So I've made myself a new build a couple of days ago with an Intel Core i5 2500k at 3.3GHz stock and I was wondering if it is worth pushing over the 2500K into the 4.X mark, how much it will affect the life of my Processor and if it's actually worth it? Being a newbie with this kind of thing I'm not too experienced, and have no idea how much overclocking my Processor actually helps out my PC as a general build.

If I was too do this, I'd be looking at an Aftermarket CPU Cooler as well, what do you guys reccomend as a cooler?
Been looking at either the Hyper212+ or the Thermaltake Frio.

(My case has exceptional cooling, I use an Coolermaster Storm Scout if that is any help).

Cheers.

They overclock very easily. Most will sit on 4.8-5ghz easily with no worries.

Just keep the Vcore < 1.4v and it will be fine for the life of the chip.

any decent quite air cooler will be fine.


www.techreaction.net/2011/01/04/3-step-overclocking-guide-%E2%80%93-sandy-bridge-v0-1beta/

the frio is bigger and cools more, but the hyper will do the same job for 1/2 the price

also check out the aywun v10

What motherboard do you have first?

Would hate to tease you with 5GHz numbers if you have a H61/H67

LOL very true grumps

I've running a ASRock Z68 PRO3 at the moment as my Mobo.

*headbuts screen*

lol

Asrock motherboards aren't THAT bad....

go away.

not sure if serious................

I realise it's not a top of the line motherboard, but it gets the job done fine to say the least. I didn't have much choice, and I didn't want to wait 2 weeks for a Gigabyte Z68 to get into stock.

ASRock are a subsidiary of ASUS, there like cheaper ASUS boards and are similar looking

All the reviews I have read rate the Asrock boards as good value for money.

Yeah, I paid $139 for my board, which is quite excellent if you ask me.