Nice read, it's interesting to see what the boutique builds can do.
My question is: what happens when you (manually) tame the voltages and power saving technologies in the system? Can it be brought down to idle more sensibly?
No question that this should not be expected of the end-user (especially any end user who would buy such a high end rig instead of building their own), but I am curious how efficient a build such as the Blackops can be made to run.
"especially any end user who would buy such a high end rig instead of building their own"
When you are immersed with lots of work and little time, live in small dwellings like an apartment/studio, don't have spare parts to test damaged/DOA units, or just don't want to deal with one of the many complications/time that can come from a new build; then you might be one of those end-users that sees this as a viable alternative to building your own.
Afterall, sites like iBuyPower are great in the fact that you're given the power that an HP/Dell/Apple just can't give you and while there is a little premium, it's only slightly larger than building it yourself - definitely not the markup of the said named brands.
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Your question of efficiency is unclear. The computer is plenty efficient when it's "sleep"ing :) Of course you can scale the power down, but why would you want to? You're paying all this money not to. You could also remove it from SLI, but again, why would you want to?
I can see what you're getting at, but this isn't for a notebook, this is a gaming rig =D
Yes. This computer is a joke. Anyone who knows how to overclock will tell you this is overpriced, failed overclocking, cheap RAM and ... come on. Watercooling for this ?? this can be cooled on air any day (and maybe even with the stock cooler, around 80°C (lol) .
The guy above says people who have the money but not the time could be interested, I agree but this one is a relatively bad combo.
Aren't there any desktops in the market sporting a crossfire configuration? All your benchmarks are comparing SLI configs with a single 5870 (AVA Direct Nano Cube). Are they really comparable?
The A-Data RAM ran flawlessly in the machine, but you'd rather see a different brand? Does <Brand X> RAM do something besides run flawlessly?
You want a different 1200W PSU, but don't mention what's actually in the machine or why you want a Corsair supply? Why? Is the Corsair more efficient, or quieter?
Your machine runs circles around this because it lacks E-Sata? Really? E-Sata is a $5 bracket, and the machine comes with USB 3.0. Digital audio is a flaw, but how many PC speakers accept digital inputs?
You mention a price premium, but don't bother to spec out what that is? For the record the parts and OS will run you ~$2800, so it's about an $800 assembly and lazy overclock fee.
Bottom line this seemed like a really lazy review.
The biggest flaw (and this is not Dustin's). Was the 1080p resolution game tests. IMO absolutely unacceptable, the type of person buying this rig would certainly "must have" a 30".
This and yesterday's HTPC case review are 2 articles in a row where he is limited by testing equipment. I get it, he's new. But come on for pete's sake this is Anandtech one of if not the biggest tech site on web, get him a proper test bench or relegate him to news/editorials. Content for the sake of content is DT not AT.
Not at all. 2560 displays are slow, expensive and downright a pointless pain to use. Everything is microscopic on them, and it's uncommon to spend 1/3 of your pc's price on the monitor. 1/8-1/10 is much more common. Having an absurdly highend rig I would like more than 1080p, but no more than 1400p
Who spends the premium of dual GTX 580s and then games in 1080p?
I'd argue that NO game actually needs SLI 580s in 2560x1600. Thank you Xbox.
And where did you pull the 1/8 from? My PC came in at just under 1000$ and I bought a 1500$ 30" on top of it. 'Cause I didn't feel like spending more on the PC just to fit your crazy a$$ logic.
If people were following your "logic", only those who somehow manage to build a PC for 15,000$ would buy 30-inchers. Very likely...
"The A-Data RAM ran flawlessly in the machine, but you'd rather see a different brand? Does <Brand X> RAM do something besides run flawlessly?" "but I'd like to see a more reputable/performance oriented brand" You miss the point. There are several brands out there, Corsair, Crucial, and OCZ. that might be considered better choices because of track record, design, or more suited to a high end build. A-Data is seen as the choice for builds on a slim budget. This build is not in that category.
"Is the Corsair more efficient, or quieter?" Point missed again.
"Your machine runs circles around this because it lacks E-Sata? Really?" Once again, your either didnt read it all or missed the point. "shouldn't run circles around a computer like this in terms of connectivity."
All in all it appears you have selective reading. I couldnt have agreed more with Dustin. This was a half ass effort in overclocking, parts selection, and build. They got a very nice case with good ventilation. If your going to build a high end machine, you use high end parts all the way through the build. Also, sharpen your reading skills, he qualified every one of your questions, you half assed your reading.
Yes, well put sethiol. I thought Dustin did an excellecnt job of pointing out the bizarre drawbacks of a machine in this pricerange.
A-Data Ram in a 3.5k system? Yes, tackled fine by author. Subpar PSU?, well I too would like to know what PSU the system was outfitted with, but i'm going to assume it was one of the highly regarded brands that should be used in a 3.5k build. No eSata, no digital audio? In a 3.5k build, yes this is absolutly worth sticking it to the builder for.
I understand corners being cut to hit a sub 2k build, though you don't really need to cut many. But when you add a 1.5k cieling to that build I think the buyer deserves more than what we see in this Digital Storm offering and Dustin got that point across without being dismissive of the other solid qualities that made up this machine.
For what its worth to anyone considering going with Digital Storm I have heard nightmare customer service stories from the only two guys I've talked to who decided to purchase from this boutique. Both got taken for a ride when their machines encoutered issues as opposed to just getting the issue resolved in an appropriate (read: quick and respectful manner)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't RAM a commodity item? AFAIK, they all run the same chips: the only difference is really warranty and bling (heat spreaders, etc). This is where OCZ really came up in the world...
Nit-picking aside, I do agree with GeorgeH here that if you're going to criticize a component, that you provide a substantiated reason and an alternative. I couldn't find what PSU brand was in this thing: only that it "should have been Corsair." I mean I love corsair as much as the next guy, but I think you need to provide more than a personal preference if you're going to put a component on blast.
Overall, not a bad article: i just think it needs more data and less 'opinion.'
It would be nice to see more boutique reviews, and to compare them to similar custom builds. Every boutique build I've seen is pit against some build that's clearly inferior in spec, causing me to all but dismiss the article as a covert advertisement. Boutique buyers assume they're paying a premium. Why not define that premium?
no, not really. What you get is speed binning, this is what you pay for. In a build of this price, it should have a higher end memory part, unless the adata has or is capable of tight timings etc etc...
I've had some A-Data DDR2 over the years that overclocked like a cat on fire, and I've had Crucial and Corsair that wouldn't go a half inch past the stock speeds. Depends on the PCB used and the memory chips used.
A-Data's memory is advertised to run at voltages from 1.55-1.75. Assuming that it isn't just marketing hype (making a bullet point of something standard to most quality RAM), could this explain why DigitalStorm chose A-Data over more established brands?
This of course assumes that A-Data didn't cut them a sweet deal on bulk RAM, of course.
So basically there are four reasons A-Data ram should not be used?
1) "Track record." This seems unfounded to me. Please prove A-Data does not have a track record as great as OCZ or Corsair. Wikipedia (I'm no fan, but hey!) "A-DATA is the world's 2nd largest DRAM Module Suppliers with 7.1% market share." OCZ can't match that, sorry.
2) "Design." Just looks eh? Means nothing quality wise, but since this case has a window it makes sense.
3) "More suited to a high end build." This sure sounds nice, but in the end is just marketing speak. What does it mean actually. WHY is it more suited? If you answer timings, we need more benches first before we can decide.
4) "A-Data is seen as the choice for buils on a slim budget." This is perspective only. An enforced marketing perspective mostly, because the other brands advertise more and have more image because of this. Maybe it is time for this perspective to change?
