Yes it's another spec me thread...

Jay794 · 15 Oct 2011 at 12:55

Basically I'm trying to outline my Christmas list but I have no idea what to look for regarding upgrades.

My current setup is in my sig, there are a few things I believe I need in my upgrades. Since I have an ATI/MSI graphics card I've got my eye on the MSI Z68A-GD80-G3 Intel Z68 but I also love the look of the Asrock Z68 Extreme7 Gen3 Intel Z68

i7 Processor (obviously, for semi-future proofing and overclock-ability)
A motherboard with a lot of SATA ports (I need at least 4)
SLI and Crossfire compatible
Cheapish 8GB DDR3

Budget is £500 max, but the closer to £350-£400 the better.

Thanks in advance

RJC · 15 Oct 2011 at 13:05

Your basket
Product Name Qty Price Line Total
Intel Core i7-2600K 3.40GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor - Retail £239.99
(£199.99) £239.99
(£199.99)
Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard £99.98
(£83.32) £99.98
(£83.32)
Kingston HyperX Genesis Grey 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (KHX1600C9D3X2K2/8GX) £39.98
(£33.32) £39.98
(£33.32)
Sub Total : £316.63
Shipping cost assumes delivery to UK Mainland with:
DPD Next Day Parcel
(This can be changed during checkout) Shipping : £9.50
VAT is being charged at 20.00% VAT : £65.23
Total : £391.36

Jay794 · 15 Oct 2011 at 13:11

Nice, whats the difference between the Retail i7 and the OEM version?

Also could I substitute the motherboard for the Asus P8Z68-V Intel Z68 because thats also a 1155 socket?

Swampster · 15 Oct 2011 at 13:16

Jay794 said:
Nice, whats the difference between the Retail i7 and the OEM version?

Usually a longer warranty (3 years at a guess without checking) and bundled heatsink & fan.. OEM is chip only, and IIRC a 1 year warranty.

RJC · 15 Oct 2011 at 13:18

Jay794 said:
Nice, whats the difference between the Retail i7 and the OEM version?

Also could I substitute the motherboard for the Asus P8Z68-V Intel Z68 because thats also a 1155 socket?

No cpu cooler and 1 year warranty, also no retail box.

Jay794 · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:53

If I sacrifice crossfire would I be able to get a cheaper board?

ng93 · 15 Oct 2011 at 16:00

^ Yup you could get this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-364-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1990

Jay794 · 15 Oct 2011 at 16:02

That says it still supports crossfire, whats the difference between Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3 Intel Z68 and the Gigabyte Z68AP-D3 Intel Z68?

ng93 · 15 Oct 2011 at 19:58

The one I linked to has the second x16 slot run at x4 IIRC. So while it supports crossfire it would be pointless as the x4 would be a huge bottleneck. But its the cheapest board generally recommended on here as its the cheapest one that will consistently get good overclocks, good stability and good reviews, plus its Z68 so has all of the extra features over P67/H67/H61. If you don't care about these you could go with something even cheaper, plus you could get the i7 2600 rather than 2600K.