CPU questions, from a Rookie. (i5 2500k SandyBridge + EVGA 550ti 1GB)

[EricPCNoob]

I need CPU info.

Backstory- This summer, I bought a GeForce gtx550ti 1GB and a 500w Cooler Master Extreme Power plus to put in my computer to play Fo3, FNV, and Skyrim. I could, and am happy, but now, i want a new CPU because I currently have a amd Athlon 2 220 dual core. It has a 2.4ghz clock speed. Its WEAK. I cant play games like Planetside 2, Far Cry 3, and other more modern games because of it. I also hear that AMD cpu's + nVidia GPU's are a no-no, because they "Bottlecap." I have no idea what that is, but it cant be good.

So, The New CPU I want is the Sandy Bridge i5 2500k

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=19-115-072&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=3#scrollFullInfo

and i will use the "COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

So my Questions are,
1) Is my PSU powerful enough for the CPU + GPU?
2) Is the CPU good? I want to overclock, hence the new CPU cooler. (New CPU Cooler?)
3) Can I do it on my MoBo, a N-Alvorix - RS880-uATX ???

additional info -

Base Computer, before changes-
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03054468&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5172919#N65

Got it for X-mas for Minecraft, and then i discovered the joys of PC gaming, and Skyrim and Fallout mods.....

So I added my 500w PSU + 550ti GPU to the Base computer.

Windows 7 x64
1tb Hard drive.
8gb ram, DDR3

I know, thats a lot of info. Could any of you guys help me? If you need any more info, ask away.

 

[skitz9417]

ok i would change that psu because is crapfor making psu and the i5 2500 and the gtx 550ti is aok at gaming so u will be fine just change that psu

 

[EricPCNoob]

Its crap? Like not enough? I dont want to go spend money for a new PSU that i dont need. I can get fans. Its 60 f. in my room right now.

 

[blackjackedy]

The motherboard you have is for AMD cpus, and the 2500k is Intel. If you want to oc as well, try pick up a decent Z77 mobo as h__ mobos do not allow for meaningful overclocking. I would link you one but I live in NZ so I don't know what prices are good for the US :\
A 500w psu would be fine for that as long as its of decent quality, do you know the make and model of it?

edit: heh didn't see you already had psu listed

 

[jrayx]

The PSU is enough but Cooler Master power supply's (Specially the extreme power plus) are bad quality units, so it can be dangerous for your hardware if it fails.

The i5 2500k is a very good processor but your motherboard supports only AM3 Processors, so you can't fit an Intel i5 2500k without buying a new motherboard that supports Intel 1155 socket.

 

[EricPCNoob]

So i need a whole new MoBo? Awww... and meaningful overclocking? the PSU- Cooler Master Extreme Power plus model rs-500-pcar and type- intel form factor atx12v v2.3

 

[Kiowa789]

That cooler master 500 power plus is a no no, mislabeled, 75% failure rate, it will eventually fry your machine, get a new psu, from corsair, seasonic, antec, those are all grade A PSU manufacturers, Cooler master is always a no no for PSU's, the Hyper 212 is superb, you need a new motherboard as well, Z77 or Z75 is what you want.

 

[EricPCNoob]

Damn it. Know any good Amd CPU's for around 200$???? or a Cheap but decent MotherBoard?

 

[EricPCNoob]

Wow. Okay. Then i am pissed off at the guy from microcenter. He said it was very good, and highly recommended. Do any of the MotherBoards support SLI (Have 2 PCIe 2.0 Slots) SLI is something i am thinking about. I will go check them out now. Thank you.

 

[blackjackedy]

So i need a whole new MoBo? Awww... and meaningful overclocking? the PSU- Cooler Master Extreme Power plus model rs-500-pcar and type- intel form factor atx12v v2.3

H__ mobos can technically oc, but only about 5% so its not worth it. Because you have a K cpu though, if you get a Z__ mobo you could overclock to ~4.5Ghz

 

[geofelt]

The 2500K is about as good as it gets for gaming today.
It is second only to the 3570K.
If you live near a microcenter, they will sell you one for a good discount.

It will want a Z77 based motherboard to be able to overclock. Your AM3 motherboard will not work.
This Asrock Z77M M-ATX motherboard is $90: You need a M-ATX size to fit in your case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157325

Sandy/ivy bridge cpu's are more efficient than your current one, your psu is fine.
Your psu is a tier 4 unit on this list. Not great, but since it has been working for you, I would not change it out.
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

 

[EricPCNoob]

@geofelt, thank you. Well... i know what I am getting for x-mas. i saw a z77 on NewEgg with integrated graphics? I dont want that, i have that on my MOBO now. The IG part is useless. Thank you.

 

[geofelt]

@geofelt, thank you. Well... i know what I am getting for x-mas. i saw a z77 on NewEgg with integrated graphics? I dont want that, i have that on my MOBO now. The IG part is useless. Thank you.

Almost all of the ivy and sandy bridge cpu chips have integrated graphics capability.
Any Z77 based motherboard will permit integrated graphics.

You wouldnot use it if you will install a discrete gaming card. But, it is nice to have the option if you ever need to diagnose a graphics card problem.