Setup and Startup
First off, here's a quick look at the BIOS. It should be noted that it was slightly tricky to get into on this board: it's just the delete key, but as all the drives are initialized and so on there's a distinct delay before the configuration screen comes up.
Maybe we need to coin a new acronym: YAPB, "Yet Another Phoenix BIOS".
Overclocking settings
The system was factory overclocked to 4.00GHz. This is definitely a healthy bump over stock i7-965 at 3.2GHz. Memory is rated at 1600MHz but set to 1333MHz, and more work on the settings here would improve performance.
The first boot is extremely clean, with only the Recycle Bin is on the desktop.
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Only 35 processes in Vista is very good.
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High marks to the clean desktop and the very low number of processes; this is not a system loaded down with bloatware and extra startup software. We'd like to see Digital Storm's support information (telephone and email) included in the Windows System area. We also like to see some kind of anti-virus solution suggested when not installed by default, such as a link in the Start Menu or otherwise. The video card drivers were up to date at the time of shipping (181.22), and all tests were run with that revision.
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frozentundra123456 - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
Amazing performance,but overkill for most people. Still, I would love to have one. Wonder how SLI HD4670x2 cards would compare to the triple GTX285 in performance and power usage.The price seems relatively reasonable considering a 3 year warranty.
Clauzii - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
Yes, they should definately do that.gamerk2 - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
I brought my PC from DS. Even watercooled, thanks the all the extra fans, it is a LOUD system, but it also stays quite cool. Had an nforce releated freezing issue for a while, but to be fair, it was rare and took months for me to track to a cause (Either Overvolted RAm or a 1:1 RAM-FSB ratio fixed the problem). Support is all around great, forums are more active then some other competitors, and you can find answers to your questions quite quickly.As long as you know you are paying a premium for your system, and don't mind the extra noise that comes with cooling, then DSO is the way to go. I'd definatly buy my next PC from them after my experiance with this one.
Matt Campbell - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
Thanks for the feedback!HOOfan 1 - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
I wouldn't be suprised if the leaf blower of a power supply you got was louder than anything else in the case.NicePants42 - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
After owning a PCP&C 'Silencer' 750, and experiencing a PCP&C 1000W unit, I will guarantee you that the PSU is the loadest thing in that case BY FAR.A Corsair HX1000, Thermaltake Toughpower 1200, Cooler Master Real Power 1000W, Enermax Galaxy Evo or Revolution 85+, just off the top of my head, would be much better choices in terms of noise without sacrificing quality.
aigomorla - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
and u are one of the few who does not own a classified to know how picky it is with psu's.I personally went though 3.
The enermax revo does NOT work 50% of the time.
HOOfan 1 - Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - link
That is EVGA's fault though....not Enermax'sNot being a rabid overclocker, but instead a rabid PSU hound, I would rather get a Gigabyte mobo and a nice quiet quality PSU.
NicePants42 - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
Of course I meant 'loudest'. Yay for edits.Hauk - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
I have a friend who's a packaging engineer. I laughed when I first heard the title, but I've learned that solid packing methods are critical to insure product quality remains unchanged through tranist.As we can see from the shipping box exterior, heavy boxes like these are subject to extremes during transit. I was very impressed to see Digital Storm using injectable foam packing ON THE INSIDE of the system. This packing prevents the heavy components (graphic cards, oversize air coolers, etc) from the forces of gravity. Imagine a typical shipping box sliding down a 20 foot chutes in shipping hub.
Newton's Law at work here, the large components want to keep moving as the box comes to an abrupt halt, the custom molded foam insert pervents that from happening. This is CRITICAL for a pre-built high end system, as they in particular contain heavy components inside.
A big thumbs up to Digital Storm on the packing...