Need clarification on X99 chipsets? I'm here to help explain them in simpler terms.
Need clarification on X99 chipsets? I'm here to help explain them in simpler terms.
I currently own an I5-4690K and Z97 motherboard, but because most games require more than four cores, I’m planning an upgrade. To create a cool setup while saving money, I’ve chosen an Intel Xeon E5-1660v3 processor with six cores and twelve threads. I’m trying to find the best motherboard, so I explored Chinese brands like Machinist and Jingsha. While browsing Russian forums, I noticed mixed information—some claimed overclocking support, others mentioned compatibility issues. One site suggested the 1660v3 needs a C612 chipset, but Intel confirms those chipsets don’t support overclocking. I need advice from someone more experienced to avoid buying something that won’t work properly and ends up being useless. Please help me get the right path!
The Xeon E5-1660v3 cannot be overclocked because its multiplier is fixed. You can increase the FSB speed to achieve overclocking, though this approach is less reliable and needs careful memory setup. For motherboards, consider the ASUS X99-A II or the Gigabyte GA-X99-UD4. Both allow overclocking, but it's difficult to confirm if this specific processor supports it.
Sure, I understand you're referring to the 1650V3 and its overclocking potential.
Sounds reasonable, I was hoping for some excitement but I believe a better option would be a nicer B550 motherboard paired with a 3600X. The Xeon and motherboard should be similar in cost.
the gap for me is significantly bigger since both the 3600x and 5600 models are under $100 on ebay, but the 5600 comes with a higher import tax around 18% because its price exceeds $100. at the end, I’m okay upgrading to an am4 platform and prefer getting a 5600x3d later rather than spending too much on a CPU and missing out on a good GPU.
I just looked on eBay and it’s confusing. A Ryzen 5600 costs about 120 dollars with the cooler included, which is sufficient for the CPU. You could find a motherboard around 60-70 dollars that would work fine. Comparing prices locally with taxes doesn’t change much, so eBay rates should match. Checking comparison sites should help. Even if you skip my top recommendation, the Ryzen 5500 box version with cooler is available for 94 dollars on eBay.
The Xeon E5-1650 v3, E5-1660 v3 and E5-1680 v3 now support multiplier unlock and can be overclocked. The more recent v4 models have the multiplier disabled.