2500k Motherboard Upgrade

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noxicate

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Nov 24, 2012
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I currently have a i5 2500k clocked at 4.5 ghz on air in a z68a-d3h-b3 motherboard. The motherboard has done me well up to this point but as of the recent results of the Haswell processors that just came out, I have come to find that this processor could last me a good deal longer.

Would it be a good idea to go ahead and purchase a better motherboard for this processor, something that can give a better, more stable overclock? I would really like to get it higher if possible. I am also going to look into a better cooling option that the CM Hyper N 520 that is cooling it now. Getting a more up to date chipset is also a reason for this thought on upgrading.
 
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10tacle
Interesting. I've had my 2500k running at 4.8GHz for two years now. There is no reason to spend more money on a mobo and better cooling with today's games with the SB chipset (or upgrading to an Ivy mobo, which you would only be able to upgrade to). Most of today's games rely on more GPU power than CPU clock speed, especially at higher resolutions and AA settings. There are many current games that Haswell does better at clock for clock than SB/IB, but overall, considering both overclock higher, it's a wash on CPU processing power (a Haswell at 4.2GHz may equal a SB at 4.7GH and an IB at 4.5GHz for example..not including putting a SB CPU in an IB chipset mobo which I've ever seen benchmarks from).

No reason to upgrade IMO. You running...
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k1114

k1114

Titan
May 2, 2010
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The possible higher oc of a higher end mobo will be negligible so is a waste of money. A better cooler would get you higher assuming the cpu was even capable. The latest chipset you could get is z77 and the only difference for you would be internal usb 3.0.
 
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10tacle

10tacle

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Dec 6, 2008
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Interesting. I've had my 2500k running at 4.8GHz for two years now. There is no reason to spend more money on a mobo and better cooling with today's games with the SB chipset (or upgrading to an Ivy mobo, which you would only be able to upgrade to). Most of today's games rely on more GPU power than CPU clock speed, especially at higher resolutions and AA settings. There are many current games that Haswell does better at clock for clock than SB/IB, but overall, considering both overclock higher, it's a wash on CPU processing power (a Haswell at 4.2GHz may equal a SB at 4.7GH and an IB at 4.5GHz for example..not including putting a SB CPU in an IB chipset mobo which I've ever seen benchmarks from).

No reason to upgrade IMO. You running at 4.5GHz if you have a decent Vcore number and temps (below 1.40v, 60C or below) is about as good as it gets. My .3GHz on your CPU speed is worth only a couple frames at best...on games that actually respond to higher CPU speeds over GPU power at a given resolution. Just to clarify that, in most games today, the higher your screen resolution and graphics quality settings, the more your GPU matters and the less your CPU speed matters. Hope this helps!
 
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noxicate

Honorable
Nov 24, 2012
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The only reason for me to consider this upgrade at the given time is for adding longevity to my system. I just purchased a EVGA 780 SC which has really pushed this setup along nicely. My temps and vcore are all well within reason. Around 60ish on load with a vcore of 1.34.

I am soon to be looking into a better cooler for this chip as well as I do not like my current one. It is also rather noisy. I also know there are much better Air coolers out there.

So far the current board has held together well at 4.5, though I really think this chip could go much higher given the voltages. Temps currently holding me back the most. I haven't seen anything stating 8pin vs 4pin cpu power connector could be a limiting factor.
 
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10tacle

10tacle

Splendid
Dec 6, 2008
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As my sig says, I've got the Noctua NH-D14. It's about the best air solution you can get. I've had my 2500k as high as 5.05GHz, but had to up the Vcore to 1.415 and the temps hit near 70C which is way beyond long term sustainability. I'm pushing it at 1.4, but I don't keep my rig components longer than 3 years anyway in primary duty. You've got the GPU power, so that's not an issue (I'm running 680 SLI). Long term, you are in the sweet spot. Again, you will not gain anything. Spend your money elsewhere (maybe a QHD 2560x1440 monitor if you don't have one). If you only want to go cooler and quieter and up your speed only, go with a dual fan push-pull cooler like the NH-D14 or several similar designs (the Noctua is among the most quiet). If you don't want to go serious water cooling of course.

FYI I've got a backup gaming rig build with an E8400 that runs at 4.4GHz built nearly 5 years ago. It still runs perfectly.
 
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