Old Computer with New Life
Old Computer with New Life
Name: Asinto
CPU: Core i5-2500k
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z68AP-D3
CPU Voltage: Currently set at 1.31 (bios shows 1.320-1.334+, varies slightly with workload)
CPU Bus Speed/Multiplier: 100.26 Mhz, x45 Turbo on all cores
Clock Speed: 4.5 GHz
RAM: 24Gb (2x8 G.Skill Ripjaws, 2x4 Kingston HyperX - 9-9-9-27) DDR3
(Bios configured for Turbo instead of Standard or Extreme; uncertain purpose, possibly auto-OC at 1600MHz for better performance. Limited knowledge on RAM OC settings.)
Cooling: Noctua NH-D15S, 1 Intake ML140 Corsair, 2 Cougar Vortex exhausts in top
OS: Windows 10
I plan to upgrade soon with a new 8700k for $380 (before it became too expensive) and a Gigabyte Gaming 5 over 2x8 3600 Trident Z (or similar), keeping the rest intact. (GTX970 EVGA, Corsair 850 Modular PSU, some fans, plus extra 140 Corsairs and the cooler.)
I’m considering testing what I can achieve with my current setup using the new Noctua cooler. At this stage, I haven’t adjusted the CPU voltage yet, but it’s stable now—future tests will confirm. Still curious how others perceive this situation.
I wanted to gather some feedback and ensure any changes are noted.
Edit: Ran a standard Intel Burn In at 10x speed without issues right after updating. Should I continue burning in for more stability? How does this compare with these older components? I was surprised by how quickly it settled, but I’m concerned about voltage readings in CPU-Z. What do you think?
https://imgur.com/a/mrIJtj7
P.S. - The temperature wasn’t visible because it cooled rapidly; the peak core temp reached 62°C, usually staying around 60-61°C consistently, occasionally dropping to 58°C.
P.P.S. - Just before posting, my system froze due to CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT. I set it to 1.315v on CPU.
I still operate my 2500k with the original 212+. At seven years old, it remains unchanged from when it was new, now featuring a 1060 and SSD. The 1.35v setting raised concerns about longevity rather than temperatures. Even my basic cooler can handle 1.35 without exceeding 80°C during intense gaming sessions, so heat isn't a problem. Many would say 1.4v was still acceptable. Temperature spikes don't occur with delays. Power consumption is the main source of heat, and because the core is small, temperatures rise quickly. The gradual temperature increase afterward reflects the time needed for the heatsink to warm up. You should notice this during stress tests.
Being older doesn't affect performance unless it was pushed beyond normal limits, which you weren't. This highlights the importance of safe operating limits and longevity. Or the upper safe limit, ensuring you don't risk damaging the system. As you increase the load with age, the CPU may become unstable, requiring more voltage or lower speeds to maintain stability.
I'm happy to share my thoughts on this. I've just started building my first home and am planning to upgrade my 8700k for a personal gift. I'm looking for advice on RAM options. With a 970, I think upgrading the RAM could really help boost performance. It might be worth it for DDR3 builds like this one. I'm considering getting another Noctua unit and some fans, but I'm not sure what to expect.