Personally I think this whole build lacks everywhere (home premium?), keeping the price in mind and the reviewer has been INCREDIBLY soft on it.
" There are several brands out there, Corsair, Crucial, and OCZ. that might be considered better choices because of track record, design, or more suited to a high end build. A-Data is seen as the choice for builds on a slim budget. This build is not in that category."
More suited? For what? Apparently the A-Data RAM ran flawlessly, so why not use it? What objective difference is there between a Corsair gaming module and the A-Data RAM that was used?
"Point missed again."
No, you missed the point completely. Subjective brand impressions are fine for a forum post, but have no place in an objective review. Corsair got their reputation from objective reviews - if another product works just as well, then that product is just as good as a Corsair product and has just as much validity in a high end build.
"shouldn't run circles around a computer like this in terms of connectivity."
The only thing required to implement E-Sata is a cable and a bracket. That's not really missing connectivity (no, I didn't miss that part) so much as missing cabling. Furthermore, USB 3.0 is already much more popular (in terms of external hard drives available for sale), so really there isn't any missing performance or capability in this machine; there's only a minor inconvenience for those with E-Sata devices. A flaw? Sure. Running circles? Not even a little bit.
Am I missing something? We know these pre-built systems aren't blessed from the gods to give better performance so why talk performance at all (except for OCing)? You only need to highlight the value of buying instead of building, if there even is one.
Though I must say I wasn't even aware of DigitalStorm. Their systems are far more diverse and seem more appealing than Alienware.
Sincerely, why spend so much money for a system like this. Absolutely crazy. With less money you can have a 980x, a better case, maybe a RE3, and a full custom loop with EK or MIPS waterblocks. I can't understand why people should buy this, instead of having fun deciding all components and putting them together. Anyway nice read.
Because many people don't have the experience and or afraid to build their computers.
Seriously, some people SHOULDN'T put a screwdriver near a PC.
I've had a buddy not want to "bother me" with a P4 1.6Ghz he bought (ugh... $500 for 1GB of crap RD-RAM) - he installed the parts wrong and blew out the board. It was weeks before the replacement parts got back.
An ex GF built her BF a computer, yet she still needed my help on some areas... he knows nothing, but spent about $1200+ on the computer that as 12GB of RAM on it. 12GB and the stressful thing he plays is WOW & Starcraft II. I'll admit I'm still running 2GB on my intel quad and Windows7...
I know I can get 4GB for about $30~40 again... but that's date money. :) I bought a RC Helicopter and having more fun with that. ;)
Wow actually scales really well with 12GB ram, since you can cache all the areas and completely subvert loading screens. The PVE heroes do this so they can get into raids faster.
Well, it is definitely a flashing build. But I don't really think enthusiasts would buy a monster like this, if they are capable of really appreciating machines this caliber, they will build it themselves.
But anyway, it's fun to read about anyway; What can rich kids buy these days to entertain them for a little while?
And maybe that's why the article seems to have - as mentioned by GeorgeH - this scent of laziness about it: This is a totally expendable product.
Every motor-journalist would of course love to test the brand new, latest model Bentley. But would there be any point of testing the same model, but with all the modifications a billionaire, Saudi-Arabian sheik has had installed? Like gold-doorhandles, diamond-braced remote control for the platinum-framed TV, the De-Extra-Luxe handmade 10.000 watt stereo or champagne and Cognac on tap?
No, not really. The ones, that would actually buy it, or in this case, the Digital Storm build, doesn't read reviews first, and we that does, would never buy a machine like this.
Of course. Nobody that knows anything of computers will talk into a store to buy one pre-build. And if you DO have the money to buy this and have an equal amount of brains you will still get it elsewhere.
It is all about building a box as cheaply as possible, making it look as attractive as possible, marking it up as high as possible and selling it to the biggest idiot possible.
3600 bucks and you only get one SSD drive, one hard drive, a measly 6gb ram from a complete crap brand, noname DVD burner and one low end built in sound card?
I don't mind built in sound, but there are better brands. Like Analog Devices.
Dustin didn't have a good 300x198 size picture that I could use for the top image, so I went to the DigitalStorm site and grabbed their picture of the BlackOps Assassin. Sorry if the actual system doesn't match up to that picture, but I figured that looked better than a taken-in-his-apartment photo. :-)
Even considering the convenience tax of a prebuilt and pre-overclocked computer, There is simply no justification for this price tag. If you were to go to Newegg.com and buy every piece here without combos, you would "only" pay around $2,700, including the OS. That leaves plenty of room for a pair of ZR24w or VG236H monitors.
And this is without even mentioning the fact that every single item on this thing (except for the CPU and memory) is overpriced and underperforming. Even the case, which is the best air cooling case on the market, is crippled. They removed the AP181 fans, which are arguably the best case fans in existence, and replaced them with those cheap-looking red fans. It even looks like the dust filters are missing, although they may have just been removed for the photo.
I could make a faster rig than this, with a better overclock and three high quality monitors, for a little bit less, and it would take less than half a day of actual work. I guess I should go into business.
Exactly... Not being a smart ass, but all of the "I can build this for HALF!!!!!!!" crowd should do it, go into business and show how it's done. Put the money where the mouth is.
this build could run you like ~2600 out of pocket. so you are paying ~1000 for a warranty that you can't be sure they will honor. (BFG going out of business and shafting their customers on RMA's comes to mind)
i can understand that some folks don't want to put the time and energy into a build, but those are exactly the kind of people that won't want to deal with shady small companies that can't necessarily deliver what they promise. I mean, an extra grand above parts is expensive for the consumer, but it doesn't even begin to cover the kind of tech support they are inviting with the "high end build" market. Unless they sell like a gabizillion (i didn't make that up, it's a real number) of these things, but i seriously doubt it.
Today's $3600 machine will be outperformed by next year's $750 custom build, and likely is only appreciably faster than today's $1250 custom build in a small handful of uses.
By this logic nothing is ever worth it. Eventually "next years" $750 build would be crushed by 5 years from nows $200 mini PC.
The gap between a $1250, $2650, and $3650 build is "minor" to YOU, but the areas where higher end builds do differentiate on performance are objectively measurable. Just because you don't care about those use cases doesn't make them worthless.
It's always really odd how so many folks want to use their own personal budget and usage constraints and restrictions as the basis as absolute value judgments:
"a Ferrari is only for losers with no brain and too much money because no one can drive faster than a Honda Civic and a Honda Civic can be over clocked faster than a Ferrari anyway!"
That kind of thing..
I think boutique PCs have their place and are worth reviewing. Folks aren't idiots for buying them or for wanting premium performance. If someone wants to buy rather than build more power to them. If someone want to build full premium vs budget, more power to them. I can't afford a Ferrari, but I still love them. Some people look at a Civic with envy from the bus. Objectivity is generally better for everyone.
So the picture on the home page has NOTHING to do with this system. Would it have been to much to ask for a couple pics of said system? No digital camera or cell phone anywhere around? You better get a grip on this Anand, been a reader for along time, this review is trash.
Win7-64 bit Home edition? I'd go with at least a pro but for about $40 or so for OEM difference, might as well go for the Ultimate, no? For $3200+... might as well have the top-end Win7 OS to boot.
You could hear the cdrom spin up through it, hear electrical noise from the videocard and numerous other sources and even instruments and vocals that SHOULD have been there in the audio were either inaudible or barely so. This was on a P35 Gigabyte board btw.
Bought a Xonar D2 not long after and never looked back. Seeing there is a market for $3600 machines without a HQ soundcard makes me weep.
All other gripes aside, for $3500+ I would expect 8gb's of ram and a Blu Ray burner MINIMUM. And the hack job overclocking just rubs salt in the wound. Like Dustin says, wait for Sandy Bridge.
