Need a lot of help, not sure what I need

Hi.
This will be my first PC from boutique PC maker, before I was a Dell guy, but enough is enough.
Just want to mention, I have some experience with upgrading existing Dells far beyond Dell's expectations. I even used stronger CPU (I was first documented to do so with Inspiron 570), than Dell recommended, I was second (documented) to overclock this Dell, eventually moved all components into CM 912 HAF case with powerful AIR cooling.

I am hoping that I don't have to do that much here, but who knows. That is why I am here.

So, lets start.

My budget including monitor is $3000. Monitor will come from Dell, because I need 23" to 24" IPS one. Dell monitor will cost me about $300 or so - about $2700 left for PC.
Also, I need this PC to be able to play games on ULTRA to VERY HIGH settings for the next 3-5 years.
My interest is in FPS games like Far Cry series and BF series as long as hardware will support them. Not interested in any strategy games and any fast car games like Dirt and similar, so TN screen is not necessary, I think, also light video and photo editing will be involved (here comes IPS).

After long configuration games I settled more or less on:

Configuration#: 1117036

 Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Digital Storm Marauder V2
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 4790K 4.0 GHz (Codename Devils Canyon) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: GIGABYTE G1.Sniper Z97 (Intel Z97 Chipset) (Onboard Creative Sound)
System Memory: 16GB DDR3 2133MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 850W EVGA SuperNOVA
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (500GB Samsung 840 EVO)
Storage Set 2: - No Thanks
Storage Set 3: - No Thanks
RAID Config: - No Thanks
RAID Card: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB (EVGA ACX Cooler Edition)
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Z
HPC Processor: - No Thanks
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 Extreme Performance
H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected
Chassis Fans: Upgrade All Fans to Corsair Airflow Performance Edition (Up to 6 Fans)
Internal Lighting: - No Thanks
Airflow Control: Digital Storm Thermal Management Control Board & Software
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: Noise Suppression Package Stage 2 (Optimized Airflow & Fan Speeds with Noise Dampening Material) <br><strong></strong>
LaserMark: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Stage 1: Overclock CPU 4.0GHz to 4.4GHz
Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows CD)
Virus Protection: FREE: McAfee AntiVirus Plus (1 Year Service Activation Card) (Not Pre-installed) ($35 Value)
Office: - No Thanks
Game: - No Thanks
Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks
Portable Gaming: - No Thanks
Branded Gear: - No Thanks
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty (3 Year Labor & 1 Year Part Replacement)

Here comes a lot of questions, I will try to structure them with numbers for better responses.

1. What I can not do with the system to prevent voiding warranty, or what allowed to be self upgraded without loosing warranty, or what are the limitations of the warranty? I am mostly considering adding HDDs and fans in the near future and maybe second GPU for SLI in a year or so (when prices drop), if ever.

2. Question about the case. I could not find detailed description of the Marauder case, so I figured out that it is re-badged Corsair Vengeance C70 case (here I found all information I was interested in), is it completely so, or DS added some modifications or removed some features? I am very interested in dust filters and extra fans locations, also is upper HDD cage removable for better ventilation or not.

3. CPU. Is 4790 is future proof (3-5 years) for my needs, or I got too much and  4690 is more than enough, both would be moderately overclocked, more about overclock later down the road.

4. Motherboard (MOBO). I am not sure here, however I like my choice not just for overclocking, but also for 6 SATA (I don't want to add RAID card for extra HDDs) and architecture specifically locations of PCI (various ones) connectors. This GIgabyte has PCIEx1 slot right above PCIEx16 slot, dual GPUs in the mid ATX package take a lot of space... I know that this MOBO Creative Audio has some issues, so that is why dedicated Sound card is coming here. Suggestions welcome.

4. RAM. What is better, DS 2133 RAM or Corsair 1866 OC to 2133 and maybe above? Is DS 2133 overclockable, or it is not advised? Do I actually need faster than 2133 RAM?

5. PSU. I read somewhere that DUAL SLI GTX 970 (possible future upgrade/addition) would work with 750 watt, but 850 is preferable, is it so?

6. SSD. If i had more $$, I would go with PRO version, but I am not. I found a note on newegg that EVO 500 GB (maybe all EVOs) have problem overtime with old files, that speed of the system dropping significantly over period of 4-6 months, what DS has to offer here.  This is exact quote from newegg

"Cons: All of the Samsung Evo 840 Evo series seem to have a serious problem that degrades file access performance on files over 30 days old. Samsung recently issued its "Performance Restoring Software" to counteract this. However, be advised that this is an hour or more long process for a 500 GB SSD. And, it appears that this will need to be done about every 30 days or so to maintain performance. Most people don't want an SSD or HD that requires this excessively high level of maintenance each month, year in and year out. Avoid the 840 EVO series of drives."

Any comments about above statement (it is OK for me to run this software once a month for the price of PRO series if this is the only answer).

