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Jun 19 2011 - The Digital Storm Black Ops Hailstorm Edition is a full-tower, fully customizable gaming desktop PC with high quality components that is well equipped for $2,154. For that price, the Digital Storm Hailstorm features a fully unlocked and overclockable Intel Core i7-2600K processor, 8GB of memory, and an NVIDIA GTX 570 1.2GB graphics card. One standout feature is the Obsidian 800D desktop case that is top of the line, roomy, and offers easy access.

Review - Digital Storm Black Ops Hailstorm Gaming Desktop Computer

If you're looking for a decked out gaming desktop, the Digital Storm Hailstorm is loaded with high performance components for $2,154. If you find that's above your budget, though, there are more cost effective alternatives in the Hailstorm line. For this review, though, I'll focus on the Intel Core i7-2600K-based system.

As stated above, the Digital Storm Black Ops Hailstorm Edition desktop is equipped with an Intel Core i7-2600K processor. This is one of the best chips on the market today and offers incredible overclocking potential due to its fully unlocked CPU and GPU. The system also features an ASUS Sabertooth P67 motherboard, which is a decent board, although it would be nice if the ASUS Maximus IV Extreme was included for the price. Digital Storm even includes a stage 1 overclock from 4.0GHz to 4.4GHz if you so choose.

For over $2,000, one would expect to find an abundance of memory. The Digital Storm Hailstorm has 8GB of DDR3 1600MHz RAM, which is average. The cost to upgrade to 16GB of memory ranges from $128 to $210 depending on the brand. This is a worthy option if you want to make your system future proof and/or you use a lot of RAM during daily tasks.

The Digital Storm Hailstorm gaming desktop also boasts an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570 1.2GB graphics card, which is more than adequate with support for PhysX and NVIDIA 3D Vision (with compatible hardware). There are a variety of options to choose from, however, including SLI configurations and even the ability to save $395 if you plan on installing your own video card.

Since the Hailstorm is geared for gaming, it features an H20 Asetek Liquid CPU Cooler for extra cool temps. The chassis itself is the Obsidian Series 800D, which is a phenomenal case with easy access and sleek lines. The Obsidian 800D also is excellent for liquid cooling, although a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System is optional and adds $180 or $330 respectively.

If you want to upgrade the system in the future, you may want to consider changing the base 750 watt power supply to a more powerful model. The upgrade prices on the PSU are quite reasonable. Overall, the Digital Storm Hailstorm is a high performance gaming PC with one of the - if not the best - cases on the market today. The video card is no slouch, either, and the Intel Core i7-2600K processor is a great option for overclocking.

Labels: laptops and computers