The SLI 580s are a bit silly really,2 x HD6950s would have been a little more technically interesting and saved a considerable whack of money for (at least) a decent audio card,maybe Windows 7 Pro,more memory or even dual RAID 0 SSDs for some snappy fast desktop performance. Not a bad system I guess but its target audience is one I'm glad I'm not a member of...
If I'm going to pay that much coin for a boutique build, I'm going the Maingear route because of their customer service. There are no real proprietary parts to this build so any builder (boutique or joe user) could do the same. So all things being equal, customer service and warranty is what differentiates their inherent values. As another posted pointed out, DS doesn't exactly have a stellar customer service rep.
If you are spending 3.5k on a computer that is prebuilt then you probably shouldn't be. Going to newegg in quick 10 min look i pieced together a build with an i7-970, two GTX 580's, a 120Gb OCZ RevoDrive, 1Tb Spinpoint f3, 6Gb of corsair ddr3 2000 (cas 8), cooler master HAF X case, and a 1.2k watt antec PSU.
$3,518.87
Comparing to our prebuilt here, this quick build will run circles around it in SSD performance, and general applications, Gaming as well, the i7-970 should overclock to 4Ghz easily with the liquid cooling (also in the budget) and the RAM can OC to 2200 easily. This build also includes windows 7 ultimate (apparently too pricey for the prebuilt here)
Overall for the build in the review it is a $2,753.86 computer with a giant price bump for the "Black Ops" moniker and a half assed OC. This exact build (or as exact as i could make it on newegg) was 2753.86 it has the same everything, case, (had to guess on the PSU as it was left out in the review), A-DATA RAM, graphics cards, CPU, motherboard ,card read, bluray, cd/dvd.....etc. i dont see any real gain in buying this over a custom built (at least with custom you can know what goes in it instead of whatever the company thinks you need. The only thing you gain is a 3 year warranty, however if you buy from respected manufacturers all of your parts should be under at least two year warranty. Lastly, even if you dont know much about computer and want a very high end gaming system (which this is to most people) you would be better off spending a month or two reading up and learning about computers and then building your own instead of buying this over priced gimmick.
Why would you want Win 7 Ultimate on a gaming rig? Yeah, I know, it has "Ultimate" right there in the name, but other than that... what does it offer that Home Premium doesn't? Unless you are planning on installing >16GB of RAM or putting together a multi-processor system (so going to Xeons, and significantly increasing the overall price), it really doesn't offer anything extra... all for an $80 premium over Home Premium.
I am not saying it is needed however, it is somewhat expected on a build costing more then 3,000, at least having windows 7 professional for Windows Xp mode would be nice. After all it isn't that big of a price difference.
Win7 Home Premium does not offer network backups. Which, for such a rig as this, might not be a big issue, it is something that is rather lacking. The Win7 backup system is a huge plus given that it, being the OS itself, never suffer from trying to read a locked file or whatever.
So to only put Win7HP on a nearly $4k box? Yeah, they should have put Win7U on that thing. Not that people as clueless that would drop that kinda money for a box like that will know better but I am sure that at some point they will wonder why they did not get the top of the line Win7 version.
I can't get past your first sentence. Great that you feel so able to make such absolute statements! I wonder do you apply the same logic to yourself?
"someone who can't do their own damn tuneup or change their oil shouldnt own a car"
"if you can't fix your own plumbing, why buy a house???"
"anyone who needs a TOUR GUIDE shouldn't be traveling!"
See how stupid that sounds? I'm sure you don't actually. Go ahead and explain how this is different and no one has a right to want to be able to play super high end PC games, or do high end content authoring, without being able to (or have the time to) assemble a PC. And no one should want support either right?
Ive been building my own PCs since before there was a "PC" (think kit computers - Kate 70s). It's absolutely nothing to be arrogant or judgemental about.
WTF. This build is way overpowered for only 1080p res. come on if your going to spend almost 4 grand on a tower and you guys test it with a measly 1080 panel. Wheres the 30" 2560 x 1600 love at? Thats all I game on, anything less is for the poor folk!
>99% of finished computer hardware products have ports on a vertical side or bottom panel for a very good reason: to minimize dust accumulation.
In all but the cleanest environments, after a year or two the dust accumulation in vertically-oriented and top-exposed ports can start to cause connection problems, i/o errors, excessive contact erosion, etc.
Silverstone has three cases with the ports on the top, the first of which was launched just short of three years ago. I have never once heard anyone complain about dust clogging their ports, and I haven't had that issue, either, although I've only had my FT02 for a couple of weeks. Between the grille over the top and the positive pressure from the three massive fans in the bottom, dust isn't an issue.
Before I start - kudos to Gilbert - vents, gaps, holes, ports - are a pain for dust. I am going to have to take my PC apart to clean my fans, arrrggghhh! It does not matter which side the ports are on, the fans will suck the dust in from anywhere.
That being said, this is a crazy amount to spend on a PC, you will buy it with your hard earned cash and within a year it is not worth half as much; in two, a quarter; and in three, obsolete (in terms of gaming). Unless you game on a monitor in excess of 24" (i.e. 30", or multiple), the system is overkill as the benches show, probably overkill for a single 30".
Unless you are all about bragging rights, year old tech is a good thing. Pay $1500 for your PC (sans monitor) and put the extra $2K in retirement or as an extra mortgage payment.
While I agree that for a price tag north of $3000 the choice of the components is extremely poor (yet I would still say that A-Data is far better than OCZ), I don't understand why the fuck you all get so aggravated about a company trying to make money? Do you even have a fucking clue how much money and man power it takes to run a company, orchestrate the logistics, provide customer service & support, honor warranty claims, and so on? A bunch of you are bitching about how much better it is to go to Newegg and get the parts and twist some wires and build your own. Well guess what: most people that have $3000 to $4000 or more to spend on a computer don't have the time or the desire to mess with Newegg, debugging a computer system, spend precious time on forums to find out why something doesn't work and so on. People who have money to buy something like this have real jobs and make real money. They don't sit all day long on their fat asses in their mom's basement jerking off at newegg.com waiting for the next Shell Shocker deal because they don't have any money to just buy something and be done with it. Also most people don't buy a computer every 3 months. They may buy one every 3 to 5 years. In the long run they save more money than most of you poor people waiting on your next Shell Shocker deal at Newegg. They also don't pay with a credit card for their shiny new toy, but with cash or their debit card. So for some people the extra $700~$800~$1000 is worth it because they never have to mess around with their own computer system. If it breaks, they box it up and send it away. Last but not least, I've seen allot of bitching in this article about the lazy overclocking, about how the cpu is not idling and so on. What the fuck man? It is an overclocked system, so there isn't going to be much idling. Lazy overclocking? Uhm, no. It would have been just as easy to set the base frequency to 200MHz and the ratio to 20x, but guess what: they want the system to last for a while, and if anything, by doing this the motherboard will live longer.
The bottom line is that no one is making You, or You, or You moron buy a system from Digital Storm or any other boutique maker. If Newegg floats your boat so be it. If you have the time to put together a proper system and self support it, then you probably ave too much time on your hands and no real job, so as a consequence no real money either. I don't really care. I am pleased with my Digital Storm system, and I don't regret the $4500 that I've spent. I'm not going to buy another system until 2015, so why would I care? Most of you will have spent twice us much by then in money, time and resources just to upgrade and to keep up with the trends. Its just like with cars: most of you drive Hyundais, Kias and Toyotas, but some of us drive BMWs, Audis and Mercedes. Get a life losers!
