Aftershock PC

[hectic13]

Hi all, i am intending to get a desktop for web browsing, watching streamed shows online and also some light gaming (dota 2, fortnite and WOW). I don’t know how to trouble shoot hence I am looking at Aftershock PC, something that can last me probably for another 5 to 7 years and value for money.

Too many choices on their websites and all the upgrades are making me giddy, can anyone recommend a setup with a budget of around $1500 inclusive of a monitor?

 

[watzup_ken]

The selection from Aftershock seems quite a lot, but you can filter out by determining,
1) If you prefer a small desktop, or are you fine with the normal case size - Smaller is generally more expensive, i.e. the Ultra Compact range
2) AMD or Intel - AMD is generally better in value.

For your requirements, I believe something that you can configure to 1k to 1.2K is good enough. Ideal amount of RAM/ Memory should be 16GB (8GB x 2)

Do note that some of the upgrades from Aftershock are quite pricey. I was surprised to find that an upgrade from 3200Mhz RAM to 3600Mhz is a whooping 120 bucks top up in addition to a 105 ram upgrade for some of the desktop range (I was looking at the Rapid series). I got a set of 3600Mhz ram from Amazon for around 140 bucks.

 

[tremor]

Maybe call them up and ask them to recommend?

Actually I find their offer items not bad. Just don't choose too much upgrade.

 

[yusoffb01]

if u can wait, their 1111 or black friday sale are really good. even cheaper than diy.

if price looks ok then buy now.

 

[watzup_ken]

Maybe call them up and ask them to recommend?

Actually I find their offer items not bad. Just don't choose too much upgrade.

My recommendation is to either wait for an IT fair where they will have some promotion to bring the cost down, or get better specs. Otherwise, I generally go for the minimal specs and upgrade things like RAM and add additional SSD on your own.

 

[cloudangel]

I was looking at the Ultracore... By any chance would anyone know what is the upkeep/maintenance like for its custom water-cooling?

I dropped them an email awhile back and they sort of mentioned that the maintenance (e.g. refill of the coolant...etc) have to be done by them

 

[AnTiLooP]

I was looking at the Ultracore... By any chance would anyone know what is the upkeep/maintenance like for its custom water-cooling?

I dropped them an email awhile back and they sort of mentioned that the maintenance (e.g. refill of the coolant...etc) have to be done by them

i think rule of the thumb is to change coolant every 6 months or something like that.

""Open-Loop liquid coolers, or coolers that you build from scratch, suggests that you'll have to empty the system and refill it with another coolant when needed. Most setups can last over 12 months but it's recommended that you at least do an inspection every 6 months""

 

[cloudangel]

i think rule of the thumb is to change coolant every 6 months or something like that.

""Open-Loop liquid coolers, or coolers that you build from scratch, suggests that you'll have to empty the system and refill it with another coolant when needed. Most setups can last over 12 months but it's recommended that you at least do an inspection every 6 months""

Thanks for the reply.

So it's not something i can do it myself easily and i would have to engage their services everytime i need a replacement?

 

[kenzi87]

Best to check with Aftershock as you are buying services from them

 

[Mythmaker]

I ran my open loop for 3+ years without changing the coolant. You will be fine as long as it's distilled water and not colored lol.

 

[ItsmeagainhK]

I was looking at the Ultracore... By any chance would anyone know what is the upkeep/maintenance like for its custom water-cooling?

I dropped them an email awhile back and they sort of mentioned that the maintenance (e.g. refill of the coolant...etc) have to be done by them

If not well versed in Pc parts and assembly but still intend to go for water cooling, I suggest aio. Custom water cooling is literally the highest of the highest of enthusiast level lol. Otherwise can stick to premium air cooling solution. Noctua air cooling in some instances are comparable with aio.

Will save you tons of headache down the road. But then again, if you can handle the assembly and customization well, why not go for diy assembly and diy custom loop instead ? At least you will know you did a good job

 

[AnTiLooP]

Thanks for the reply.

So it's not something i can do it myself easily and i would have to engage their services everytime i need a replacement?

There is a learning curve... everything you do these days involves learning. Be prepared to sc**w-up and go from there.

If you are after my opinion, i'd say its not rocket science. look up Youtube.

 

[royfrosty]

Custom water cooling is definitely not recommended if you just started out. Yet alone if you are not going to learn how to maintain your pc.

For custom water cooling. I ran UV green in my loop. So far there is no stain yet and going strong for 8 months. Still UV reactive. But as the time goes by, i am sure the petg tubes will start to stain. And one needs to change it when the time comes.

Distilled water with biocide may last longer. But it will slowly cloud the petg tubes over time.

So far for acrylic and glass tubes are the only ones that wont stain. But they are rigid and need a lot of fittings to get it done right. I have tried glass, but all i can say, petg still makes more sense and easier to use lol.

In all maintenance is needed when you are doing custom water cooling.

Hope when you buy your first desktop from Aftershock, learn for yourself, how to build a pc, or how to troubleshoot one. It will be very rewarding.

Or best, buy custom parts on your own and slowly fix it by yourself. It isnt nuclear science to begin with. There are plenty of help and guidelines in youtube or other online platforms. As you build, you will know your pc better.

 

[cloudangel]

Custom water cooling is definitely not recommended if you just started out. Yet alone if you are not going to learn how to maintain your pc.

For custom water cooling. I ran UV green in my loop. So far there is no stain yet and going strong for 8 months. Still UV reactive. But as the time goes by, i am sure the petg tubes will start to stain. And one needs to change it when the time comes.

Distilled water with biocide may last longer. But it will slowly cloud the petg tubes over time.

So far for acrylic and glass tubes are the only ones that wont stain. But they are rigid and need a lot of fittings to get it done right. I have tried glass, but all i can say, petg still makes more sense and easier to use lol.

In all maintenance is needed when you are doing custom water cooling.

Hope when you buy your first desktop from Aftershock, learn for yourself, how to build a pc, or how to troubleshoot one. It will be very rewarding.

Or best, buy custom parts on your own and slowly fix it by yourself. It isnt nuclear science to begin with. There are plenty of help and guidelines in youtube or other online platforms. As you build, you will know your pc better.

So in terms of ease of maintenenence, would going for the NZXT options which are available from aftershock as shown below be better?
WATERCOOLING : NZXT Kraken X63 280mm
WATERCOOLING : NZXT Kraken X73 360mm
WATERCOOLING : NZXT Kraken Z63 280mm (LED Display)
WATERCOOLING : NZXT Kraken Z73 360mm (LED Display)


I am looking to do something different different from the usual fan option for my next rig, so have decided to explore watercooling as an option for my next rig. But am looking for one with the most minimal level need of maintenance.

 

[ItsmeagainhK]

So in terms of ease of maintenenence, would going for the NZXT options which are available from aftershock as shown below be better?
WATERCOOLING : NZXT Kraken X63 280mm
WATERCOOLING : NZXT Kraken X73 360mm
WATERCOOLING : NZXT Kraken Z63 280mm (LED Display)
WATERCOOLING : NZXT Kraken Z73 360mm (LED Display)


I am looking to do something different different from the usual fan option for my next rig, so have decided to explore watercooling as an option for my next rig. But am looking for one with the most minimal level need of maintenance.

Yes, because they are closed loop. Basically plugged in and play. They come with 6 years warranty so that’s a plus. I’m using the x63.