Can the motherboard be overclocked?
Can the motherboard be overclocked?
I've been preparing to upgrade my setup, aiming to surpass the limitations of my AMD X4 880k. My GPU is an RX 470, and I'm eager to maximize its performance. Of course, my budget is limited, so I've decided to opt for an i5-6400. Unfortunately, it has a base clock of just 2.7GHz, which isn't ideal for gaming at that speed, no matter the frame rate. I'd prefer to reach around 3GHz on this chipset, and that's where the motherboard comes into play. I was considering an ASUS B250F, which is reasonably priced and fits my requirements. But I'm unsure if it's possible to overclock it, as there are no reviews or guidance available online. Overclocking feels necessary, so I want to confirm whether it's feasible. Anyone here has any advice? I need to be certain.
Additionally, the CPU remains locked, and overclocking isn't permitted on Intel unless you purchase a K series SKU, except for a few rare exceptions.
The Ryzen 5 CPUs launch on April 11. If you're on a budget and happy to overclock they may well offer better performance than the low clocked i5s for less money. We have to wait for proper reviews, of course, but if you the Ryzen 5 1400 you should get a ~3.9-4Ghz quad core, 8 thread CPU, for $169. OCing mobos are generally a little cheaper too, so you can afford a cheap air cooler.
Wait for reviews for sure. But there's a good chance that's a great option for you.
The Ryzen 5 CPUs are set to release on April 11. If you're looking for a budget-friendly choice and willing to overclock, they might provide better performance than the lower clocked i5s at a lower cost. We should wait for proper reviews, but if you own a Ryzen 5 1400, expect around 3.9-4Ghz quad-core, an 8-thread CPU, priced at $169. Upgrading motherboards is usually cheaper too, allowing you to buy an affordable air cooler. Please check the reviews beforehand. It seems like a solid option for you.
It's suitable for mid-range gaming such as an RX 470. You probably won't face a CPU bottleneck much. However, I believe you might want to wait a few weeks before getting the Ryzen 5. Of course, the decision is yours.