7. GPU. I seen somewhere in this forum that multiple manufacturers are used in this option, not only EVGA (pictured), is there a possibility to choose which one to install, or at least which one to avoid - I prefer personally ASUS or GIGABYTE, and avoiding ZOTAC and PNY with EVGA somewhere in between (I would like MSI, but I don't recall that you are using them). If it is possible to choose a specific one, could models be provided?

8. Cooling. I have to start from my location - which is about 5 hours drive from you guys, so it was very hot here last summer, ambient temperatures in my PC room reached 35 C for a few days and 33 C for a few weeks.
So in this situation, which cooling is the best (considering overclocking) Noctua or H2O 240 mm/280 mm versions? If no big difference AIR only is more sturdy over long time, I think. Suggestions, opinions...

9. Fan upgrades. Marauder case comes with 3 weak fans. What up to 6 fan upgrade means exactly, adding more, or changing 3 fans only for $99? If Marauder configuration is the same as Corsair Vengeance C70, there could be added 2 top 120mm/140mm (if AIR cooling), 2 front 120mm, 2 side 120mm and 1 bottom 120mm, which is equals 7 more fans. So, can you explain meaning of $99 upgrade please.

10. Digital Storm Thermal Management Control Board. Can not find exact specs yet. What it can support, can this Board support 7 more fans for the total of 10 fans, not including Noctua? And where it would be installed, would it take 2 5.25" bays?

11. Noise Suppression Package Stage 2. What exactly this means in terms of AIR flow adjustment, and how much dB approximately it will erase, say 10% or so, or even more?

12. Overclock CPU 4.0GHz to 4.4GHz. If I want to go higher would cheap cooling like 280mm Corsair would be enough in my location, or high clock will require $500+ cooling system?

I think I covered all my questions.

Appreciate in advance for all help and suggestions and opinions provided.

Thank you.

Thanks
I really appreciate for fellow consumer opinion, but it would be nice if someone from DS could jump in and answer those questions, especially ones related to case cooling and case features, otherwise I would have to do what I am trying to avoid - customizing final product.
I am trying to even out all questions in smooth conversation prior jumping with all of it on the head of configuration assistance person.
From my previous experience, manufacturer's forum mods are usually equal or exceed in knowledge compare to configuration assistants.

For an example. I seen somewhere here that more customized options especially related to GPUs are possible. If I could see at least list of possible models in advance, I would narrow down my choices through outside reviews, taking my time. I hate last minute rash decisions here.

So, anyone else can add something?

Official help deeply appreciated.

Hi,

First off, thank you for choosing Digital Storm, we would love to have you as a customer. My responses to some of your questions are below, if you would like to reach me directly, you may email me "[email protected]" or you may call in and speak with our team.

Thanks!

1. You're free to make changes to the system and upgrades, that will not void your warranty. However, what will void your warranty is physical damage to components from changes or upgrades you make on the PC. Adding HDDs and fans and other components is perfectly fine.

2. It's the Corsair C70

7. If you want a specific GPU, we do offer certain brand options already. If you want us to special order a card, we can do so as well.

9. You don't really need to add a ton of high-airflow fans. Components are designed to work well without the need of them running really loud with high RPM fans.

10. We can control up to 16+ fans with the control model if needed. However, we don't plug the CPU fan into the module as it's not related for airflow control, that's the CPU. The CPU fan is best left connected to the motherboard so we can control it's speed directly.

11. It's hard to say on this, what I can say is that we slow th fans down with resistors and adjust BIOS settings to make your system as quiet as possible.

12. The 280mm Corsair liquid cooler should help with higher overclocks above 4.4GHz, however we won't know for sure on your custom build until it goes into testing.

Update.

Spoke to sales, got very disappointing news.

First, Noctua doesn't fit. I kinda was expecting something like this, so I took it easily, but next thing frustrated me a lot. There is a choice in configuration for H110, which is 140 mm radiator. DS stated that it doesn't fit, only H100i fits. I look at Corsair site for compatibilities and found that H110 is on the list

Look at this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0VfiDHgk4g (can not hyperlink, sorry) this is very strange, why not. No special modding at all, it is a quick job when done by professionals.

Regarding video card. I was told, after prolong conversation, that there is a choice of ordering different cad, the ordering option is $40 for service only plus the difference in price. This can be found only upon ordering and sales/assembly will contact me on this, once I made my purchase. I would prefer to do preliminary estimate prior to purchase - I really don't like to do things under pressure (during actual assembly). So far I found only MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G to be very close in terms of pricing (I approximated price of EVGA ATX version, MSI just about $10 or so more on newegg) and performance to my needs and budget.

Also, a big surprise - Noise Reduction package "doesn't fit" not even package 1, which is only fan optimization, no hardware added. I do suspect that sales fallen far behind actual assembly people in terms of actual hands on knowledge (that was also manifested during all conversation), I know, I came prepared for conversation, but I did not expected this at all.
Overall, I expected more from sales.

