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This is the second system we have reviewed this week to feature an overclocked Intel Core i5 3570k processor. PC Specialist have pushed the processor to 4.6ghz, and at this speed it actually makes a viable option for not only gaming, but more serious duties such as 3D rendering and video encoding.
The PC Specialist Vanquish 670XM has been well built and the development team in the company clearly know what works well together.
They have used a check list of components that we would recommend ourselves, including the Nvidia GTX670, Kingston Hyper-X 3K Solid State Drive, ASUS P8Z77-V Motherboard and CoolerMaster HAF-XM chassis.
The only component I was initially unsure about was the Spire Gemini Rev.3 CPU cooler, however our testing has highlighted that it is capable of handling this overclocked 3570k without producing much noise. While not in the same league as a Corsair H60 or H80 ‘all in one' liquid cooler, it is relatively inexpensive and ensures the price point can hit the sweet spot of £999 inc vat.
As a gaming machine, the Vanquish 670XM delivers exemplary results. Even the most demanding Direct X 11 games such as Max Payne 3, Shogun 2 and Dirt Showdown are perfectly playable at 1080p with the eye candy cranked.
Importantly, the acoustics performance of the system is especially good. The Cooler Master HAF XM chassis ships with high quality fans, and the dual Spire Gemini Rev 3 fans also don't produce much noise. The loudest component in the system is the GTX670 when placed under load. Thankfully the latest Nvidia cards are relatively quiet so noise from the Vanquish 670XM system is genuinely never a concern.
We have no reservations recommending the PC Specialist Vanquish 670XM as a dedicated gaming machine for the discerning enthusiast who has neither the time or skill to build a system.
PC Specialist offer several configuration options to adjust the price point to suit – if you want to save some money you can downgrade the chassis to a CM Storm Enforcer and graphics card to a GTX 660 ti. Both still very good options.
Check out this link for a full list of the specifications.
Pros:
- Good price point.
- excellent for gaming.
- Cooler Master case kicks ass.
- quiet.
- decent power consumption.
- stable.
- excellent cable management.
- high overclock.
Cons:
- No shortage of competition at £1,000.
Kitguru says: PC Specialist have delivered another well balanced, high performance gaming system.
thats very nicely put together. good attention to detail.
Cooler Master case choice is good, they cool very very well without much noise., I have one !
Good build, impressed with the spec too, nothing ‘weak’ in it that seems to be them just clearing stock to ill informed customers
Cooler Master cases do use good fans, its a point that I liked to see being made. It sounds like such a minor thing to bring up, but I bought a Xigmatek case last year or 18 months ago and I had to replace all the fans in it. Some companies just buy the cheapest fans possible and try to maximise their profit. Long term it just doesnt work.