DigitalStorm BlackOps: Almost Too Fast
by Dustin Sklavos on December 29, 2010 12:45 AM ESTApplication and Futuremark Performance
It's not unreasonable to expect that given the blisteringly fast overclock on the Intel Core i7-950, the DigitalStorm BlackOps we have on hand should dominate our benchmarks. This is only made more apparent by the Corsair Force SSD (which PCMark Vantage is going to love) and the SLI'd GeForce GTX 580s. So just how much of a lead can the BlackOps pull?
And there it is. The BlackOps posts its only loss in Cinebench's multi-CPU test, but the score is so close to the i7-875K powering the CyberPower desktop that it's barely worth mentioning. To be fair, though, the CyberPower unit costs a little over half what the BlackOps does. Of course, when we move into 3DMark we can expect to see where that price difference really comes in.
While 3DMarks 06 and 05 seem to be almost CPU-limited, the BlackOps tears away from the pack in 03 and Vantage thanks to the massive performance of the SLI'd GeForce GTX 580s. The closest competition comes from the iBuyPower unit with the SLI GTX 470s, but it's nowhere near what the BlackOps is capable of. When we get into our gaming benchmarks on the next page, that's only going to be more apparent.
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Patrick Wolf - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Am I missing something? We know these pre-built systems aren't blessed from the gods to give better performance so why talk performance at all (except for OCing)? You only need to highlight the value of buying instead of building, if there even is one.Though I must say I wasn't even aware of DigitalStorm. Their systems are far more diverse and seem more appealing than Alienware.
gevorg - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Over $3500 and no i7-980X, and not even >1TB storage drive. LOL!brucek2 - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Tom's Hardware just posted a $2,000 build that seems would deliver equivalent or greater performance at many tasks:http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/newegg-combo-t...
Batou - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Sincerely, why spend so much money for a system like this. Absolutely crazy.With less money you can have a 980x, a better case, maybe a RE3, and a full
custom loop with EK or MIPS waterblocks. I can't understand why people should
buy this, instead of having fun deciding all components and putting them together.
Anyway nice read.
Belard - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Because many people don't have the experience and or afraid to build their computers.Seriously, some people SHOULDN'T put a screwdriver near a PC.
I've had a buddy not want to "bother me" with a P4 1.6Ghz he bought (ugh... $500 for 1GB of crap RD-RAM) - he installed the parts wrong and blew out the board. It was weeks before the replacement parts got back.
An ex GF built her BF a computer, yet she still needed my help on some areas... he knows nothing, but spent about $1200+ on the computer that as 12GB of RAM on it. 12GB and the stressful thing he plays is WOW & Starcraft II. I'll admit I'm still running 2GB on my intel quad and Windows7...
I know I can get 4GB for about $30~40 again... but that's date money. :) I bought a RC Helicopter and having more fun with that. ;)
cbgoding - Thursday, December 30, 2010 - link
Wow actually scales really well with 12GB ram, since you can cache all the areas and completely subvert loading screens. The PVE heroes do this so they can get into raids faster.kevith - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Well, it is definitely a flashing build. But I don't really think enthusiasts would buy a monster like this, if they are capable of really appreciating machines this caliber, they will build it themselves.But anyway, it's fun to read about anyway; What can rich kids buy these days to entertain them for a little while?
And maybe that's why the article seems to have - as mentioned by GeorgeH - this scent of laziness about it: This is a totally expendable product.
Every motor-journalist would of course love to test the brand new, latest model Bentley. But would there be any point of testing the same model, but with all the modifications a billionaire, Saudi-Arabian sheik has had installed? Like gold-doorhandles, diamond-braced remote control for the platinum-framed TV, the De-Extra-Luxe handmade 10.000 watt stereo or champagne and Cognac on tap?
No, not really. The ones, that would actually buy it, or in this case, the Digital Storm build, doesn't read reviews first, and we that does, would never buy a machine like this.
It is pretty however.
mino - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
There are people that can appreciate a top-of-the line product with a top-notch customer care.Go, ask Rahul Sood. If you do not believe ...
kevith - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Ok, the customer-care of course is an aspect with a product like this, that I did't think of.I'm not familiar with the guy You mention, though.
Nentor - Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - link
Of course. Nobody that knows anything of computers will talk into a store to buy one pre-build. And if you DO have the money to buy this and have an equal amount of brains you will still get it elsewhere.It is all about building a box as cheaply as possible, making it look as attractive as possible, marking it up as high as possible and selling it to the biggest idiot possible.