I will attempt to do a bit more finalization tomorrow before actual ordering.

Any suggestions?



Edited by kisianik - 22 Dec 2014 at 10:29pm

Hi kisianik,

You seem to know what you want and I don't want to interfere with you getting your system. But, I think you are limiting your choices with the Marauder case. You can get the Apollo case, another Corsair case, for $52 more than the Marauder. The Apollo case will take the D14 or the H110. In my opinion the only thing the Marauder has going for it is the cost.

I suggest you consider dropping your SSD back to the 256 Pro instead of the 512 Evo. This will solve the problem with the Evo long term problem. Add a 1TB WD black HDD for storage. If you later need more SSD storage you can add one yourself.

Here is a suggested system with the above thoughts in mind. It has better cooling, better GPU, better mother board and better, but smaller SSD.

Frank

Configuration: 1120155   Cost: $2783

Specifications:

Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Digital Storm Apollo
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 4790K 4.0 GHz (Codename Devils Canyon) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK2 (Intel Z97 Chipset) (Military-Grade TUF Components)
System Memory: 16GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 850W EVGA SuperNOVA
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (256GB Samsung 850 PRO)
Storage Set 2: 1x Storage (1TB Western Digital - Black Edition)
Storage Set 3: - No Thanks
RAID Config: - No Thanks
RAID Card: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 4GB (Includes PhysX)
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
HPC Processor: - No Thanks
Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 2: Corsair H110 280mm Radiator Liquid CPU Cooler (Extreme-Performance Edition)
H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected
Chassis Fans: Upgrade All Fans to Corsair Airflow Performance Edition (Up to 6 Fans)
Internal Lighting: - No Thanks
Airflow Control: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
LaserMark: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Stage 1: Overclock CPU 4.0GHz to 4.4GHz
Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows CD)
Virus Protection: FREE: McAfee AntiVirus Plus (1 Year Service Activation Card) (Not Pre-installed) ($35 Value)
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty (3 Year Labor & 1 Year Part Replacement)


Edited by FrankW - 23 Dec 2014 at 8:26am

The case is a limiting factor because some of the hardware gets in the way with the builds. I know you might be in love with that style/design, I suggest that you may want to look into a different case that does allow you with more options.

The gtx 980 isn't overkill. Some games on the highest settings can use the extra 15-20% better performance, but the 970 is better dollar per performance, the 980 pricier for the increase in fps.

Mobo software will only control the fans plugged into it.   The DS Control board can control up to 16 fans, I believe. The Noctua fan, one or both, would plug into the cpu_fan header so Bios or mobo can monitor it. I don't think controlling the Noctua fans will be needed. They are quiet and the air flow is best left as-is, imho.

The Apollo has a 2 speed front fan speed toggle and can take up to 4 fans. The fan speed is a 12vdc full rpm or a 7 vdc, or so, step down to drop fan rpm. Not variable beyond the 2 step.



Edited by bprat22 - 23 Dec 2014 at 12:26pm

Yep, the fans should definitely be covered.

Hi kisianik,

I think you have made some better choices in your last build. The D14 cooler is quieter than the H110 but the H110 cools better. There is no maintenance with the H110 unless the reservoir/pump/control fails and you have to replace it. The D14 has no moving parts and they both have fans to fail.

You mentioned about putting your computer into a space below your cabinet table. With your high temps part of the year you may have problems if the computer is in a closed area. Both the D14 and the H110 use ambient air to cool and you can reach a point that the cooling air blowing threw the coolers no longer cool well enough for full on gaming. I don't know your setup and suggest you be careful not to obstruct air around your computer. When you start getting into the 90+ temps cooling gets more difficult.

Good luck with your system.

Frank

The 750 watt should do it, but I would keep your original EVGA 850 watt psu pick.   It has a 10 year warranty vs 3 years. Plus, extra headroom just in case. Psu with today's cards can be less than even 2 years ago, but for the little extra money, the psu is worth it for me.

Asus typically has a 1amp, 12watt, rating, on the fan headers so if that fan is .32 amp, then doubling up on a header should be fine. Something to check yourself, but that's been the general rating for awhile.


You beat me.


Edited by bprat22 - 23 Dec 2014 at 4:22pm

3 pin fans can be hooked to a 4 pin header. They're pinned/keyed for correct hookup.

Looks good and stay in touch.




Psu fans are intake through the bottom and exhaust out the back.

Edited by bprat22 - 23 Dec 2014 at 5:07pm

With any three pin fan on the motherboard, the fan optimizations in the ASUS Fan Xpert 2 can find the minimum operating voltage (the SP-120 fans on my computer can run down to 31% of max voltage) and slow their operation down using voltage regulation. The BIOS can also spin them down to 60%. PWM fans will allow the fans to operate down to around 20%, but not all is lost.

Edited by  - 23 Dec 2014 at 5:23pm