Is diff. cooler needed for i5-2500k?

[Alduron]

Can I just use the stock cooler with the i5-2500k, or is it necessary to buy the arctic silver compound / cooler?

 

[ataryens]

I think it depends on if u will be ocing or not. Note that if u plan on ocing later you will save yourself alot of time by buying and installing a cooler now. But wait for more answers as I am a noob.

 

[kilo_17]

The stock cooler is fine, unless you're overclocking. If you're leaving it at stock, an aftermarket cooler isn't necessary.

 

[geekapproved]

The stock cooler is fine, unless you're overclocking. If you're leaving it at stock, an aftermarket cooler isn't necessary.

Exactly.

 

[Alduron]

if it's built to be overclocked, why wouldn't the stock cooler handle that? what happens if the chip gets too hot -- is it just system failure or does the cpu or mobo get fried?

 

[ataryens]

It's built to allow oc. What happens depends on your bios. You can make your system turn off when CPU reaches 65C but it would eventually damage the card if it keeps happening.

 

[Alduron]

and how difficult is it to switch out the heatsink / fan that ships with the CPU to a new one? do i need to use solvents to remove it?

 

[Alduron]

oh, is 65C like the death knell?

 

[kilo_17]

Stock cooler's not made to cool an overclocked proc, just look at it! Usually when it gets too hot the system shuts down or something to prevent damage (I think). Either way, do you really want to do that to your proc?

 

[wombat_tg]

The chip isn't "built" to be OC'd. It CAN be OC'd. You still void the warranty by doing it. The stock heatsink represents what the vast majority of customers will require. There's no reason to put something better (read: $$$) in there when most customers won't require it.

A too-hot CPU can cause system instability, system failure and actual hardware damage. Computer components don't care for heat.

 

[kilo_17]

and how difficult is it to switch out the heatsink / fan that ships with the CPU to a new one? do i need to use solvents to remove it?

No, rubbing alcohol will clean off the thermal paste. As for how difficult it is, probably depends on the cooler.

 

[Alduron]

The chip isn't "built" to be OC'd. It CAN be OC'd. You still void the warranty by doing it. The stock heatsink represents what the vast majority of customers will require. There's no reason to put something better (read: $$$) in there when most customers won't require it.

A too-hot CPU can cause system instability, system failure and actual hardware damage. Computer components don't care for heat.

Okay, so it's not built specifically to OC, but p67 boards are meant to be overclocked -- if no OC, then better to save a little $$$ and get an h67 board with an i5-2500?

 

[kilo_17]

The stock heatsink represents what the vast majority of customers will require. There's no reason to put something better (read: $$$) in there when most customers won't require it.

Exactly. The stock cooler is for just that-stock speed.

 

[Alduron]

Exactly. The stock cooler is for just that-stock speed.

so what's the advantage of the i5-2500k over the i5-2500? some kinda turbo boost?

 

[kilo_17]

Okay, so it's not built specifically to OC, but p67 boards are meant to be overclocked -- if no OC, then better to save a little $$$ and get an h67 board with an i5-2500?

If you're not OCing and never plan to with the CPU, yes, it would probably be better to save $ by going with a non-k proc.

 

[ataryens]

You will need to buy termenal paste but don't forget that an extra ~100$ could make your system last ~2 years longer(as in you will be able to run new programs/games for another 2 years ( I just made up the numbers))

 

[kilo_17]

so what's the advantage of the i5-2500k over the i5-2500? some kinda turbo boost?

The k version has an unlocked multiplier to make OCing easier. So, if you choose to OC then it's way easier than with a non-k proc.

 

[wombat_tg]

so what's the advantage of the i5-2500k over the i5-2500? some kinda turbo boost?

The 2500K is unlocked so you CAN clock it, the 2500 cannot be clocked. There's no point getting a 67 board with a 2500 for just that reason.

If you never have any intention or desire to OC, you can save some bucks with a 2500 and a 61 series board. If you want to OC (and the performance gains are nothing to sniff at) you have a slightly pricier option, but once you OC it, you void your warranty. I believe you also void the warranty on most motherboards as well.

So it's really just a matter of what your objectives are, that's all.

 

[kilo_17]

You will need to buy termenal paste but don't forget that an extra ~100$ could make your system last ~2 years longer(as in you will be able to run new programs/games for another 2 years ( I just made up the numbers))

Yeah, lower temps=less wear.

 

[ataryens]

so what's the advantage of the i5-2500k over the i5-2500? some kinda turbo boost?

You can compare it to the 2300 that's 2.8 GHz and the 2500 that's 3.3 GHz. If you oc to 4.0 GHz you get a huge improvement.

 

[Alduron]

ok, thanks for all the feedback. Everyone has been very helpful. One more question -- how do I pick out a cooler -- does it depend on my case and motherboard?

I'm buying an Asus P8P67-M Pro and a Rosewill Challenger case

 

[kilo_17]

Be sure it will fit in your case, and is compatible with the CPU socket.

 

[Alduron]

Best answer selected by Alduron.