Buying a new computer?

brodie · 12 Mar 2013, 18:39

Pete,

I did my own research (I get a bit obsessed with comparing setups whenever I start looking at buying a new computer). Using these setups as a basis I ended up deciding that it was, indeed, the best deal. None of the companies I looked at really had a comparable price. Dell didn't have a comparable product. I could build a system piece by piece for a bit cheaper but last time I did that I ran into some bios issues that created enough of a hassle that I thought this time it would be worth it to have them build the PC, overclock/test it, and warranty it.

Thanks for putting this together. I'm probably going to buy mine in a month or so. I'm planning on going with the least expensive option because I don't need the upgraded video card. I may upgrade the SSD though. I had a little email conversation and was pleased with the customer service so far.

BTW, upgrading to the bigger SSD is $97. I was also informed that if you want them to overclock the CPU you can just let them know in the comments what you'd like it set at. I'm probably going with 4.2 (they recommended 4.0-4.2 to keep a stable system with some longevity).

-Brodie

Dave R · 21 Mar 2013, 20:03

My computer shipped late yesterday. It's supposed to be here on Monday. the whole process so far has been very good. I got an e-mail when they started it, another when they started the stress testing and a third when they finished that. then two e-mails indicating it had shipped. they even sent me a photo of it while it was being built which was kind of neat to see.

Gaieus · 21 Mar 2013, 20:18

@dave r said:

...they even sent me a photo of it while it was being built which was kind of neat to see...

I guess that is a stock photo they send to everyone signed up to their services

(OK maybe not)

solo · 21 Mar 2013, 20:20

Whoah! that looks awesome, nice water cooling, dual fans one pull the other push. What did you have them clock it to? I see the SSD, which did you get the 2nd option?
Nice clean work, I cannot wait until I can get mine (still short of the magic number needed).

Dave R · 21 Mar 2013, 21:04

Csaba, you might be right but I expect that is my computer. It doesn't look quite right to be mine though. There's no dust in it.

I went for the third option. Or is it the second? 256GB SSD.

the case is different than the one listed because the one in the package was backordered. The one they used has an additional USB port on the front and I think another fan. Makes no nevermind to me.

I decide not to have it overclocked for now. I really don't have speed issues with the computer I've been using and I don't see the need for now in pushing the electrons harder to create more heat. At least if I decide to overclock later, the cooling is there.

I thinking I might just wait until the new version of SketchUp comes out to fire up this new machine. What do you think?

solo · 21 Mar 2013, 21:34

Heck no, fire it up as soon as you get it, test a couple of scenes on your old machine then try on your new one to see the awesome speed differences.
I believe it is a photo of your machine if you venture onto their site and facebook you will see they post images of current builds frequently, I hope when I eventually get to order mine they also send me a photo.

doush-007 · 22 Mar 2013, 06:10

hello Mr. pete..can we have a video showing us the performance of this machine with sketchup files have many millions faces ..because u know sketchup go in very slow way with those files..thanks by advance...

sketch3d.de · 22 Mar 2013, 13:59

@tmilton2010 said:

...thoughts on monitors.

IPS or PVA panels only, TN panels are faster and thus good for gaming but often do have bad viewing angles and faint colors.

you may want check the following ones all w/ IPS panels:

24"
• HP ZR2440W
• Dell UltraSharp U2412M best-bang-for-the-buck

23"
• Eizo EV2335W
• LG IPS235P

hth,
Norbert

Dave R · 26 Mar 2013, 13:32

Well, it arrived yesterday. I added a 27" Samsung LED display and a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse. I don't like the keyboard and mouse, though, so when I get the computer set up I'll switch my USB devices over to the new machine.

The computer is very quiet and so far seems to be fast. It boots quickly which is nice. I haven't really had a chance to do anything useful with it. There's a lot of software to install and set up. I am pleased that there isn't all that crap demo software loaded onto the machine like an off the shelf computer.

hellnbak · 26 Mar 2013, 13:45

Give it to me and I'll break it in for you. Free of charge.

solo · 26 Mar 2013, 13:50

@dave r said:

Well, it arrived yesterday. I added a 27" Samsung LED display and a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse. I don't like the keyboard and mouse, though, so when I get the computer set up I'll switch my USB devices over to the new machine.

The computer is very quiet and so far seems to be fast. It boots quickly which is nice. I haven't really had a chance to do anything useful with it. There's a lot of software to install and set up. I am pleased that there isn't all that crap demo software loaded onto the machine like an off the shelf computer.

So does it look like the picture?

Dave R · 26 Mar 2013, 15:53

Yep. It does look like the picture.

ely862me · 26 Mar 2013, 16:07

@solo said:

Whoah! that looks awesome, nice water cooling, dual fans one pull the other push. What did you have them clock it to? I see the SSD, which did you get the 2nd option?
Nice clean work, I cannot wait until I can get mine (still short of the magic number needed).

I can only see a regular rig with no water cooling !

I still need a good video card, a ssd and a better power supply and I might compete with you !

Long live your new achievements !

solo · 26 Mar 2013, 16:27

ely862me · 26 Mar 2013, 17:14

That's not water cooling, it's a normal CPU cooler . The heat goes up trough the pipes(which are filled with an inert gas) and dissipates trough out the fins helped by the fan.

Water cooling needs outside radiator, fans,water tank,pipes and an electric pump .

Dave R · 26 Mar 2013, 17:17

It doesn't matter to me. There's plenty of cooling capacity for me.

solo · 26 Mar 2013, 17:18

Oh, shows what I know about air cooling.

I recently bought this:

This is a water cooler, just had a Doh! moment as I assumed those copper pipes carried water.

solo · 26 Mar 2013, 17:28

@ely862me said:

With my i7,not overclocked , 100% loaded, my temperature is at 60 degrees celsius with an asus cooler.

In idle and low processes won't get over 30 degrees.
If it won't get over 70 degrees I will let it like this because is no problem !

So is that air?

What i7 do you have? and what have you clocked it to?

What are your overclocking settings?

ely862me · 26 Mar 2013, 17:29

With my i7,not overclocked , 100% loaded, my temperature is at 60 degrees celsius with an asus cooler.

In idle and low processes won't get over 30 degrees.
If it won't get over 70 degrees I will let it like this because is no problem !

Btw, how much did that water cooling unit costs and how cold it keeps your cpu ?

ely862me · 26 Mar 2013, 17:33

Yes, it is air(the fan it's hidden inside).
I have an i7 3770K with no overclocking so far as I don't feel the need.
This cooler was supposed to drop more heat but it doesn't work as specified.