additional spend doesn't provide enough of a performance boost.

Thanks everyone for the feedback, going to order today.