everything seems pretty good here. of course, it's up to the buyer to determine value, but surely your gripe with the case is far overblown. it got the job done well. it's cheap (comparatively). i think they've done a decent job.
one other thing your review concerned me with was the video part. surely you should have stepped up the res to 25x16 and started cranking AA before mentioning surround.
the issue with getting the monitors to work happens on my system as well and I only have 1 GTX480
takes about 4-5 reboots before i can get both monitors to work and show an picture (some times it switch's between the screens on reboots when the cables are messed with unplug replug), not sure why but i know it only does it when i remove the video card and reinstall it (Dust bunny clean out)
I'm not really into overclocking and all, but there was something I was wondering after seeing several articles mentioning the subject. Can't you change the factory overclock?
I mean, I know manufacturers should do better overclocks, since this is one of the reasons people are buying those kinds of machines, but if the one they do is rather poor, isn't it possible to improve it? In a past review, I believe the voltage was constant, leading to a high idle draw, is it lock in the hardware, and plain impossible to change; more difficult than on custom-built rigs, or the same?
I disagree. When reviewing a system component, like a CPU or motherboard, it makes sense to for the reviewer to spend some time trying to get the best overclock possible within the time they have.
When reviewing a system, however, the dynamic changes; especially when dealing with a boutique system from a company that markets itself in the fashion that iBuyPower does.
In that scenario, it's the *company's* job to get the most out of the system they sell you. That is a good part of what you are paying for.
I can't speak for AT, but I certainly would have preferred that iBuyPower hold off on sending a review unit for a few days or a week and spend some time optimizing the system. If the extra time wouldn't alter their approach to tweaking the system, that says something as well.
Also, they have had a couple months of experience with SNB, why the lazy overclock there? If the reason for the rushed nature of the assembly was a late delivery of the video cards then I could see not tweaking the video card, but why was the processor not overclocked in a better fashion, given that turning the multiplier up should be easy?
I'm not seeing any power consumption figures (idle, load) in the Build, Noise, Heat and Power Consumption page. I'd rather see those (even though these are desktop systems!) than wildly variable PCMark scores.
How reliable is this water cooling? How often do you need to replace the water? Does it ever leak? Does it ever cause rust? Does it slowly evaporate and disappear? Does the water pump ever need replacing or oiling?
How can you ask this common knowledge? How can you act as if water cooling is anything new? How can you not use Google?
But seriously... in order to your questions:
Very, depending on the kit. Once a year if that. Not if done properly. No. Very slowly, once a year water top ups. I've had mine for 5 years and it's fine.
Looks like it might be a sealed unit, in that case: Very, depending on the kit. Never. Not if manufactured correctly. Not if manufactured correctly. No. If it dies or any of the above occurs, you replace the unit. Preferable under warranty.
Just to add, water pumps are impeller based, theres no mechanics that's dry and needs lubrication, they don't need lubrication and there's no bearings that need it too, the o-rings can dry out after many years but that's it.
Everyone I know who has bought an ibuypower computer has eventually returned it due to complete system instability, constant BSODs and piss-poor technical support.
I literally do not know a single person who has bought one of their computers and has been happy. I've also browsed through their forums and they are full of unanswered support requests.
It's too bad you guys don't rate the actual customer experience.
Unfortunately that's not something we can really review. Stuff like this can be tough to gauge, too, but this particular build seemed to use largely reliable parts from name brands. That's about the best we can hope for, although seeing the overclock on the BCLK instead of the multiplier alarmed me a little.
I can't comment on components for every bad build that I've heard of but the few that I know the specific component breakdowns the customers chose name-brand parts. I know the one that I built for my dad was composed of "good" parts from the major component manufacturers (ASUS, EVGA, etc) and the computer was completely unusable. Constant BSODs, they sent replacement RAM, no fix, he sent the computer back and the tech on the phone said they would replace the complete computer. After 3 weeks the computer showed backup and it was the exact same one, down the same serial numbers on parts. The computer was still BSOD'ing constantly and the next tech claimed that they never say they will replace computers...