Now I agree with you about people who buy this have the money to pay someone else to do the work. However, to say I or others don't make real money and live in mom's basement? What do you base that on? Most people here spend more on a PC they built over the course of time than the $4500 you did. I don't drive a Kia either there buddy...in fact my car is worth many times more than your BMW, and yes it costs more to buy in it's current condition than a Mercedes SL550 and has more HP. It might not be brand spanking new, but having a classic car and working on it brings some pride with it. Just like building your computer does for myself and many. Now maybe I can't go out and buy a BMW 750i with my current budget but that doesn't mean I cannot afford certain things either and by trying to get the best bang for the buck I'm less of a person for it.
There is no reason to get all worked up either. I mean some people were a bit harsh, but those of us who go to newegg don't do it because we can't afford anything else. It's because we enjoy tinkering and building. Some people piece out their components in such a way as to get the maximum overclock. Why? No you're wrong already, it's not because they cannot afford an "extreme edition" CPU and are cutting corners. It's because we enjoy it. Just like I enjoy working on my car (yes my car can be worked on unlike your precious BMW and Mercedes). Just like a friend of mine used to say when I said "who buys that?"...his reply "there's a seat for every ass out there." That doesn't mean you or anyone is an ass, but that if you build it there will probably be someone who wants it. That's the way of things.
My comment was not targeted at you or those that like to thinker. I have a very specific group in mind. It's the cheapskates that always expect to get something for nothing, and take things so far that they are capable of harassing merchants to get what they want at the low low price that they want. I'm sorry if I offended you.
This kid is a moron, you obviously bought a system from digital storm. WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would pay an extra 1000$ for a warranty? And let me explain something to you kid, i make well over 150,000$ a year, I have to PAY back during taxes. I love these poor kids who have their mommies and daddies buy them these systems and vouch for overpriced hardware.
Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against AnandTech for delivering this review. It is reviewed system which is all wrong. For that kind of money that build is simply pathetic.
Not a fan of liquid cooling/extreme OC, but if you want to do this, do it properly. Furthermore, what is the point using software built-in audio solution when you stuffed motherboard with 2 GTX580s? I bet that 99% of gamers [which building PC themselves] first thing they do is to turn off on-board sound when they enter the BIOS. "Ancient" SB Live will do better than any Realtek. Same with network card. 1 Intels NIC is better that any number of Realteks NIC [only Asus with Rampage Extreme 3 got it]. Storage area is seriously tiny. Couldn't care less about how many SSDs are there. SSDs are road to nowhere, as every new generation NAND lifespan is shorter and shorter. But 1TB HDD by todays standards is absolutely nothing. You can run out of space in a week without attempts to download whole interent. ;D
In the end, I have to say (also someone picked on that note earlier). If you know few things about PCs why would you invest [ignoring the price] in pre-build system for your very own home-gaming-entertainment box? There is absolutely no fun in that. Bolting everything together is all what matters! :)
Wrong. For the customers of boutique builders putting things together *isn't* fun and *doesnt* matter.
Criticizing the build and builder value add? Fair
Criticizing the very concept of a boutique builder? Ridiculous and judgemental
I *only* assemble my own PCs and have for 30+ years and I see this clearly. Why is this such a hard concept for so many of you? Word of advice... Be careful about wrapping too much ego and identity into a hobbiest interest.
I have to say, after reading the spec list, i was expecting easy 20k+ PCMV total score, and was seriously underwhelmed. My setup with Phenom 1090T aircooled @ 4,4Ghz, 8GB kingston value-ram, a HD 6850, and 4x Crusial C300 in RAID-0, clocked in at 17941 PCmarks (vantage), total system costing around $1500. BTW, the 4x C300 64GB in RAID-0 from SB850 pulls around 1150MB/s sequential read and >100k 4KB random read IOPS, costing only ~$500. Link to orb: 3dmark com / compare / pcmv / 393980 / pcmv / 394018
The 3Dmark results are impressing though, but could be higher with a decent clock.
The article mentions that they used a cheap power supply, but it never mentions which one. What is it? That really matters. From the pictures it kinda looks like the CoolMax one that ZZF has for $99.99 with free shipping (currently out of stock), but everyone on Newegg said that it wouldn't last more than a year, sometimes only lasting only few weeks with the average appearing to be a few months, and it would sometimes fry some parts when it died. That could be a real deal breaker if the PSU keeps dieing, especially if it takes your data with it.
I am the type of guy who would consider a boutique computer store. I do not know enough about computer to overclock. I have tried and it does not work. Maybe its parts on the pc, maybe its my general ignornace, and/or maybe it the guide I followed.
My friends who can and do build systems all advise not to over clock under any circumstances. If I take them a bunch of parts they will not do it. Si I am left with the alternative of cobbling together systems that need upgrades every other year or I can buy a more reasonably priced overclocked DS Assasin for about $2.5k.
You can often buy pre-overclocked video cards with full warranty, eVGA, XFX, MSI, etc - look around for reviews on specific cards to see how the performance improves.
As to processors, well you still have to do that on your own if you want. But it's dead easy if you buy a black edition AMD cpu. You literally adjust one setting and that's it.
This is pure wastage. You can buy 11 PlayStation 3, with this amount. So 11 gamers could benefit, and can play games in HD, and also enjoy exclusives like God of War 3, Metal Gear Solid 4, Red Dead Redemption, Heavy Rain, etc.. which wont be on the PCs.
So buying such a rig for PC gaming is pure foolishness.
Nice to see 1080p used in the benchmarks. Can't wait for Bench to get fully upgraded. Hopefully, at least for the $200 and lower GPU's, you'll include results for 1600x900 and 720p.
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Voldenuit - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Nice read, it's interesting to see what the boutique builds can do.My question is: what happens when you (manually) tame the voltages and power saving technologies in the system? Can it be brought down to idle more sensibly?
No question that this should not be expected of the end-user (especially any end user who would buy such a high end rig instead of building their own), but I am curious how efficient a build such as the Blackops can be made to run.
vol7ron - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
"especially any end user who would buy such a high end rig instead of building their own"When you are immersed with lots of work and little time, live in small dwellings like an apartment/studio, don't have spare parts to test damaged/DOA units, or just don't want to deal with one of the many complications/time that can come from a new build; then you might be one of those end-users that sees this as a viable alternative to building your own.
Afterall, sites like iBuyPower are great in the fact that you're given the power that an HP/Dell/Apple just can't give you and while there is a little premium, it's only slightly larger than building it yourself - definitely not the markup of the said named brands.
------------------------------------------
Your question of efficiency is unclear. The computer is plenty efficient when it's "sleep"ing :) Of course you can scale the power down, but why would you want to? You're paying all this money not to. You could also remove it from SLI, but again, why would you want to?
I can see what you're getting at, but this isn't for a notebook, this is a gaming rig =D
marc1000 - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
I second your question."what happens when you (manually) tame the voltages and power saving technologies in the system? Can it be brought down to idle more sensibly?"
L. - Wednesday, March 16, 2011 - link
Yes.This computer is a joke.
Anyone who knows how to overclock will tell you this is overpriced, failed overclocking, cheap RAM and ... come on. Watercooling for this ?? this can be cooled on air any day (and maybe even with the stock cooler, around 80°C (lol) .
The guy above says people who have the money but not the time could be interested, I agree but this one is a relatively bad combo.
bijeshn - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Aren't there any desktops in the market sporting a crossfire configuration? All your benchmarks are comparing SLI configs with a single 5870 (AVA Direct Nano Cube). Are they really comparable?GeorgeH - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
The A-Data RAM ran flawlessly in the machine, but you'd rather see a different brand? Does <Brand X> RAM do something besides run flawlessly?You want a different 1200W PSU, but don't mention what's actually in the machine or why you want a Corsair supply? Why? Is the Corsair more efficient, or quieter?
