Can I undervolt a non-K? (i5-2500)

[Deeyou]

I have a mini-ITX Intel mobo (DH61AG) H61 chipset.

I was going to purchase the i7-2600S but after reading I have gleaned that I would be paying $100 extra for what is essentially an underclocked CPU.

Could I possibly save $100 and buy an i5-2500 (non-K) and just undervolt it?

I read a lot of thread where it seems it's not as easy as simply undervolting the cpu in the BIOS. I see stuff where people talk about setting the current and how CPU-Z and Realtemp never report the stats of undervolted CPU's accurately.

Thanks!

 

[wolfram23]

You can do it, yes.

I don't know about it being reported wrong in software, but that shouldn't matter much as long as the result is stable in testing - you know it won't be any hotter than stock.

 

[Deeyou]

You can do it, yes.

I don't know about it being reported wrong in software, but that shouldn't matter much as long as the result is stable in testing - you know it won't be any hotter than stock.

Cool thanks...

Do you know if there is anyway to determine at what TDP it would operate at once undervolting? Or would the best way to test just be to undervolt and run Prime95 until the temps are acceptable?

 

[FinneousPJ]

Well a simple approximation would be the ratio of operating voltages.

 

[wolfram23]

I doubt you'd lower power consumption by much. Maybe a few watts. You'd save a lot more power just getting an i3.

But the only real way to determine it is an amp meter.

 

[Deeyou]

lol man...I'm just gonna go with the 2600S or the i5-2500T and call it the day. An i3 wouldn't be that significant of an upgrade for me. I need a quad because I use apps that do take advantage of 4 cores.