Description

Initial Obsidian build, good starting point, plan to extensively upgrade and mod.

Intended use of this computer was primarily gaming and 3d modelling. However I now plan to use it for some programming and photo editing as well. It's main purpose seems to be for dreaming up new upgrades :)

UPGRADE PATH:

Obsidian 1.0: What you see here, completed October 2013.

Edit: Installed the NZXT sleeved LED kit early. Not very impressed, they are quite dim and don't give the glow I was looking for. Though it is a little better in person than in the pictures.

Obsidian 1.1: I replaced the Noctua NH-D14 with a Swiftech H320. The first H320 was DOA and I had to RMA it with NCIX. Second H320 is working fantastic, dead quiet and lowered my temps. I also replaced the stock Swiftech fans in the radiator and the stock Corsair fans in the case with Cougar Vortex fans (3 x 120mm Vortex HDP PWM, 3 x 140mm Vortex HDP). This helps start my black/orange colour theme, run quieter and get more air circulation.

Obsidian 1.2: Made a Custom PSU Shroud and bought sleeved extensions rather then buy and sleeve a moduler psu. Easier and cheaper, but I think I will go all-out and sleeve my own next time around.

Obsidian 1.3: Replaced GTX 660 Ti with GTX 980, switched an H100i liquid cooler. Upgraded peripherals.

COMMENTS:

Only component I would NOT highly recommend is the Kingston HyperX SSD, mine died after about 10-12 months of operation. Kingston did honour the warranty, but I would still go with a higher quality brand such as Intel or Samsung.

NCIX stuck me with a $55 shipping bill for returning the first defective Swiftech H320.

Just go for a FULLY-modular PSU, just do it.

The video card, NIC, PSU, SSD and peripherals were taken from my previous build.

BENCHMARKS: (3D Mark)

Obsidian 1.0 (Loud config) Ice Storm: 163703 Ice Storm Extreme: 136493 Cloud Gate: 21904 Fire Strike: 5424 Fire Strike Extreme: 2664

Obsidian 1.1 (Near silent config) Ice Storm: 158361 Ice Storm Extreme: 135250 Cloud Gate: 21542 Fire Strike: 5338 Fire Strike Extreme 2609

Obsidian 1.2 (Still near silent)

Ice Storm: 163242

Ice Storm Extreme: 139227

Cloud Gate: 22007

Sky Diver: 18218

Fire Strike: 5524

Fire Strike Extreme: 2471

Cinebench R15 CPU: 847 cb Cinebench Open GL: 136.72 fps

Comments

  • 71 months ago
  • 3 points

I think you got a crappy ssd/damaged, I've never heard about a ssd that died that fast. Not even from crappy brands. And kingston SSDs seems to be quite good.

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

Hoping it was just bad luck, but you never know.

  • 71 months ago
  • 2 points

don't we all just love the obsidian :)

  • 71 months ago
  • 2 points

This is an amazing build. You did a great job with the cable management. I just have a few questions.

-Why did you go with Vengance Pro memory? -Why did you go with a 660ti when you could've gotten a 770?

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

It was on sale at the time and came in black to match everything else.

The 660ti I already had from a previous build so I just reused it until I have to money to get a seriously high end card in a year or two. It still maxes every game I've thrown at it :)

  • 71 months ago
  • 2 points

Thanks! I was just curious.

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

I would get a better graphics card to go along with all of the other high quality components.

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

The 660ti I already had from a previous build so I just reused it until I have to money to get a seriously high end card in a year or two. It still maxes every game I've thrown at it :)

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

It looks nice and all but what is the purpose of this rig?

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

Gaming was the original intention, but I also do 3d modeling and photo editing for work, so it sort of does it all. These days it's mostly about dreaming up ways to mod it :)

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

Also programming and web dev stuff for school

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

That graphics card doesn't complement the rest of the build, I would have personally gone with a 770 for the same price or even an 780 with an i5.

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

The 660ti I already had from a previous build so I just reused it until I have to money to get a seriously high end card in a year or two. It still maxes every game I've thrown at it :)

  • 71 months ago
  • 2 points

Ah I see, in that case nice job on the build. But again, what's wrong with an i5? Similar gaming performance to the i7.

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

I don't plan on ever upgrading the CPU, so I just went with the best I could get.

  • 71 months ago
  • 1 point

Just noticed you can add the price you actually paid, updated.

  • 70 months ago
  • 1 point

Question, were you able to install that motherboard in that case with the back big plate attached to the back of the mobo?

  • 70 months ago
  • 1 point

Yep, no problems :)

  • 70 months ago
  • 1 point

Awesome. Thanks for your response.

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