Your machine runs circles around this because it lacks E-Sata? Really? E-Sata is a $5 bracket, and the machine comes with USB 3.0. Digital audio is a flaw, but how many PC speakers accept digital inputs?
You mention a price premium, but don't bother to spec out what that is? For the record the parts and OS will run you ~$2800, so it's about an $800 assembly and lazy overclock fee.
Bottom line this seemed like a really lazy review.
Kaboose - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
agreed, seemed rushed, not well thought out and sloppy. -1bah12 - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
The biggest flaw (and this is not Dustin's). Was the 1080p resolution game tests. IMO absolutely unacceptable, the type of person buying this rig would certainly "must have" a 30".This and yesterday's HTPC case review are 2 articles in a row where he is limited by testing equipment. I get it, he's new. But come on for pete's sake this is Anandtech one of if not the biggest tech site on web, get him a proper test bench or relegate him to news/editorials. Content for the sake of content is DT not AT.
1080p gaming on a $3,500+ machine...shameful.
ClownPuncher - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
30" or a surround setup with 3 monitors. There wasn't any reason to bench this thing at 1920x1080.landerf - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Not at all. 2560 displays are slow, expensive and downright a pointless pain to use. Everything is microscopic on them, and it's uncommon to spend 1/3 of your pc's price on the monitor. 1/8-1/10 is much more common. Having an absurdly highend rig I would like more than 1080p, but no more than 1400ptim851 - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
Who spends the premium of dual GTX 580s and then games in 1080p?I'd argue that NO game actually needs SLI 580s in 2560x1600. Thank you Xbox.
And where did you pull the 1/8 from?
My PC came in at just under 1000$ and I bought a 1500$ 30" on top of it. 'Cause I didn't feel like spending more on the PC just to fit your crazy a$$ logic.
If people were following your "logic", only those who somehow manage to build a PC for 15,000$ would buy 30-inchers. Very likely...
Zan Lynx - Monday, January 3, 2011 - link
Who buys a 30" monitor and doesn't know how to fix the DPI settings in the OS?Please don't be those people who buy 30" displays to run at 640x480 just to make the text bigger. Please.
sethiol - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
"The A-Data RAM ran flawlessly in the machine, but you'd rather see a different brand? Does <Brand X> RAM do something besides run flawlessly?""but I'd like to see a more reputable/performance oriented brand"
You miss the point. There are several brands out there, Corsair, Crucial, and OCZ. that might be considered better choices because of track record, design, or more suited to a high end build. A-Data is seen as the choice for builds on a slim budget. This build is not in that category.
"Is the Corsair more efficient, or quieter?" Point missed again.
"Your machine runs circles around this because it lacks E-Sata? Really?"
Once again, your either didnt read it all or missed the point. "shouldn't run circles around a computer like this in terms of connectivity."
All in all it appears you have selective reading. I couldnt have agreed more with Dustin. This was a half ass effort in overclocking, parts selection, and build. They got a very nice case with good ventilation. If your going to build a high end machine, you use high end parts all the way through the build. Also, sharpen your reading skills, he qualified every one of your questions, you half assed your reading.
Attic - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Yes, well put sethiol. I thought Dustin did an excellecnt job of pointing out the bizarre drawbacks of a machine in this pricerange.A-Data Ram in a 3.5k system? Yes, tackled fine by author.
Subpar PSU?, well I too would like to know what PSU the system was outfitted with, but i'm going to assume it was one of the highly regarded brands that should be used in a 3.5k build.
No eSata, no digital audio? In a 3.5k build, yes this is absolutly worth sticking it to the builder for.
I understand corners being cut to hit a sub 2k build, though you don't really need to cut many. But when you add a 1.5k cieling to that build I think the buyer deserves more than what we see in this Digital Storm offering and Dustin got that point across without being dismissive of the other solid qualities that made up this machine.
For what its worth to anyone considering going with Digital Storm I have heard nightmare customer service stories from the only two guys I've talked to who decided to purchase from this boutique. Both got taken for a ride when their machines encoutered issues as opposed to just getting the issue resolved in an appropriate (read: quick and respectful manner)
Robear - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't RAM a commodity item? AFAIK, they all run the same chips: the only difference is really warranty and bling (heat spreaders, etc). This is where OCZ really came up in the world...Nit-picking aside, I do agree with GeorgeH here that if you're going to criticize a component, that you provide a substantiated reason and an alternative. I couldn't find what PSU brand was in this thing: only that it "should have been Corsair." I mean I love corsair as much as the next guy, but I think you need to provide more than a personal preference if you're going to put a component on blast.
Overall, not a bad article: i just think it needs more data and less 'opinion.'
It would be nice to see more boutique reviews, and to compare them to similar custom builds. Every boutique build I've seen is pit against some build that's clearly inferior in spec, causing me to all but dismiss the article as a covert advertisement. Boutique buyers assume they're paying a premium. Why not define that premium?
james.jwb - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
no, not really. What you get is speed binning, this is what you pay for. In a build of this price, it should have a higher end memory part, unless the adata has or is capable of tight timings etc etc...Slash3 - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
I've had some A-Data DDR2 over the years that overclocked like a cat on fire, and I've had Crucial and Corsair that wouldn't go a half inch past the stock speeds. Depends on the PCB used and the memory chips used.dustcrusher - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
I'm an overclocking newb, so I have a question:A-Data's memory is advertised to run at voltages from 1.55-1.75. Assuming that it isn't just marketing hype (making a bullet point of something standard to most quality RAM), could this explain why DigitalStorm chose A-Data over more established brands?
This of course assumes that A-Data didn't cut them a sweet deal on bulk RAM, of course.
Nentor - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
So basically there are four reasons A-Data ram should not be used?1) "Track record." This seems unfounded to me. Please prove A-Data does not have a track record as great as OCZ or Corsair.
Wikipedia (I'm no fan, but hey!) "A-DATA is the world's 2nd largest DRAM Module Suppliers with 7.1% market share." OCZ can't match that, sorry.
2) "Design." Just looks eh? Means nothing quality wise, but since this case has a window it makes sense.
3) "More suited to a high end build." This sure sounds nice, but in the end is just marketing speak. What does it mean actually. WHY is it more suited? If you answer timings, we need more benches first before we can decide.
4) "A-Data is seen as the choice for buils on a slim budget." This is perspective only. An enforced marketing perspective mostly, because the other brands advertise more and have more image because of this. Maybe it is time for this perspective to change?
Personally I think this whole build lacks everywhere (home premium?), keeping the price in mind and the reviewer has been INCREDIBLY soft on it.
GeorgeH - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
" There are several brands out there, Corsair, Crucial, and OCZ. that might be considered better choices because of track record, design, or more suited to a high end build. A-Data is seen as the choice for builds on a slim budget. This build is not in that category."More suited? For what? Apparently the A-Data RAM ran flawlessly, so why not use it? What objective difference is there between a Corsair gaming module and the A-Data RAM that was used?
"Point missed again."
No, you missed the point completely. Subjective brand impressions are fine for a forum post, but have no place in an objective review. Corsair got their reputation from objective reviews - if another product works just as well, then that product is just as good as a Corsair product and has just as much validity in a high end build.
"shouldn't run circles around a computer like this in terms of connectivity."
The only thing required to implement E-Sata is a cable and a bracket. That's not really missing connectivity (no, I didn't miss that part) so much as missing cabling. Furthermore, USB 3.0 is already much more popular (in terms of external hard drives available for sale), so really there isn't any missing performance or capability in this machine; there's only a minor inconvenience for those with E-Sata devices. A flaw? Sure. Running circles? Not even a little bit.
