Check if a new chip can be used for overclocking or if a CPU upgrade is needed.
Check if a new chip can be used for overclocking or if a CPU upgrade is needed.
Current Build details:
CPU: AMD Fx-8350
GPU: Rx480
Memory: 8gbs RAM
Power Supply: Corsair CX750 (750w)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme 3 R2.0
Community note: First time joining the forum and new to overclocking. I’m considering upgrading my CPU to an i5 or one of the upcoming Ryzen mid-tier models. Upgrading will be expensive, requiring a motherboard upgrade too. I’m curious about the best motherboard to reach 4.6GHz with my 8350, given my budget of $150 CAD. If it’s strongly recommended, I could afford a bit more. Also, with good cooling from my fans, should I opt for watercooling when overclocking? Thanks ahead!
Upgrading to Skylake or Ryzen would provide significant benefits beyond just overclocking the single component. The cooling and memory modules wouldn't necessarily push speeds past 4.5 GHz, but they could still offer a solid improvement.
What alternatives are available when cooling isn't an option? For speeds over 4.5GHz, high-end cooling solutions become necessary.
This should match what you're looking for: the provided link is suitable. However, 5GHz is uncommon on any motherboard. What alternatives are available for cooling when going above 4.5GHz?
Thanks for your reply. Currently I use a zalman cnps5x fan on the CPU along with a few case fans. I'm thinking about switching to a liquid cooling Corsair H55 or H60. The main concern is compatibility with my case, which includes the new motherboard, GPU, and other components. For reference, my case is an ATX Mid Tower Zalman z9 Plus.
Additionally, considering all these upgrades for CPU overclocking, would it be worthwhile for speeds above 4.5GHz? Or should I focus on replacing the CPU and motherboard with Intel or newer Ryzen chips? If I upgrade to an i5 7600k or 6600k, I'd expect to spend around $400 - $475 CAD on the CPU and motherboard, though I think it would offer better long-term reliability than just overclocking.
Upgrading to Skylake or Ryzen would provide significant benefits beyond just overclocking the single component. The cooling and memory modules wouldn't necessarily push speeds past 4.5 GHz, but they could still offer a solid improvement.