Only the OC CPU is allowed to reach a specific limit...
Only the OC CPU is allowed to reach a specific limit...
While using my computer is enjoyable, I observed significant lag during gameplay in Battlefield 4 because of the processor—possibly due to insufficient RAM, given only 2GB. I upgraded the processor from 3.Ghz to 3.61Ghz. The game runs much smoother now, as does everything else. Yet, anything above 3.61Ghz causes the motherboard to fail to recognize my connected devices (like hard drives and DVD drive), though the system still boots. Any suggestions or solutions for resolving this issue?
If I installed a AIO water cooler on my Q9650... would it really help push it overclock further? I think the idea is just to lower the temperatures. That could work only if the CPU is actually being limited by heat. For example, at 90°C or higher for an Intel processor. If it's already running around 70°C, bringing it down to 60-65°C wouldn't improve performance at all. The issue wasn't the temperature itself.
The Core2 Quad Q9650 causes issues with the GTX 1070 8GB and the RAM is insufficient even for Chrome, requiring a minimum of 8GB of DDR4. The 8GB VRAM is excessive, but 4GB VRAM can handle all recent titles.
While using my computer is enjoyable, I observed significant lag during Battlefield 4 because of the processor (and possibly RAM, given the 2GB usage). Therefore, I upgraded the processor to a Core2 Quad Q9650 from 3.0Ghz to 3.61Ghz. This improvement greatly enhanced performance across all systems.
However, anything above 3.61Ghz causes the motherboard to fail detecting connected devices such as hard drives and DVD drives, though the system still boots. I’m looking for advice or solutions to resolve this issue or bypass it.
Hardware
- Motherboard: ASUS P5KPL-AM
- GPU: GTX 1070 8GB
- CPU: Intel Core2 Quad Q9650 @ 3.0Ghz (upgraded to 3.61Ghz)
- Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper EVO 212
- RAM: 2GB DDR2
How to improve overclocking:
1) Consider switching the 212 EVO cooler for a better one—though there’s no guarantee you’ll exceed the CPU’s limits.
2) Upgrade to a more powerful motherboard, CPU, and RAM that supports higher speeds. The current setup is limited to around 3.5Ghz, but newer parts could push it further.
4. The Core2 Quad is reaching its age; your RAM is insufficient. For greater gains, adding more RAM would be beneficial, though not as impactful as upgrading CPU, motherboard, and RAM.
8GB of RAM for the GPU isn’t a major constraint (depends on game requirements), but future games may demand more than 4GB.
before you try to overclock more, consider adding more RAM. Seriously, your graphics card already has more RAM than your CPU.
However, I notice any component above 3.61Ghz causes the motherboard to miss detecting my SATA devices (like hard drives and DVD drive), yet the machine still boots. Do you have any ideas or recommendations on how to resolve this issue? The optimal performance occurs when all parts function together perfectly. You appear to have reached your system's limit. How can I help improve its speed? Possibilities include adding more RAM, upgrading the CPU (which would necessitate a new motherboard and different RAM). In general, a fresh setup is often the best solution.
I see and understand that most people recommend upgrading my hardware... But my response is that I already have a newer system, which is still useful because it can handle tasks like playing games.
When the new motherboard arrives, I’ll definitely install the 1070, but for the one I’m using now, I’d likely upgrade to a GTX 1050 Ti or something similar and keep my overclocked CPU as it is, while adding more RAM if needed.
Another option could be - for a secondary machine - purchasing a motherboard for my i5-3570 and installing DDR3 RAM (also 4GB).
My future setup (what’s the point of "RIG"? Haha, sounds silly) will include:
MSI Z97S SLI Krait Edition
VIDEO CARD
GTX 1070 8GB (Who would have thought...!)
PROCESSOR
i5-4690K (I think I’ll overclock it)
COOLER
(cough)... Cooler Master Hyper EVO 212 (I know, I know... I really need a water cooler...)
RAM
8GB DDR3 (Maybe up to 12GB if I try an experiment)
I understand the suggestions about getting new hardware. My response is that I already have a newer system, but this current build remains useful since it still supports gaming. Once I receive my new motherboard, I’ll definitely install the 1070 and possibly upgrade to a GTX 1050 Ti or similar, while keeping the overclocked CPU and adding more RAM if needed. For another setup, I could consider a motherboard for my i5-3570 with 4GB of DDR3 and 4GB of RAM. My future rig will include an MSI Z97S SLI Krait Edition, a GTX 1070 8GB, an i5-4690K CPU (likely overclocked), a Cooler Master Hyper EVO 212 cooler, and either 8 or 16GB of RAM depending on the budget. Overall, with a Haswell-based board and end-of-line CPU, Skylake or Kaby-Lake would be better choices now, whether on Intel or AMD sides. I wouldn’t recommend a water cooler unless you're in the same price range as the EVO 212, but there are better options like DeepCool Gammaxx 400 or Cryorig H7. I also advise getting at least 8 or 16GB of RAM for a modern gaming rig, especially with today’s AAA titles.
JESSE1408 :
I recognize what people say about needing new hardware, but my reply is that I already have an updated system that still functions well enough for playing games. Sure, once I install the new motherboard, I’ll definitely upgrade to a 1070 and possibly a GTX 1050 Ti, keeping the overclocked CPU and adding more RAM if needed. For another setup, I could consider a different motherboard for my i5-3570 with 4GB of DDR3 and an additional stick.
My future build (what’s the point of “RIG”? Haha, sounds weird to me) will include:
MB
MSI Z97S SLI Krait Edition
VIDEO CARD
GTX 1070 8GB (Who would have thought...!)
PROCESSOR
i5-4690K (Likely to overclock)
COOLER
(cough)... Cooler Master Hyper EVO 212 (I know, I know… I need a water cooler to stay cool...)
RAM
8GB DDR3 (could go up to 12GB if experimenting)
Taking all this into account, with the Haswell-based board and CPU that’s reached its end of life, it makes more sense to opt for Skylake or Kaby-Lake now. (On the AMD side, maybe Ryzen.)
I wouldn’t say you need a water cooler, but I’d suggest alternatives in the same price range as the 212 EVO—like DeepCool Gammaxx 400 or Cryorig H7. Also, I highly recommend 8 or 16GB of RAM for any new gaming rig, especially with today’s AAA games.
I’d prefer to have 6th or 7th generation chips, but the cost isn’t something I can afford right now. Maybe later, but not today.
The Haswell era is nearing its end because Intel and AMD are pushing newer tech toward gamers as a marketing move; that doesn’t mean Haswell or anything older suddenly becomes useless.
Imagine putting an AIO water cooler on your Q9650... Would it really make a difference in pushing it higher? The idea is likely based on better temperatures helping stability.