i5-3570K paired with Gigabyte GTX 1660 Super OC
i5-3570K paired with Gigabyte GTX 1660 Super OC
Hey there, folks! This build has been around for a while now. Recently, I upgraded several components—added 8GB RAM (now 16GB total), swapped the old MSI GTX 660 2GB GPU for the GTX 1660 Super, and installed an SSD. Before buying, I checked if my CPU could be bottlenecked by about 20%. I’m curious, would overclocking the CPU really help reduce that bottleneck? What’s a safe overclock range without a dedicated cooler? And if I added a cooler, how much more could I push the CPU frequency? Let's break it down!
If your system has CPU limits, boosting performance can be beneficial. A modest 10% boost in clock speed often leads to a similar 10% rise in frame rate.
I simply increased the speed to 102.9 and turned on multi-core optimization...then ran a performance check with Cinebench R15. I wouldn't rely heavily on those web-based speed tests.
You might want to play some games while keeping an eye on your GPU usage. If it's hitting full capacity, the OC might not be necessary. Either way, doing the overclock will boost performance. With a standard cooling solution, you likely won't have enough room for higher speeds. You can verify this by checking temperatures during stress tests. A Hyper 212 EVO or similar could easily reach around 4.5 GHz—unlikely to justify the extra cost.
Avoid focusing on bottleneck tools. A 20% figure holds little relevance here. If your system struggles under load, boosting performance always helps, no matter how old the processor is. Any overclock that maintains stable temps and voltage is secure. If you manage to achieve 4.6 with minimal power draw (and thus less heat), the cooler choice becomes irrelevant as long as it’s functioning properly—whatever cooler works best is fine. For a budget-friendly option to support strong overclocks on an i5, the Hyper 212 Evo remains a solid pick, now around its original $25 price point
4.2ghz functions immediately, around 4.6ghz is manageable with voltage adjustments. Let us know if you need further updates.
Thanks for your message! It seems you're considering the impact of upgrading from 3.5 to 4.5 GHz for your Evo212. The difference might be noticeable in gaming performance, especially in titles like GTA5, PUBG, and newer triple-A games. However, the actual effect on FPS can vary based on game settings and system load. Upgrading your CPU over two years could be a more reliable long-term solution if you're planning to stay in the same hardware setup. Just check compatibility first—your current components don't match the Evo212's requirements.
I’m not familiar with a specific OC guide or video that covers everything you mentioned. It seems the process varies widely depending on the system and voltage considerations. Many people find it helpful to invest significant time in stress testing, which can be tiring. If you’re looking for practical advice, focusing on reliable resources and gradual experimentation might make the journey easier.
I’d first verify if you can run these games smoothly and keep GPU usage around 98-100% consistently. If you often fall below that range, a cooler upgrade and overclock might be worthwhile. Also, consider getting an affordable i7-3770K if you’re on a tight budget—around $80 or less could be a good option. Your current 3470k might not handle PUBG or new AAA titles well even with overclocking. Staying at 98-100% usage in your setup would still give you benefits, though the gains might be smaller. It could be better to switch to a different platform later if you can test it thoroughly.
Look for games that might struggle with CPU performance. While exact FPS numbers aren't provided, testing different setups can help. Upgrading to a tower cooler later on is likely beneficial. Check these options:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/hJFPxr/...gammaxx400
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/HQW9TW/...ler-cafa70
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/r3xfrH/...p0900csb01