Overclockers UK Ultima Finesse Blackhole System Review

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Conclusion

So obviously we aren’t strangers to Overclockers UK and their vast range of systems; we have covered quite a few since the beginning of time (Play3r), but this has to be one of the most powerful ones we have seen from the UK tech retail giants; Overclockers UK have gone with an interesting specification with the Ultima Finesse Blackhole system, but on paper it looks like pretty damn good!  Is that the case though?  Could the system be better or do Overclockers UK sit at the top of their game?

Performance

It goes without saying that when you combined an X99 based Intel i7 5820k 6 core CPU with SLI GTX 970’s, performance is going to be pretty damn good; it’s obviously the case this time round!  The KFA2 GTX 970 Black Infinite Edition cards in SLI not only look brilliant, but perform well combined with the current specification; I am however quite miffed with the choice of dual channel DDR4 over quad channel.  This is one of the main benefits of the Intel Enthusiast based platforms and I can’t imagine the cost to be any different with 4 sticks which would give better memory bandwidth etc., over opting for 2 x modules; that is pretty much my only gripe with the specifications of the system.

The system also scores pretty well in PCMark 8, which shows that the components are a pretty good fit and everything seems to follow the same theme; performance and aesthetics all rolled into one NZXT case is going to please many, such a subtle monstrous system.

Design

I really love how co-ordinated the system looks and I applaud Overclockers UK for the sterling job they have done with the cable management; I have seen some retailers systems and quite frankly, it looks like their pet dog has gone rampant on them, not the case with OcUK however!  Also adding in the BitFenix Alchemy LED strip gives the system a nice ambient finish when the system is powered on and from a design point of view, the case is near perfect.

My main disappointment with this system is the choice of cooler; it makes it hard to access other components inside the case such as memory (if you wanted to upgrade to quad channel), but other than that, the Prolimatech Genesis does a good job performance wise, but there are nicer looking coolers currently out there screaming to be selected!

Value

When it comes to value, £2000 is a lot of money regardless of how you look at it and for the money, I’m afraid I would expect a little more than what is currently offered with the Ultima Finesse Blackhole.  Other “rival” companies have systems around the same price which have better specs, upgraded hardware etc., but I think the pudding here is the quality of Overclockers UK’s after service; even prior to technology journalism, I haven’t had a problem with a product from Overclockers or their returns; a testament to their overall persona in the UK technology retail scene.

Final Thoughts

Overclockers UK are clearly at the top of their game in regards to system building and are one of the most respected retailers to boot.  The Ultima Finesse Blackhole has a lot of things going for it, such as the ability to future upgrade the memory due to the extra slots or add additional storage drives due to the free unpopulated SATA3 ports on the MSI X99S SLI motherboard; there are no USB 3.1 ports however which might not be relevant yet, but it soon will be.

From the superb cable management, all the way to the general design and look of the system, it does take a lot to not justify this purchase and if you are in the market for a system around £2000, this is certainly one to be considered.  With fantastic warranty options, part customisation and of course the epic service Overclockers UK provide, it nearly justifies the value for me; those wanting the most powerful system for their money and aren’t too bothered about design or looks will find cheaper elsewhere, but how much of a price tag can you put on quality and style?  I will leave that for you to answer!

• Silver Award – I had a hard time coming to the scoring process for this system and I felt Silver was a great award given the few pitfalls with this system.  Overall, the Ultima Finesse Blackhole is a fantastic system with a plethora of style and elegance about it, but the mediocre choice of cooler lets the system down slighty; still, it’s a worthwhile purchase for the ultimate package!

Huge thanks to Overclockers UK for sending the Ultima Finesse Blackhole system in for review.