PCSpecialist Vortex BF 25 review - powerful gaming PC at a great price
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, so do the demands for high-performance PCs that can handle the latest graphics and processing requirements. Black Friday is an excellent opportunity to find powerful pre-built systems at attractive prices. One such system is the PCSpecialist Vortex BF 25, which combines advanced components like the Ryzen X3D processor and a robust GeForce RTX GPU, providing exceptional gaming capabilities at a competitive price point.
With a price tag of £1,799, the Vortex BF 25 offers excellent value for gamers and content creators alike. This system doesn't just promise performance; it delivers on that promise, making it a strong contender in the pre-built gaming PC market. Let’s dive deeper into its specifications, performance metrics, and why it stands out in a crowded field.
Specifications of the Vortex BF 25
The heart of the Vortex BF 25 is undoubtedly the Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. Known for its impressive gaming performance, this chip is a standout feature with its 96MB of L3 cache, which significantly increases efficiency and speeds, particularly in CPU-intensive scenarios. Here's a breakdown of the key specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 8 cores, 16 threads, with a maximum boost clock of 5.2GHz
- Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 16GB GDDR7 VRAM
- Memory: 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5, 6000MT speeds
- Storage: 2TB Samsung 990 Evo Plus NVMe SSD
- Motherboard: Asus Prime B850-Plus
- Cooling: PCS FrostFlow 240 Series AIO cooler
This combination of hardware enables the Vortex BF 25 to excel not only in gaming but also in multitasking and productivity applications.
Performance Overview
When it comes to performance, the Vortex BF 25 shines across various resolutions. From Full HD (1080p) to 4K (2160p), this system is capable of handling the latest titles with ease. Here’s a closer look at how it performs in different scenarios:
CPU Performance
In Cinebench 2024, the Vortex BF 25 delivers a commendable score of 1,351 points in multi-threaded tests. This score reflects the system's ability to handle demanding workloads, making it suitable for both gaming and content creation.
- Multi-threaded score: 1,351 points
- Single-threaded performance: 133 points
RAM Performance
The dual-channel 32GB Corsair Vengeance RAM provides ample bandwidth for gaming and productivity tasks. The system showcases impressive copy bandwidth, clocking in at around 55,390 MB/s, which is particularly beneficial for high-performance applications and multitasking environments. The RAM’s CL30 latency timings further enhance its performance, particularly in comparison to other systems with similar processors.
Storage Performance
Equipped with a 2TB Samsung 990 Evo Plus SSD, the Vortex BF 25 offers fast read and write speeds that keep the operating system and applications running smoothly. While benchmarks indicate that the SSD slightly underperforms relative to its advertised speeds, it remains highly effective for gaming and general use.
Gaming Capabilities
The Vortex BF 25 is not just a powerhouse for productivity; it is also designed for gamers. Testing its graphics capabilities with 3DMark and popular game titles reveals impressive results:
- 3DMark Speed Way: 7,718 points (77.18 fps) at QHD resolution
- 3DMark Steel Nomad: 6,855 points (68.55 fps) at 4K resolution
In real-world gaming scenarios, the system excels at various resolutions:
- Rainbow Six Siege: Over 500 fps at FHD, around 400 fps at QHD, and more than 240 fps at 4K.
- Mount & Blade II: Achieves high frame rates across all resolutions, even exceeding 144 fps at FHD.
- Final Fantasy XIV: Runs smoothly at high frame rates at both FHD and QHD.
For demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, the Vortex BF 25 performs admirably with Nvidia DLSS technology, allowing for playable frame rates even at high resolutions:
- FHD: 95 fps with DLSS enabled
- QHD: 64 fps with DLSS enabled
- 4K: 33 fps with DLSS enabled
This performance demonstrates the synergy between the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, providing both power and efficiency.
Casing and Aesthetics
The aesthetics of the Vortex BF 25 are defined by its PCS Spectrum II ARGB case. This mid-tower chassis offers functionality and a degree of style, although its design might not be as flashy as some competitors. Key features of the case include:
- Tempered glass side panel for visibility of components.
- Effective cable management system to keep the interior tidy.
- RGB lighting that can be controlled via software.
Despite minor annoyances with RGB synchronization, the overall build quality and design of the case lend to a professional appearance that suits any gaming setup.
Connectivity Options
In terms of connectivity, the Vortex BF 25 includes a variety of ports and options to accommodate different peripherals. The rear panel has several USB connections, although it lacks some of the higher-bandwidth options found in more advanced systems:
- Four USB 3.2 Gen 1 (10Gbps) ports
- Two USB 3.0 (5Gbps) ports
- Two USB 2.0 (480Mbps) ports
While sufficient for basic needs, power users may find the lack of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports limiting. The motherboard also features a 2.5Gb RJ45 port for wired networking, ensuring high-speed internet connectivity.
Thermals and Acoustics
The cooling system in the Vortex BF 25 keeps temperatures in check while maintaining a relatively quiet operation. During idle conditions, CPU and GPU temperatures remain below 40°C with noise levels around 34dBA. Under load, temperatures peak at:
- CPU: 74°C
- GPU: 64°C
Noise levels during gaming reach a maximum of 46dBA, which, while noticeable, is not overwhelming. This allows for an enjoyable gaming experience without distraction.
Value Proposition
At £1,799, the Vortex BF 25 presents a compelling value proposition for gamers looking for a robust system without breaking the bank. When considering the cost of assembling a similar system from scratch, including parts, assembly, and testing, PCSpecialist’s offering comes out ahead. Here’s why:
- Three-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Free next-day delivery while stocks last.
- Competitive pricing in a rising cost environment for components.
The current climate of increasing prices for DRAM and NAND components makes this offer particularly attractive. Seizing opportunities like this one may save you money in the long run.
For those contemplating a new gaming rig, the Vortex BF 25 is worth serious consideration. With its powerful components and strong performance metrics, it stands out in the highly competitive pre-built gaming PC market.
For additional insights on building or customizing your gaming setup, check out this informative video:
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