Patrick Wolf - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Am I missing something? We know these pre-built systems aren't blessed from the gods to give better performance so why talk performance at all (except for OCing)? You only need to highlight the value of buying instead of building, if there even is one.Though I must say I wasn't even aware of DigitalStorm. Their systems are far more diverse and seem more appealing than Alienware.
gevorg - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Over $3500 and no i7-980X, and not even >1TB storage drive. LOL!brucek2 - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Tom's Hardware just posted a $2,000 build that seems would deliver equivalent or greater performance at many tasks:http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/newegg-combo-t...
Batou - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Sincerely, why spend so much money for a system like this. Absolutely crazy.With less money you can have a 980x, a better case, maybe a RE3, and a full
custom loop with EK or MIPS waterblocks. I can't understand why people should
buy this, instead of having fun deciding all components and putting them together.
Anyway nice read.
Belard - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Because many people don't have the experience and or afraid to build their computers.Seriously, some people SHOULDN'T put a screwdriver near a PC.
I've had a buddy not want to "bother me" with a P4 1.6Ghz he bought (ugh... $500 for 1GB of crap RD-RAM) - he installed the parts wrong and blew out the board. It was weeks before the replacement parts got back.
An ex GF built her BF a computer, yet she still needed my help on some areas... he knows nothing, but spent about $1200+ on the computer that as 12GB of RAM on it. 12GB and the stressful thing he plays is WOW & Starcraft II. I'll admit I'm still running 2GB on my intel quad and Windows7...
I know I can get 4GB for about $30~40 again... but that's date money. :) I bought a RC Helicopter and having more fun with that. ;)
cbgoding - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
Wow actually scales really well with 12GB ram, since you can cache all the areas and completely subvert loading screens. The PVE heroes do this so they can get into raids faster.kevith - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Well, it is definitely a flashing build. But I don't really think enthusiasts would buy a monster like this, if they are capable of really appreciating machines this caliber, they will build it themselves.But anyway, it's fun to read about anyway; What can rich kids buy these days to entertain them for a little while?
And maybe that's why the article seems to have - as mentioned by GeorgeH - this scent of laziness about it: This is a totally expendable product.
Every motor-journalist would of course love to test the brand new, latest model Bentley. But would there be any point of testing the same model, but with all the modifications a billionaire, Saudi-Arabian sheik has had installed? Like gold-doorhandles, diamond-braced remote control for the platinum-framed TV, the De-Extra-Luxe handmade 10.000 watt stereo or champagne and Cognac on tap?
No, not really. The ones, that would actually buy it, or in this case, the Digital Storm build, doesn't read reviews first, and we that does, would never buy a machine like this.
It is pretty however.
mino - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
There are people that can appreciate a top-of-the line product with a top-notch customer care.Go, ask Rahul Sood. If you do not believe ...
kevith - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Ok, the customer-care of course is an aspect with a product like this, that I did't think of.I'm not familiar with the guy You mention, though.
Nentor - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Of course. Nobody that knows anything of computers will talk into a store to buy one pre-build. And if you DO have the money to buy this and have an equal amount of brains you will still get it elsewhere.It is all about building a box as cheaply as possible, making it look as attractive as possible, marking it up as high as possible and selling it to the biggest idiot possible.
Shinobi_III - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
3600 bucks and you only get one SSD drive, one hard drive, a measly 6gb ram from a complete crap brand, noname DVD burner and one low end built in sound card?I don't mind built in sound, but there are better brands. Like Analog Devices.
transmitthis - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
I was drawn in by the nice image of a good looking system with 3 GPU's and dedicated Water Cooling...But that's not what you reviewed at all, how about using a lead image that more closely reflects the article?
As for the system, well its always going to be FTL with these bespoke systems, esp with the audience you have here Jarred
JarredWalton - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Dustin didn't have a good 300x198 size picture that I could use for the top image, so I went to the DigitalStorm site and grabbed their picture of the BlackOps Assassin. Sorry if the actual system doesn't match up to that picture, but I figured that looked better than a taken-in-his-apartment photo. :-)Deleted - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Even considering the convenience tax of a prebuilt and pre-overclocked computer, There is simply no justification for this price tag. If you were to go to Newegg.com and buy every piece here without combos, you would "only" pay around $2,700, including the OS. That leaves plenty of room for a pair of ZR24w or VG236H monitors.And this is without even mentioning the fact that every single item on this thing (except for the CPU and memory) is overpriced and underperforming. Even the case, which is the best air cooling case on the market, is crippled. They removed the AP181 fans, which are arguably the best case fans in existence, and replaced them with those cheap-looking red fans. It even looks like the dust filters are missing, although they may have just been removed for the photo.
I could make a faster rig than this, with a better overclock and three high quality monitors, for a little bit less, and it would take less than half a day of actual work. I guess I should go into business.
mlambert890 - Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - link
Exactly... Not being a smart ass, but all of the "I can build this for HALF!!!!!!!" crowd should do it, go into business and show how it's done. Put the money where the mouth is.softdrinkviking - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
this build could run you like ~2600 out of pocket.so you are paying ~1000 for a warranty that you can't be sure they will honor. (BFG going out of business and shafting their customers on RMA's comes to mind)
i can understand that some folks don't want to put the time and energy into a build, but those are exactly the kind of people that won't want to deal with shady small companies that can't necessarily deliver what they promise. I mean, an extra grand above parts is expensive for the consumer, but it doesn't even begin to cover the kind of tech support they are inviting with the "high end build" market. Unless they sell like a gabizillion (i didn't make that up, it's a real number) of these things, but i seriously doubt it.
jensend - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Today's $3600 machine will be outperformed by next year's $750 custom build, and likely is only appreciably faster than today's $1250 custom build in a small handful of uses.Is it worth it? NO.
Why bother wasting your time on it?
mlambert890 - Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - link
By this logic nothing is ever worth it. Eventually "next years" $750 build would be crushed by 5 years from nows $200 mini PC.The gap between a $1250, $2650, and $3650 build is "minor" to YOU, but the areas where higher end builds do differentiate on performance are objectively measurable. Just because you don't care about those use cases doesn't make them worthless.
It's always really odd how so many folks want to use their own personal budget and usage constraints and restrictions as the basis as absolute value judgments:
"a Ferrari is only for losers with no brain and too much money because no one can drive faster than a Honda Civic and a Honda Civic can be over clocked faster than a Ferrari anyway!"
That kind of thing..
I think boutique PCs have their place and are worth reviewing. Folks aren't idiots for buying them or for wanting premium performance. If someone wants to buy rather than build more power to them. If someone want to build full premium vs budget, more power to them. I can't afford a Ferrari, but I still love them. Some people look at a Civic with envy from the bus. Objectivity is generally better for everyone.
wingless - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
This kind of power lends itself to the idea that it is perfect for multi-monitor 3D gaming. For that use, it would not be excessively fast.How about we get some Multi-monitor and/or 3D gaming tests out of Anandtech when they review multiple GPU setups?
Speedye1 - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
So the picture on the home page has NOTHING to do with this system. Would it have been to much to ask for a couple pics of said system? No digital camera or cell phone anywhere around? You better get a grip on this Anand, been a reader for along time, this review is trash.Dug - Friday, December 31, 2010 - link
I agree. This guy has got to go. We can get half assed reviews from anywhere.Dustin Sklavos - Friday, December 31, 2010 - link
You do know we read these, right?Kaboose - Friday, December 31, 2010 - link
He probably hopes so, if you didn't what would be the point of posting?Belard - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Okay, for a TOP of the LINE game system...Win7-64 bit Home edition? I'd go with at least a pro but for about $40 or so for OEM difference, might as well go for the Ultimate, no? For $3200+... might as well have the top-end Win7 OS to boot.
