Help Configuring a 3XS i7 System

[Deadalus]

Hi guys,

Ben mentioned in the other thread that part of the reason for this forum is to:

support new customer's with configuring their perfect system

Well, I thought I would kick things off!

I've been looking at the 3XS Fortress i7 SLI and made a few modifications to the spec. I want a solid Gaming system, that I can also use for Photoshop and as a Media Center. I will be using it with my current monitor (for now) that has a maximum res of 1680x1050. I have a maximum of 2K to spend.

Here's the spec that I have come up with, please let me know what you think and feel free to suggest any modifications:

Case: Silverstone Fortress FT01B-W Tower Case Black Aluminum with Window

CPU: Intel i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4.8GT s QPI 8MB Cache Retail

CPU Coolers: Thermalright True Black 120 Heat Pipe Black Nickel Plated Heat Sink

Overclocking: *No System Overclocking*

Memory: 6GB (3x2GB) Corsair XMS3 DDR3 PC3-10666 (1333) CAS 9-9-9-24

NVIDIA Graphics - Multi GPU SLI Options Available: 896MB XFX GTX260 2000MHz GDDR3 576MHz GPU 216 Cores (Far Cry2 Included while stocks last)

Power Supply Unit: 620W Corsair HX Series Modular PSU (Single Graphics Card)

System Drives: 300 GB Western Digital VelociRaptor 10000 rpm 16MB Cache

Storage Hard drives: 1000 GB Western Digital Caviar Black 7200 rpm 32MB Cache, 2 selected
- I'm hoping to swap these for Samsung Spinpoint drives instead and have them in a RAID-1 configuration.

Floppy Drive Flash Card Readers & Writers: Akasa 3.5" Internal Multi Memory Card reader & USB 2.0 Port

DVD Writer: Samsung SH-S223Q RSMN 22xDVD±R 8x DVD±DL DVD+RW x8 -RWx6 x14 RAM

Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional PCI-E

Operating system: *Operating System Not required* (System Tested under Microsoft Vista)
- I already have a copy of Vista Ultimate 64-bit.

One concern I have is that the HEXUS.net review mentioned that the system was "very slow to boot". Was this an issue with the review machine and can it be remedied?

Also, is the Scythe KAMA-BAY System Cooler a necessary add-on? I would like to keep the clean lines of the Silverstone FT01 - unless of-course it is essential for system cooling.

I've probably forgotten a few more questions, but I think this is plenty to start with

Thanks in advance!
D.

[Ben @ Scan]

Hi Deadalus

It has been a manic week on support due to us being short staffed

We will look into the questions in more detail on Monday for you as I am sending this from home

As far as I am aware the boot time on our system was lengthened due to all the drive controllers being enabled but I will double check this with R&D on monday

We can also modify 3XS Builds so if you opted for a different cooler or other components that arent on the 3XS configurator we will consider adjusting the spec to tailor your needs

Regards

Ben ( At home double Vodka winding down after a long week )

[Deadalus]

Thanks for the reply Ben.

No worries, I'll be ordering sometime after Christmas anyway.

Have a good weekend.
D.

[Ben @ Scan]

Hi Deadalus

The Kama Bay cooler is not a necessity unless you are overclocking the system really, I have one of these in each of my PCs actually and they look ok tbh

Anyway we are happy to adjust the spec of the system providing it doesnt go too far off the original 3xs Spec off the website

Let us know nearer the timne if you need any more advice

The spec you have chosen is ideal for Gaming and media center btw

Regards

Ben

[PeterStoba]

Core i7 media centre? whats the world coming to

[Philipp]

Its a gaming rig over a media centre

But I see your point

[Deadalus]

Core i7 media centre? whats the world coming to

It is primarily a gaming rig as Philipp mentioned... It's not going to sit in my living room next to the TV or anything like that. I just wanted to get across the point that it has to be a good all-round system.

As far as I am aware the boot time on our system was lengthened due to all the drive controllers being enabled but I will double check this with R&D on monday

Thanks for your help Ben. Did you manage to find out any more about the cause of the slow boot time?

Thanks again.

Have a great Christmas.
D.

[Philipp]

Deadlaus,

Ill get onto Ben to see if he has a response yet, your not forgotten about

[Ben @ Scan]

Hi Daedulus

I have finally got my system back up and running at work, we have been having a move around so things have been a bit hectic plus Christmas and New Year....

Anyway I have spoken to R&D and the review system had all the drive controllers enabled for SAS Esata etc, if these are turned off the board bootd a lot quicker as it is not checking for them as I suggested in my last reply

We can tweak the spec of the system slightly if need be as well so give us a nod when you are ready to order your 3xs system

Regards

Ben

[Deadalus]

Thanks for letting me know Ben!

I'll place the order soon!

[Ben @ Scan]

No problem please let us know if you need any further help

[Deadalus]

I placed my order last night!

[Philipp]

System booked into build on the 6th...

Deadalus you have mail

Bring on the Pictures

[Deadalus]

How's the build going Philip? Is it all on-track for Thursday?

Cheers,
D.

[Philipp]

Systems all built up

It’s going to have the software installed today then tested.

Going to give the engineers a kick for some pictures...

Cheerios

[Philipp]

Better late then never eh

Pictures..........











Cheerios