My dad finally had to force them to give him a refund and got a Dell XPS instead. What a headache.
ldBuRnS you say that the ibuypower computers pretty much suck; do you have any recommendations for other builders of watercooled overclocked PCs? Is Cyberpower any good?
I have my own suspicions that ibuypower and cyberpower are actually owned by the same people...
To be honest I really don't have any other first-hand experience with other OEMs- it's really hard for me personally to justify buying a pre-built system from a Digital Storm or Falcon or others when I can literally build the same computer for less. Don't get me wrong, I've certainly wanted to and there are times when it would be a lot more convenient to be able to just pick up a phone and get some tech support, but my wallet has kept me from doing it so far.
I wish I could be more help- maybe someone else will see your question and have some good recommendations.
Not a bad review, only reason why Digital Storm pulls ahead, is because of the x2 580 sli.. I've bought two systems from them (digital storm) and both have failed prematurely before their 30 day window. They're way too overpriced.
I have a build in the NZXT Vulcan, and I have to say, I'm very happy with it. As you mentioned, the thermals are fantastic, especially with the 200mm side fan, and all the 120mm slots loaded up. Noise is certainly a minor issue, but seriously, you're looking at a case which essentially has an open side. For the size, it has plenty of space in it. My next upgrade will be a stronger GPU than my 5770, so as to handle my new Eyefinity setup better, and I don't doubt that the Vulcan can handle it with aplomb.
I have to agree with you to some extent as I just went from 3 screens on 2 GTX 295's to 3 screens on a single 590. I have experienced my share of glitchiness where one or two screens are detected by the third remains dormant or at the switch of going from the desktop to gaming one screen just decides to go into power saver mode and I have to turn it off and back and then it works.
However, most of these issues I experienced were with the first set of drivers. I also learned that you can't just plug in your screens to your cards nilly willy, you have to have an order to them. Your main issue is most likely the differences in your three monitors. I know Nvidia has a list of supported monitors and they recommend all three monitors be identical. My three monitors are 24" 120Hz Alienware.
When I plugged in the 590, I had zero issues, no messy flickering no disappearing monitors. It was painless and simple just as I figured it would be since now I have eliminated the 2nd card synchronization from the equation. With the release of the 3 DVI 590 I get the feeling Nvidia has known about this issue and struggled to get it under control but since it likely effects so few of us that actually have 2 cards running three screens that it is not until now that they have a valid solution.
They should have reversed the front 120mm fan and turned it into an exhaust as was mentioned in your 6990/590 articles.
With the 590 exhausting very hot air at both ends there is no way for the hot air to escape at the front and it will just circulate inside the case.
Personally I would prefer watercooling of the vid card and air cooling on the CPU. It looks like the case had room up top for a 2 x 120mm radiator. But I'm guessing waterblocks for the 590 wouldn't be available yet.
Definitely an issue. As I mentioned above, I use a Vulcan, and my PSU is a non-modular Corsair 650TX. Cable management with that is a royal pain in the you-know-what. Thankfully, the side panel behind the motherboard comes out about a half inch to allow stowing of cables.
Just do yourself a favor. STAY AWAY from this company. Yes they look good. But when it breaks and it WILL. All they do is give you the run around. They have had my system for over 2 months trying to fix the garbage they sell. Worse company out there for support. DONT BUY
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26 Comments
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darckhart - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
everything seems pretty good here. of course, it's up to the buyer to determine value, but surely your gripe with the case is far overblown. it got the job done well. it's cheap (comparatively). i think they've done a decent job.one other thing your review concerned me with was the video part. surely you should have stepped up the res to 25x16 and started cranking AA before mentioning surround.
