To Buy Now or to Buy Later...

OK folks,
This is the PC I'm currently thinking about.  I was thinking of holding off until around Feb/March but this latest special may (or may not) get me to pull the trigger.  I'm currently using the Dell U3014 as a monitor.  I may go multi-monitor at some point in the future.  This is primarily a gaming PC but I do run some mapping CAD software also.  I've only used Windows XP so I'm a bit nervous about the Windows 8.1 but from what everyone is saying, it utilizes Direct X better so I guess I should go with the latest and greatest.  How painful is it without the Start button?  Finally, I did get a sound card.  However, is there issues with this sound card and Windows 8?  Finally, other than the price differential, is there any 'new' releases hardware wise coming out within the next couple of months that may be more beneficial that it may behoove me to hold off?  Any input is greatly appreciated!!  I typically buy and hold for multiple years (my PC now is about 8 or 9 years old - lol).  I'll also ask to add a fan from (Add additional front intake fans added for extra air from:  http://www.cmstore and match fan color to all Green. )  Here is what I'm looking at:

Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Cooler Master 942 HAF X
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 4960X 3.6GHz (Six-Core) (Extreme Performance)
Motherboard: ASUS Rampage IV Black Edition X79 (Intel X79 Chipset) (ETA 12/07/13)
System Memory: 16GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 1200W Corsair Pro Platinum Series with Corsair Link (CP-9020008-NA) (Quad SLI Compatible)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: ASUS Blu-Ray Player/DVD Writer (Play Blu-Ray and Burn DVDs) (Model: BC-12B1ST)
Storage Set 1: 1x (256GB Solid State (By: Samsung) (Model: 840 Pro Series)
Storage Set 2: 1x (1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM) (Model: 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): 3x SLI Triple (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB (EVGA Superclocked Edition)
Sound Card: Creative Labs X-Fi Titanium HD 24-bit 96KHz 7.1
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: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Green)
Airflow Control: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
LaserMark: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Stage 2: Overclock CPU 4.5GHz to 4.8GHz (Requires Pro/Deluxe/Sabertooth Motherboard)
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 Professional (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows CD)
Virus Protection: - No Thanks
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
Exclusive T-Shirt: FREE: Digital Storm T-Shirt - Black (Extra Large)
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Customer Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty


Edited by Dax Doomslayer - 30 Nov 2013 at 7:57am

Looks great. Not sure you need the 4960X cpu.   You could save almost $600 and go with the 4930k cpu.  The 4960x does have higher overclock potential and a larger cache, 15mb vs 12mb, but depends on how heavy you are into CAD, etc.

Your very welcome.  Always a pleasure.

The X-Fi Titanium HD currently has issues with Windows 8.1

In regards to running 3x 780Ti ACX, It might put some more heat into the case but because the HAFX is so open, it shouldn't be a problem.

Edited by Nav - 30 Nov 2013 at 2:30pm

Thanks folks.  To confirm, a triple SLI using the 780Ti ACX is doable with no fear of heat in a Haf-X?  I'm a bit paranoid about heat issues on a machine...Also, does anyone know if there are there any 'soon' (as in the next 2 or 3 mos) hardware releases (i.e. vidcard; processor etc).  If there are, I'd just wait a month or two.  If not, I'm seriously thinking about pulling the trigger with the deal being offered.  Thanks again!

Good Luck that looks like one Killer rig, Should play anything out on the market now and in the future (at least for awhile).

I haven't done sound cards in many years,so no help there. Some swear by a sound card and others are very happy with integrated sound. Depends what level audiophile you are.

The graphic cards decision is a tough one. I really think the HafX will have no issues but , if it was my rig, and I might take heat from this, I would opt for the reference 780ti's with single fan. I do like EVGA as the vendor and the ACX does give you about 10% better per card, and a bit quieter,but it is more stress on the card, more heat , and more fans to go wrong.   Is the ACX stronger? Yes. But , I like KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid.
My decades in field service have made me very leery of gimmicks, flash and more to go wrong.   Not that ACX is bad, it does have great reviews.

I'm glad it's your decision.

Not sure this helps.

Thanks bprat and fstcvc.  I guess I'll go with the Recon card.  It saves a couple of bucks also.  The 5 year warranty definitely helps for the video card.  I'm still torn which version to get though.  I'm figuring I will either go the SC or the ACX but with x3 ACX, I am concerned about heat.  Nav did mention it should be OK but heat problems are definitely an issue.  Also, now there looks like there's a "KingPin" edition coming out for the video cards but I think that is the same issue as it uses the ACX cooler set up I believe.  This would be a home computer and not for work and I guess I'll have my present computer as a spare if need be.  I'm not sure what direction I want to go...

Best of luck looks like a real winner

If the K|ngP|n version actually comes with 6GB of VRAM and you're mulit-monitor gaming, that could be an advantage but otherwise may not be worth the cost or wait... I also sometimes wonder how difficult it will be to ever replace a limited edition GPU if yours ever fails? Especially if you're running x3 SLI, you can't just replace 1 card with something else...

The 5 year warranty is 3 year parts.

With nothing to go off of, I'd guess the x3 SLI SC/ACX SC will outperform the x2 K|NGP|N version. But that it is just a guess based on past comparisons of "overclocked" vs "extreme" types of GPUs. The 6GB of VRAM with the K|NGP|Ns is what would probably make more of a difference (at high resolutions, otherwise no) more so than a clocking/etc. performance difference between the x3 SLI and the 2x.

At 1,000$ a piece (if true) I'd need to say big differences between it and the SC version of the Ti to justify that price difference, even with more VRAM.


Edited by Tidgxor - 03 Dec 2013 at 1:05pm

Agreed with both above about the VRAM vs clock speed. x2 SLI with 6GB vs x3 SLI with 3GB is a tough choice. If running triple monitor, you'll probably be better with the x2 6GB cards. Might want to see if they release a reference 6GB 780ti as that might be cheaper and more in your price range to be able to go x3 SLI with...

Here's a link comparing the gtx 780 Ti and 780 Ti SC in 2560x1440 and 4K.

It's no problem helping you out. That's what we do.

I would doubt issues with HafX case but only one that has actually tested it in a reliable and trusted environment can say 100%. Your best bet is to call or email DS and share your concern. DS will give you an honest answer since they have to stand behind what they build.

Best of luck and let us know.

Well, I sent an email to DS a couple of days ago and still no reply about the heat issue.  If/when I hear back, I'll let you guys know.  I appreciate everyone's input.  

Could be.  Although I would have thought a response back saying 'we aren't sure' would have been in order.  I may end up calling them.  It's looking like I may want to do this this month...Does anyone know when your credit card is charged?  Is it on order or upon shipment?


Edited by Dax Doomslayer - 06 Dec 2013 at 1:27pm

Good to know - thanks fstcvc!