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- Joined
- 26 Jan 2005
- Posts
- 1,586
- Location
- Newcastle, UK
Hey all,
The last time I looked at any hardware was back in early 2008 (when I built my current gaming system) and now I'm looking to upgrade, specifically for Battlefield 3
I already feel a little out of my depth with all of the options. I'm not asking for a full system spec but some advice would be great at the very least.
I have between £800-£1200 to spend on the core components aiming for the Intel i7 and nVidia, not interested in SLI. No drives or other peripherals required. Also not too interested in overclocking, but I do sometimes like to experiment with it.
After some reading, these were my first thoughts:
CPU:
- Intel Core i7-2700K 3.50GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155
- http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-397-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=1859
Motherboard:
- Asrock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155)
- http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-054-AK&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1990
Seems to get good reviews but I'm not sure if the other Asrock options are worth considering. Some MSI/Gigabyte boards also look popular, recommendations welcome.
Graphics:
- OcUK GeForce GTX 560Ti 2048MB
- http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-175-OK&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1341
The GTX 560Ti cards seem to be popular, but is it worth looking at GTX 570 or higher? I'd like to avoid overpriced cards for minor improvements but future-proofing is important too.
Memory:
This is where I'm clueless, I've read a couple of people mentioning that memory options are limited due to large heatsink fans, and that water cooling is worth considering. Any suggestions welcome, minimum 6GB.
Cooling:
I'd be temped by a water cooling solution if they're easy to install. Can anybody tell me the differences between the Antec Kúhler and the Corsair H60, H80 & H100? Are they just better as the price goes up? Quiet is also important.
Power:
My current system is using a Corsair HX 620 Watt Modular PSU, will this need to be upgraded or do you think I will be able to use this PSU for my new build?
Any advice or suggestions welcome
Thanks in advance,
Scotty
The last time I looked at any hardware was back in early 2008 (when I built my current gaming system) and now I'm looking to upgrade, specifically for Battlefield 3

I already feel a little out of my depth with all of the options. I'm not asking for a full system spec but some advice would be great at the very least.
I have between £800-£1200 to spend on the core components aiming for the Intel i7 and nVidia, not interested in SLI. No drives or other peripherals required. Also not too interested in overclocking, but I do sometimes like to experiment with it.
After some reading, these were my first thoughts:
CPU:
- Intel Core i7-2700K 3.50GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155
- http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-397-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=1859
Motherboard:
- Asrock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155)
- http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-054-AK&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1990
Seems to get good reviews but I'm not sure if the other Asrock options are worth considering. Some MSI/Gigabyte boards also look popular, recommendations welcome.
Graphics:
- OcUK GeForce GTX 560Ti 2048MB
- http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-175-OK&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1341
The GTX 560Ti cards seem to be popular, but is it worth looking at GTX 570 or higher? I'd like to avoid overpriced cards for minor improvements but future-proofing is important too.
Memory:
This is where I'm clueless, I've read a couple of people mentioning that memory options are limited due to large heatsink fans, and that water cooling is worth considering. Any suggestions welcome, minimum 6GB.
Cooling:
I'd be temped by a water cooling solution if they're easy to install. Can anybody tell me the differences between the Antec Kúhler and the Corsair H60, H80 & H100? Are they just better as the price goes up? Quiet is also important.
Power:
My current system is using a Corsair HX 620 Watt Modular PSU, will this need to be upgraded or do you think I will be able to use this PSU for my new build?
Any advice or suggestions welcome

Thanks in advance,
Scotty
