Build Advice

[Muzz]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking at spending more money that I ever had on a machine and would like some advice. I've built computers from components before and I'm a Sharepoint developer by trade. I'm going to pick up some contract work on the side which is how I'm going to try to convince the wife to let me spend so much on a computer

OK, so I'm living in London in a small flat and I'll be sharing with some other people so there's a decent chance this computer is going to be living in my (our) bedroom. So with this in mind I'm hoping to check the volume differences between these two builds.

It's also worth nothing that I'm intending on getting the Dell U2711 monitor (2560x1440).

1) 3XS Scorpion
- No customising the case
- i7 2600K
- 2 x EVGA GTX 580
- 16GB RAM
- 120GB Intel Elmcrest
- 1200W PSU
- WD 2TB storage drive
- Comes to about £3150

2) 3XS Triad
- Asus Rampage ROG
- i7 960
- 12GB RAM
- 2 x EVGA GTX 580
- 1000W PSU
- 120GB OCZ Vertex 3 SSD (Would probably prefer the intel ~ same price))
- WD 2TB storage drive
- No flashy lights
- Comes to about £3375

So,
1 - Would the noise difference be noticable/significant with only the CPU being watercooled on the 3XS Triad?
2 - Would there be much performance difference with the old i7 as opposed to the sandy bridge?
3 - Having never owned a water cooled system, is there much maintenance required?
4 - Would a better idea be the Scorpion but with the Twin Frozr 580s?
5 - Is this just a ludicrous amount of money for a regular person and should I go for a more conservative 24/27" 1080p setup with a single GTX 580?
6 - Any other thoughts?

[Rob @ Scan]

Hi Muzz,

You wouldn't really notice any noise difference with a watercooled CPU, as you have the fans on the radiator anyway (rather than the CPU cooler), but you'll benefit from lower CPU temps!

The biggest source of fan noise on any system is the graphics cards, especially under load!

You could go for watercooled cards which would be an advantage and you would certainly tell the difference! Aswell as significantly lower temps!

The I7 platform and an overclocked sandybridge are fairly close in terms of performance, with the I7 X58 still considered the better platform and having triple channel memory.

Watercooling is generally maintenance free. You'll need to check the radiators every month or so to make sure they're free of dust, and keep an eye on water levels and top up if required (very simple).

You may need to flush the watercooling loop every few years and replace with new fluid.

Bear in mind, with any 3XS system, we can configure and spec it exactly as you'd like!

If volume levels are a concern we can spec a system accordingly.

If you want to have a chat with one of our team, they'll be able to spec a system to your requirements. 0871-472-4747

Regards

[Muzz]

So does the 3XS Triad actually watercool the video cards as well? From the looks of it, I thought it only watercooled the CPU. I reckon if it watercools the cards then we might have a winner...

[Rob @ Scan]

Muzz,

Sorry, i wasn't suggesting the Triad has watercooled graphics cards, just that it would be an advantage given where your PC would be. (I can see why you thought this and have re-worded my post)

The Triad can be configured to include watercooled graphics card(s) though!

Regards