Dustin Sklavos - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
You'll note when I listed my monitors, I don't have a 30"er capable of 2560x1600.leexgx - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
the issue with getting the monitors to work happens on my system as well and I only have 1 GTX480takes about 4-5 reboots before i can get both monitors to work and show an picture (some times it switch's between the screens on reboots when the cables are messed with unplug replug), not sure why but i know it only does it when i remove the video card and reinstall it (Dust bunny clean out)
Paedric - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
I'm not really into overclocking and all, but there was something I was wondering after seeing several articles mentioning the subject.Can't you change the factory overclock?
I mean, I know manufacturers should do better overclocks, since this is one of the reasons people are buying those kinds of machines, but if the one they do is rather poor, isn't it possible to improve it?
In a past review, I believe the voltage was constant, leading to a high idle draw, is it lock in the hardware, and plain impossible to change; more difficult than on custom-built rigs, or the same?
krumme - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
I agree.Dustin - overclock the 590! - What driver are you using.
Btw: please make a movie of it - we like action :)
ggathagan - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
I disagree.When reviewing a system component, like a CPU or motherboard, it makes sense to for the reviewer to spend some time trying to get the best overclock possible within the time they have.
When reviewing a system, however, the dynamic changes; especially when dealing with a boutique system from a company that markets itself in the fashion that iBuyPower does.
In that scenario, it's the *company's* job to get the most out of the system they sell you.
That is a good part of what you are paying for.
I can't speak for AT, but I certainly would have preferred that iBuyPower hold off on sending a review unit for a few days or a week and spend some time optimizing the system.
If the extra time wouldn't alter their approach to tweaking the system, that says something as well.
strikeback03 - Thursday, March 31, 2011 - link
Also, they have had a couple months of experience with SNB, why the lazy overclock there? If the reason for the rushed nature of the assembly was a late delivery of the video cards then I could see not tweaking the video card, but why was the processor not overclocked in a better fashion, given that turning the multiplier up should be easy?Jarp Habib - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
I'm not seeing any power consumption figures (idle, load) in the Build, Noise, Heat and Power Consumption page. I'd rather see those (even though these are desktop systems!) than wildly variable PCMark scores.sulu1977 - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
How reliable is this water cooling?How often do you need to replace the water?
Does it ever leak?
Does it ever cause rust?
Does it slowly evaporate and disappear?
Does the water pump ever need replacing or oiling?
B3an - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
How can you ask this common knowledge?How can you act as if water cooling is anything new?
How can you not use Google?
But seriously... in order to your questions:
Very, depending on the kit.
Once a year if that.
Not if done properly.
No.
Very slowly, once a year water top ups.
I've had mine for 5 years and it's fine.
warisz00r - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
lol niceoverzealot - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - link
Looks like it might be a sealed unit, in that case:Very, depending on the kit.
Never.
Not if manufactured correctly.
Not if manufactured correctly.
No.
If it dies or any of the above occurs, you replace the unit. Preferable under warranty.
Penti - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - link
Just to add, water pumps are impeller based, theres no mechanics that's dry and needs lubrication, they don't need lubrication and there's no bearings that need it too, the o-rings can dry out after many years but that's it.IdBuRnS - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - link
Everyone I know who has bought an ibuypower computer has eventually returned it due to complete system instability, constant BSODs and piss-poor technical support.I literally do not know a single person who has bought one of their computers and has been happy. I've also browsed through their forums and they are full of unanswered support requests.
It's too bad you guys don't rate the actual customer experience.
Dustin Sklavos - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - link
Unfortunately that's not something we can really review. Stuff like this can be tough to gauge, too, but this particular build seemed to use largely reliable parts from name brands. That's about the best we can hope for, although seeing the overclock on the BCLK instead of the multiplier alarmed me a little.IdBuRnS - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - link
I can't comment on components for every bad build that I've heard of but the few that I know the specific component breakdowns the customers chose name-brand parts. I know the one that I built for my dad was composed of "good" parts from the major component manufacturers (ASUS, EVGA, etc) and the computer was completely unusable. Constant BSODs, they sent replacement RAM, no fix, he sent the computer back and the tech on the phone said they would replace the complete computer. After 3 weeks the computer showed backup and it was the exact same one, down the same serial numbers on parts. The computer was still BSOD'ing constantly and the next tech claimed that they never say they will replace computers...My dad finally had to force them to give him a refund and got a Dell XPS instead. What a headache.
