Components for overclocking

Jonathan Sifleet · May 6, 2013

I'm upgrading pc, here are my specs (courtesy of speccy):

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit
CPU
Intel Core i3 3220 @ 3.30GHz
Ivy Bridge 22nm Technology
RAM
8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 621MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. P8H61-MX R2.0 (LGA1155)
Graphics
SyncMaster (1360x768@60Hz)
GeForce GT 630 (MSI)
Hard Drives
932GB Western Digital WDC WD10EZRX-00A8LB0 (SATA)
Optical Drives
ATAPI iHAS122 C
Audio
High Definition Audio Device

Oh and I have a "standard 300W Zoostorm PSU."

What I want to do is buy a new i5 3570k processor and overclock it to 4.5ghz. For safety precautions I'm also buying a Corsair CW-9060002-WW Hydro Series H70 Core High Performance CPU Cooler. I've also been told I need a new Motherboard. I've also been told that I need a new PSU.

So what I want to know is:

What PSU wattage would I need to be able to run the processor I mentioned at 4.5ghz?

Do I need a new motherboard? If so what motherboards that are cheap do you know of that are compatible with overclocking the above mentioned CPU?

ksham · May 6, 2013

Is this a gaming build? Are you also replacing your GPU? There's no need to get an awesome CPU + Motherboard and then bottleneck them with a GT 630.

Jonathan Sifleet · May 6, 2013

ksham :

Yes that is my gaming build. I will be upgrading my graphics card in the future, but for now I want to upgrade my CPU and the necessary components for it.

ksham · May 6, 2013

In that case, get a 650W PSU from either Antec, Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, or XFX. The best price/performance one would be the Corsair TX 650W V2. 650W will be sufficient for you to install any single GPU.

As for the motherboard, I'd go with an ASRock Z77 Extreme4.

Jonathan Sifleet · May 7, 2013

ksham :

Ouch, that PSU* is expensive. Does this look good?

http://www.ebuyer.com/414339-650-watt-tesla-psu-tesla-650w

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Z77-Extreme4-Motherboard-Supports-CrossFireX/dp/B007KTY4A6

ksham · May 7, 2013

You meant PSU. And I've never heard of Tesla.

Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply (£66.99 @ Dabs)

Jonathan Sifleet · May 7, 2013

ksham :

I did a PSU calculator test (http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp) and it said that a 450w PSU would be sufficient, so should I get a 450w PSU?

Are there any other motherboards that are cheaper and still compatible, as im on a budget?

ksham · May 7, 2013

I couldn't find a decent 450W PSU. The price won't be much cheaper for that though. There's nothing wrong with a 650W. It's not like the PSU will keep taking in 650W of power even when you only need 400W. It'll pull in what it needs, no more, no less.

As for motherboard, ASRock Z77 Pro4/MVP?

Quaddro · May 7, 2013

For 450 W psu, you can get Antec VP 450
This is a very-very excellent psu..

review:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-VP450-Power-Supply-Review/1487

ksham · May 7, 2013

@Quaddro: Yeah, I checked that too, but it's not available on ebuyer site or in PCPartPicker UK.

Jonathan Sifleet · May 7, 2013

ksham :

Quaddro :

ksham :

Thank you, I'll be sure to get that one.

Ok one last question; I swear!

Whats the difference between a ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP and the ASRock Z77 Extreme4?

spat55 · May 7, 2013

Jonathan Sifleet :

ksham :

Ouch, that PSU* is expensive. Does this look good?

http://www.ebuyer.com/414339-650-watt-tesla-psu-tesla-650w

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Z77-Extreme4-Motherboard-Supports-CrossFireX/dp/B007KTY4A6

You get what you pay for, I spent double that on a 550w XFX.

ksham · May 7, 2013

Jonathan Sifleet :

You want a full story comparison or just the key parts?

The main point is that the H77 is not overclockable and the Z77 is. The Z77 has a 8+4 power phase design while the H77 has a 4+2. The Z77 is also SLI-compatible while the H77 is not. The H77 does have more 3.0 USB ports.

Jonathan Sifleet · May 8, 2013

ksham :

Going to have to break my promise; Sorry if this is extremely obvious, but does that mean I can't overclock the cpu?

ksham · May 8, 2013

You can try setting the base clock, but I wouldn't be optimistic about it. So I'd say no.

Jonathan Sifleet · May 8, 2013

ksham :

Would this be compatible:

http://www.ebuyer.com/409393-exdisplay-gigabyte-ga-z77-ds3h-socket-1155-vga-dvi-hdmi-7-1-channel-audio-atx-ebr2-ga-z77-ds3h

ksham · May 8, 2013

Yes. But it's not the motherboard, it's the CPU. You aren't going to overclock the Intel Core i3-3220 CPU well. You'll be lucky to get a +0.2GHz or around that ballpark.

Jonathan Sifleet · May 8, 2013

ksham :

Wait what? Im not talking about the i3 im talking about the i5 3570k, and earlier you said that I wouldn't be able to overclock with the cheaper motherboard you suggested. So with the cheaper motherboard that you suggested would I be able to overclock the i5 3570 k with it?

ksham · May 8, 2013

Oh I thought you meant the one you have now. Sorry, my fault. Your i5 will be fine. The new motherboard will help with OC.

Jonathan Sifleet · May 8, 2013

ksham :

I swear last question, when you say the new motherboard, do you mean the one you suggested, I suggested or both?

ksham · May 8, 2013

Both. Toss a coin or choose whichever is cheaper.

Jonathan Sifleet · May 8, 2013

ksham :

Thank you for all your help!

ksham · May 8, 2013

You're welcome. Best of luck with your upgrades. Let us know how it goes and if you need anything else.

Jonathan Sifleet · May 8, 2013

ksham :

Will be sure to.

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