Zan Lynx - Monday, January 3, 2011 - link
I picked Home 7 for my custom build. I looked at the features on the higher versions and couldn't see a single thing I needed.Nentor - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
I used onboard sound once.You could hear the cdrom spin up through it, hear electrical noise from the videocard and numerous other sources and even instruments and vocals that SHOULD have been there in the audio were either inaudible or barely so. This was on a P35 Gigabyte board btw.
Bought a Xonar D2 not long after and never looked back. Seeing there is a market for $3600 machines without a HQ soundcard makes me weep.
Scootiep7 - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
All other gripes aside, for $3500+ I would expect 8gb's of ram and a Blu Ray burner MINIMUM. And the hack job overclocking just rubs salt in the wound. Like Dustin says, wait for Sandy Bridge.Will Robinson - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
The SLI 580s are a bit silly really,2 x HD6950s would have been a little more technically interesting and saved a considerable whack of money for (at least) a decent audio card,maybe Windows 7 Pro,more memory or even dual RAID 0 SSDs for some snappy fast desktop performance.Not a bad system I guess but its target audience is one I'm glad I'm not a member of...
VStrom - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
If I'm going to pay that much coin for a boutique build, I'm going the Maingear route because of their customer service. There are no real proprietary parts to this build so any builder (boutique or joe user) could do the same. So all things being equal, customer service and warranty is what differentiates their inherent values. As another posted pointed out, DS doesn't exactly have a stellar customer service rep.Kaboose - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
If you are spending 3.5k on a computer that is prebuilt then you probably shouldn't be. Going to newegg in quick 10 min look i pieced together a build with an i7-970, two GTX 580's, a 120Gb OCZ RevoDrive, 1Tb Spinpoint f3, 6Gb of corsair ddr3 2000 (cas 8), cooler master HAF X case, and a 1.2k watt antec PSU.$3,518.87
Comparing to our prebuilt here, this quick build will run circles around it in SSD performance, and general applications, Gaming as well, the i7-970 should overclock to 4Ghz easily with the liquid cooling (also in the budget) and the RAM can OC to 2200 easily. This build also includes windows 7 ultimate (apparently too pricey for the prebuilt here)
Overall for the build in the review it is a $2,753.86 computer with a giant price bump for the "Black Ops" moniker and a half assed OC. This exact build (or as exact as i could make it on newegg) was 2753.86 it has the same everything, case, (had to guess on the PSU as it was left out in the review), A-DATA RAM, graphics cards, CPU, motherboard ,card read, bluray, cd/dvd.....etc. i dont see any real gain in buying this over a custom built (at least with custom you can know what goes in it instead of whatever the company thinks you need. The only thing you gain is a 3 year warranty, however if you buy from respected manufacturers all of your parts should be under at least two year warranty. Lastly, even if you dont know much about computer and want a very high end gaming system (which this is to most people) you would be better off spending a month or two reading up and learning about computers and then building your own instead of buying this over priced gimmick.
demonbug - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Why would you want Win 7 Ultimate on a gaming rig? Yeah, I know, it has "Ultimate" right there in the name, but other than that... what does it offer that Home Premium doesn't? Unless you are planning on installing >16GB of RAM or putting together a multi-processor system (so going to Xeons, and significantly increasing the overall price), it really doesn't offer anything extra... all for an $80 premium over Home Premium.Kaboose - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
I am not saying it is needed however, it is somewhat expected on a build costing more then 3,000, at least having windows 7 professional for Windows Xp mode would be nice. After all it isn't that big of a price difference.azides - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
If you built this yourself, you would buy the revodrive for sure!YoshiMon - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
As to the Win7 version issue:Win7 Home Premium does not offer network backups. Which, for such a rig as this, might not be a big issue, it is something that is rather lacking. The Win7 backup system is a huge plus given that it, being the OS itself, never suffer from trying to read a locked file or whatever.
So to only put Win7HP on a nearly $4k box? Yeah, they should have put Win7U on that thing. Not that people as clueless that would drop that kinda money for a box like that will know better but I am sure that at some point they will wonder why they did not get the top of the line Win7 version.
mlambert890 - Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - link
I can't get past your first sentence. Great that you feel so able to make such absolute statements! I wonder do you apply the same logic to yourself?"someone who can't do their own damn tuneup or change their oil shouldnt own a car"
"if you can't fix your own plumbing, why buy a house???"
"anyone who needs a TOUR GUIDE shouldn't be traveling!"
See how stupid that sounds? I'm sure you don't actually. Go ahead and explain how this is different and no one has a right to want to be able to play super high end PC games, or do high end content authoring, without being able to (or have the time to) assemble a PC. And no one should want support either right?
Ive been building my own PCs since before there was a "PC" (think kit computers - Kate 70s). It's absolutely nothing to be arrogant or judgemental about.
Kaboose - Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - link
Would you buy a Ferrari without knowing how to drive? Hell would you buy a Ferrari without first knowing what to do with it?FragKrag - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
A new patch for StarCraft 2 WoL recently added an 'Extreme' setting. Will you be using that in the future tests or will you stick with Ultra?Soldier1969 - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
WTF. This build is way overpowered for only 1080p res. come on if your going to spend almost 4 grand on a tower and you guys test it with a measly 1080 panel. Wheres the 30" 2560 x 1600 love at? Thats all I game on, anything less is for the poor folk!Gilbert Osmond - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
>99% of finished computer hardware products have ports on a vertical side or bottom panel for a very good reason: to minimize dust accumulation.In all but the cleanest environments, after a year or two the dust accumulation in vertically-oriented and top-exposed ports can start to cause connection problems, i/o errors, excessive contact erosion, etc.
Deleted - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
Silverstone has three cases with the ports on the top, the first of which was launched just short of three years ago. I have never once heard anyone complain about dust clogging their ports, and I haven't had that issue, either, although I've only had my FT02 for a couple of weeks. Between the grille over the top and the positive pressure from the three massive fans in the bottom, dust isn't an issue.azides - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
Before I start - kudos to Gilbert - vents, gaps, holes, ports - are a pain for dust. I am going to have to take my PC apart to clean my fans, arrrggghhh! It does not matter which side the ports are on, the fans will suck the dust in from anywhere.That being said, this is a crazy amount to spend on a PC, you will buy it with your hard earned cash and within a year it is not worth half as much; in two, a quarter; and in three, obsolete (in terms of gaming). Unless you game on a monitor in excess of 24" (i.e. 30", or multiple), the system is overkill as the benches show, probably overkill for a single 30".
Unless you are all about bragging rights, year old tech is a good thing. Pay $1500 for your PC (sans monitor) and put the extra $2K in retirement or as an extra mortgage payment.
