DigitalStorm BlackOps: Almost Too Fast
by Dustin Sklavos on December 29, 2010 12:45 AM ESTGaming Performance
We were expecting gaming performance of the DigitalStorm BlackOps to be pretty impressive. After all, a pair of the fastest single-GPU card on the market should post some amazing framerates, right? So let's start with our "High" benchmark preset and see just how crazy the two 580s really are.
That seems like a little much. The only game that doesn't break 140 frames per second is StarCraft II, which seems to be largely CPU-limited given the tie between the CyberPower unit and the iBuyPower with the much faster graphics subsystem. Other than that, the BlackOps steamrolls the competition—as it should, considering it costs a lot more than any of these other systems do. Given the surplus of performance we have at these settings, maybe bringing antialiasing into the equation with our "Ultra" preset will knock the BlackOps down a peg?
Nope. At this point you could actually argue fairly convincingly that the 580s are CPU-limited by the 3.8GHz Intel Core i7-950. That would sound crazy, but the results seem to bear that out: adding antialiasing barely affects performance in any of these games. Mass Effect 2 and STALKER both take decent dives in performance, but they're both still far beyond playable. Two GeForce GTX 580s are just plain overkill for the 1080p resolution we test at [Ed: Sorry, no 30" LCD for Dustin!], but if you were planning on going 3D Vision or gaming in surround with a pair it's reasonable to assume they'd be more than up for the task.
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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.