kevenc - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - link
ldBuRnS you say that the ibuypower computers pretty much suck; do you have any recommendations for other builders of watercooled overclocked PCs? Is Cyberpower any good?IdBuRnS - Friday, April 1, 2011 - link
I have my own suspicions that ibuypower and cyberpower are actually owned by the same people...To be honest I really don't have any other first-hand experience with other OEMs- it's really hard for me personally to justify buying a pre-built system from a Digital Storm or Falcon or others when I can literally build the same computer for less. Don't get me wrong, I've certainly wanted to and there are times when it would be a lot more convenient to be able to just pick up a phone and get some tech support, but my wallet has kept me from doing it so far.
I wish I could be more help- maybe someone else will see your question and have some good recommendations.
high5me - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - link
Not a bad review, only reason why Digital Storm pulls ahead, is because of the x2 580 sli.. I've bought two systems from them (digital storm) and both have failed prematurely before their 30 day window. They're way too overpriced.Other than that, i enjoyed the review.
wwswimming - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - link
I won't charge you anything to store it at my place.JMS3072 - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - link
I have a build in the NZXT Vulcan, and I have to say, I'm very happy with it. As you mentioned, the thermals are fantastic, especially with the 200mm side fan, and all the 120mm slots loaded up. Noise is certainly a minor issue, but seriously, you're looking at a case which essentially has an open side. For the size, it has plenty of space in it. My next upgrade will be a stronger GPU than my 5770, so as to handle my new Eyefinity setup better, and I don't doubt that the Vulcan can handle it with aplomb.aguilpa1 - Friday, April 1, 2011 - link
I have to agree with you to some extent as I just went from 3 screens on 2 GTX 295's to 3 screens on a single 590. I have experienced my share of glitchiness where one or two screens are detected by the third remains dormant or at the switch of going from the desktop to gaming one screen just decides to go into power saver mode and I have to turn it off and back and then it works.However, most of these issues I experienced were with the first set of drivers. I also learned that you can't just plug in your screens to your cards nilly willy, you have to have an order to them. Your main issue is most likely the differences in your three monitors. I know Nvidia has a list of supported monitors and they recommend all three monitors be identical. My three monitors are 24" 120Hz Alienware.
When I plugged in the 590, I had zero issues, no messy flickering no disappearing monitors. It was painless and simple just as I figured it would be since now I have eliminated the 2nd card synchronization from the equation. With the release of the 3 DVI 590 I get the feeling Nvidia has known about this issue and struggled to get it under control but since it likely effects so few of us that actually have 2 cards running three screens that it is not until now that they have a valid solution.
iamezza - Saturday, April 2, 2011 - link
They should have reversed the front 120mm fan and turned it into an exhaust as was mentioned in your 6990/590 articles.With the 590 exhausting very hot air at both ends there is no way for the hot air to escape at the front and it will just circulate inside the case.
Personally I would prefer watercooling of the vid card and air cooling on the CPU. It looks like the case had room up top for a 2 x 120mm radiator. But I'm guessing waterblocks for the 590 wouldn't be available yet.
iamezza - Saturday, April 2, 2011 - link
... also they used a NON-modular PSU on a $2000 mATX PC? WTF!? hello cable spaghetti..JMS3072 - Sunday, April 3, 2011 - link
Definitely an issue. As I mentioned above, I use a Vulcan, and my PSU is a non-modular Corsair 650TX. Cable management with that is a royal pain in the you-know-what. Thankfully, the side panel behind the motherboard comes out about a half inch to allow stowing of cables.Drittz121 - Friday, February 28, 2014 - link
Just do yourself a favor. STAY AWAY from this company. Yes they look good. But when it breaks and it WILL. All they do is give you the run around. They have had my system for over 2 months trying to fix the garbage they sell. Worse company out there for support. DONT BUY