wolfman3k5 - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
While I agree that for a price tag north of $3000 the choice of the components is extremely poor (yet I would still say that A-Data is far better than OCZ), I don't understand why the fuck you all get so aggravated about a company trying to make money? Do you even have a fucking clue how much money and man power it takes to run a company, orchestrate the logistics, provide customer service & support, honor warranty claims, and so on? A bunch of you are bitching about how much better it is to go to Newegg and get the parts and twist some wires and build your own. Well guess what: most people that have $3000 to $4000 or more to spend on a computer don't have the time or the desire to mess with Newegg, debugging a computer system, spend precious time on forums to find out why something doesn't work and so on. People who have money to buy something like this have real jobs and make real money. They don't sit all day long on their fat asses in their mom's basement jerking off at newegg.com waiting for the next Shell Shocker deal because they don't have any money to just buy something and be done with it. Also most people don't buy a computer every 3 months. They may buy one every 3 to 5 years. In the long run they save more money than most of you poor people waiting on your next Shell Shocker deal at Newegg. They also don't pay with a credit card for their shiny new toy, but with cash or their debit card. So for some people the extra $700~$800~$1000 is worth it because they never have to mess around with their own computer system. If it breaks, they box it up and send it away. Last but not least, I've seen allot of bitching in this article about the lazy overclocking, about how the cpu is not idling and so on. What the fuck man? It is an overclocked system, so there isn't going to be much idling. Lazy overclocking? Uhm, no. It would have been just as easy to set the base frequency to 200MHz and the ratio to 20x, but guess what: they want the system to last for a while, and if anything, by doing this the motherboard will live longer.The bottom line is that no one is making You, or You, or You moron buy a system from Digital Storm or any other boutique maker. If Newegg floats your boat so be it. If you have the time to put together a proper system and self support it, then you probably ave too much time on your hands and no real job, so as a consequence no real money either. I don't really care. I am pleased with my Digital Storm system, and I don't regret the $4500 that I've spent. I'm not going to buy another system until 2015, so why would I care? Most of you will have spent twice us much by then in money, time and resources just to upgrade and to keep up with the trends. Its just like with cars: most of you drive Hyundais, Kias and Toyotas, but some of us drive BMWs, Audis and Mercedes. Get a life losers!
cmdrdredd - Saturday, January 1, 2011 - link
Woah, Woah, Woah...Now I agree with you about people who buy this have the money to pay someone else to do the work. However, to say I or others don't make real money and live in mom's basement? What do you base that on? Most people here spend more on a PC they built over the course of time than the $4500 you did. I don't drive a Kia either there buddy...in fact my car is worth many times more than your BMW, and yes it costs more to buy in it's current condition than a Mercedes SL550 and has more HP. It might not be brand spanking new, but having a classic car and working on it brings some pride with it. Just like building your computer does for myself and many. Now maybe I can't go out and buy a BMW 750i with my current budget but that doesn't mean I cannot afford certain things either and by trying to get the best bang for the buck I'm less of a person for it.
There is no reason to get all worked up either. I mean some people were a bit harsh, but those of us who go to newegg don't do it because we can't afford anything else. It's because we enjoy tinkering and building. Some people piece out their components in such a way as to get the maximum overclock. Why? No you're wrong already, it's not because they cannot afford an "extreme edition" CPU and are cutting corners. It's because we enjoy it. Just like I enjoy working on my car (yes my car can be worked on unlike your precious BMW and Mercedes). Just like a friend of mine used to say when I said "who buys that?"...his reply "there's a seat for every ass out there." That doesn't mean you or anyone is an ass, but that if you build it there will probably be someone who wants it. That's the way of things.
wolfman3k5 - Sunday, January 2, 2011 - link
My comment was not targeted at you or those that like to thinker. I have a very specific group in mind. It's the cheapskates that always expect to get something for nothing, and take things so far that they are capable of harassing merchants to get what they want at the low low price that they want. I'm sorry if I offended you.high5me - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - link
This kid is a moron, you obviously bought a system from digital storm. WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would pay an extra 1000$ for a warranty? And let me explain something to you kid, i make well over 150,000$ a year, I have to PAY back during taxes. I love these poor kids who have their mommies and daddies buy them these systems and vouch for overpriced hardware.ypsylon - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against AnandTech for delivering this review. It is reviewed system which is all wrong. For that kind of money that build is simply pathetic.Not a fan of liquid cooling/extreme OC, but if you want to do this, do it properly. Furthermore, what is the point using software built-in audio solution when you stuffed motherboard with 2 GTX580s? I bet that 99% of gamers [which building PC themselves] first thing they do is to turn off on-board sound when they enter the BIOS. "Ancient" SB Live will do better than any Realtek. Same with network card. 1 Intels NIC is better that any number of Realteks NIC [only Asus with Rampage Extreme 3 got it]. Storage area is seriously tiny. Couldn't care less about how many SSDs are there. SSDs are road to nowhere, as every new generation NAND lifespan is shorter and shorter. But 1TB HDD by todays standards is absolutely nothing. You can run out of space in a week without attempts to download whole interent. ;D
In the end, I have to say (also someone picked on that note earlier). If you know few things about PCs why would you invest [ignoring the price] in pre-build system for your very own home-gaming-entertainment box? There is absolutely no fun in that. Bolting everything together is all what matters! :)
mlambert890 - Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - link
Wrong. For the customers of boutique builders putting things together *isn't* fun and *doesnt* matter.Criticizing the build and builder value add? Fair
Criticizing the very concept of a boutique builder? Ridiculous and judgemental
I *only* assemble my own PCs and have for 30+ years and I see this clearly. Why is this such a hard concept for so many of you? Word of advice... Be careful about wrapping too much ego and identity into a hobbiest interest.
GullLars - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
I have to say, after reading the spec list, i was expecting easy 20k+ PCMV total score, and was seriously underwhelmed.My setup with Phenom 1090T aircooled @ 4,4Ghz, 8GB kingston value-ram, a HD 6850, and 4x Crusial C300 in RAID-0, clocked in at 17941 PCmarks (vantage), total system costing around $1500.
BTW, the 4x C300 64GB in RAID-0 from SB850 pulls around 1150MB/s sequential read and >100k 4KB random read IOPS, costing only ~$500.
Link to orb: 3dmark com / compare / pcmv / 393980 / pcmv / 394018
The 3Dmark results are impressing though, but could be higher with a decent clock.
oldscotch - Friday, December 31, 2010 - link
I know onboard audio is pretty good these days. but for that kind of money I expect more than pretty good.Chungster - Saturday, January 1, 2011 - link
I'd be interested to see how it compares to an Origin PC. Sounds like this company is catering to the real high end of high end just like Origin.purrcatian - Saturday, January 1, 2011 - link
The article mentions that they used a cheap power supply, but it never mentions which one. What is it? That really matters. From the pictures it kinda looks like the CoolMax one that ZZF has for $99.99 with free shipping (currently out of stock), but everyone on Newegg said that it wouldn't last more than a year, sometimes only lasting only few weeks with the average appearing to be a few months, and it would sometimes fry some parts when it died. That could be a real deal breaker if the PSU keeps dieing, especially if it takes your data with it.Jgg@0115 - Sunday, January 2, 2011 - link
I am the type of guy who would consider a boutique computer store. I do not know enough about computer to overclock. I have tried and it does not work. Maybe its parts on the pc, maybe its my general ignornace, and/or maybe it the guide I followed.My friends who can and do build systems all advise not to over clock under any circumstances. If I take them a bunch of parts they will not do it. Si I am left with the alternative of cobbling together systems that need upgrades every other year or I can buy a more reasonably priced overclocked DS Assasin for about $2.5k.
oldscotch - Sunday, January 2, 2011 - link
You can often buy pre-overclocked video cards with full warranty, eVGA, XFX, MSI, etc - look around for reviews on specific cards to see how the performance improves.As to processors, well you still have to do that on your own if you want. But it's dead easy if you buy a black edition AMD cpu. You literally adjust one setting and that's it.
akash1988 - Sunday, January 2, 2011 - link
This is pure wastage. You can buy 11 PlayStation 3, with this amount. So 11 gamers could benefit, and can play games in HD, and also enjoy exclusives like God of War 3, Metal Gear Solid 4, Red Dead Redemption, Heavy Rain, etc.. which wont be on the PCs.So buying such a rig for PC gaming is pure foolishness.
mlambert890 - Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - link
Yes, good comment.. PCs are ridiculous. The pS3 is all anyone needs for gaming... Now why are you on Anand?Hrel - Sunday, January 2, 2011 - link
Nice to see 1080p used in the benchmarks. Can't wait for Bench to get fully upgraded. Hopefully, at least for the $200 and lower GPU's, you'll include results for 1600x900 and 720p.