Overclocking i5 2500k CPU

[Bearcat]

Curiosity finally got the better of me and I decided to do my first experiment with overclocking my i5.

The default clock speed is 3300 Mhz and I decided to up it to 4300 Mhz. My first concern then was to monitor the CPU core temps and so far all seems normal in that department, with 32c at idle and between 32c and 50c when putting it under a heavier load. With the addition of good after market cpu cooler I may experiment further, but until then I am happy with the results.

PS Any comments or words of wisdom are welcome! If you think I'm crazy, then feel free to say so. I have a very thick skin!

[hellnoire]

Well, firstly, how did you tweak it to do the overclocking? i.e., what programs did you use?

[Bearcat]

Well, firstly, how did you tweak it to do the overclocking? i.e., what programs did you use?

I used Asus Ai Tweaker in system bios to do the overclocking. It seemed pretty straight forward to use.

[hellnoire]

I used Asus Ai Tweaker in system bios to do the overclocking. It seemed pretty straight forward to use.

Alright, fair enough. My BIOS won't let me do any of that haha. Problems when buying an branded computer...

[A Guy]

I'm no expert. Your IC is much easier to overclock. The things to look for are heat and stability. For you using the PC as you do, heat would be your concern, as you already know you can't push your PC as currently configured judging by the issues you had running (Prime95 was it? Or OCCT?). Those programs are meant to confirm your system is stable, and beyond that, an overclock is stable. I can run prime95 and OCCT all day without issue. That said, you know what's best for you, so just don't overdo it! Here is some reference reading for you

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/265056-29-2600k-2500k-overclocking-guide

http://www.overclock.net/intel-general/910467-ultimate-sandy-bridge-oc-guide-p67a.html

A Guy

[Bearcat]

Thanks as always for your input A Guy! I frequent Tom's Hardware so I have read that topic, but the other one is new to me so I will read further. I didn't push the limits of overclocking my i5, because I am waiting for the arrival of my after market cpu cooler. I just wanted to get a feel for it. At least at 4300 Mhz, the stock cooler gets the job done, but I don't want to push things.

[JayCub]

So you went for an aftermarket cooler Bear, im not surprised to be honest... even though pc's are tools they have the curious side to them and to what you can do to take control.

As hellnoire mentioned above, the last pc i had was restricted and another reason to build your own.

Asus has three setting to overclock through windows, but your right to wait for the cooler, the only part of the board i found that got too high was the NB/South bridge, even without overclocking i found the temps high.

Something i will address is these temps... and any overclocking will be done through the laptop connection port at the rear of the motherboard.

There really should be good built in fail-safes on your mobo and the heat through your chipset is less than previous versions of Intel.

I hope you enjoy learning about taking more control over your hardware and seeing the benifits as you have a super setup my friend.

[Bearcat]

Thanks for your reply Jay! I keep a close eye on all system temperatures, including MB, CPU, GPU and so far, haven't noticed any problems, knock on wood. I don't seem to have the same MB heat issues as you, for which I am thankful. I am enjoying playing around with the new PC and don't have any regrets about building my own.

[BigGuy]

Alright Uncle Bear, I think your crazy!

But overclocking your CPU sounds really cool and I want to do the same with my new computer when we finally get to build it.

[Bearcat]

Alright Uncle Bear, I think your crazy!

I just knew I could count on you Buddy!