Could your motherboard limit what you can install?
Could your motherboard limit what you can install?
Good morning and thanks for your guidance on this matter.
My current configuration is as described below. (I've taken the information from Amazon)
Motherboard - ASRock H77 Pro4-M (Socket 1155, Intel H61, DDR3, S-ATA 600, Micro ATX, Instant Boot, AsRock XFast LAN and XFast USB, AsRock APP Charger)
Processor - Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz SKT1155 6MB Cache
Processor Cooler - ARCTIC Freezer i11 - Silent 150 Watt CPU Cooler
RAM - Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9 Vengeance Low Profile 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 Mhz
GPU - Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB PCI-Express 3.0 HDMI OC Mini-ITX Flex
SSD (OS) - Kingston Technology 120 GB Solid State Drive 2.5 inch V300 SATA 3
HHD (Games, programs etc.) - WD 1TB Desktop SATA Hard Drive - OEM - Green
All components except the SSD, graphics card, and cooler were assembled when I first built it in 2013. Recently, I've started exploring overclocking options, but whenever I attempt to boost the processor speed beyond 3.8GHz, the BIOS blocks me. From other discussions in the Overclocking Forums, some users have managed to reach speeds up to 4.1GHz (with a few even hitting 4.5GHz).
When I originally set up the PC, certain parts were selected for compatibility and cost reasons (I was a student at the time). I'm curious if:
1. The motherboard is limiting my ability to increase processor speed
2. There are other potential bottlenecks in this build
3. Any tips from others on optimizing performance?
The system generally runs most games smoothly, and I'm hoping it will perform well. My overclocking curiosity is mainly to test the limits before a major rebuild next year.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I also ran a quick benchmark here: http://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/3953265
I opened Firefox while testing, so I'll close and recheck once I share this update.
Thank you very much.
Josh
You won't be able to overclock it the usual way.
It looks nicely balanced, but you can't push your CPU any higher.
Is it a used one? What will the price be for you?
Makentox :
1. You wont be able to overclock it traditional way.
2. It seems nice balanced beside that you cant overclock your CPU higher.
3. Is it second hand? I wouldnt pay more than 300$ for it.
Thanks for the quick response,
Is there another way to Overclock it then outside the traditional way (presume this is the BIOS)?
It's new as it I built it up in 2013 then upgraded the GPU in 2015 then installed a SSD and a new processor cooler in 2016 as I intended to start playing with overclocking then but only really got round to it recently
Josh