Preparing to boost the performance of your i5-4670k
Preparing to boost the performance of your i5-4670k
Hello everyone,
I’m planning to boost my CPU performance and have identified that several parts of my setup require upgrades, especially the CPU fan and motherboard. I’m curious about which components would be compatible with my current rig and whether there are other considerations I should keep in mind.
My Rig
CPU: i5-4670k with stock fan (the fan is quite inadequate)
GPU: GeForce GTX 770 EVGA SC W/ ACX Edition SLI (02G-P4-2774-KR)
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-B85N
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600
Storage: Western Digital WD10EZEX 1TB
PSU: Corsair CX Series CX600 600W 80 Plus Bronze
OS: Windows 7 64
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (Black)
Fans: 2 x 120mm stock fans (included with the case)
1 x 200mm AeroCool Silent Master (Blue LED)
Age of all parts: 4 years
Based on my research, I’m looking for a better fan that isn’t water-cooled. The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO would be ideal, but if you know of any compact alternatives, that would be helpful. Additionally, using different thermal paste, such as Arctic Silver instead of the factory material, could improve cooling efficiency.
Regarding the motherboard, I need it upgraded because from what I observed, it can’t handle an overclocked CPU or at least perform poorly. I’d like to confirm this and understand what kind of upgrade would be suitable. Ideally, it should support my current CPU and RAM, and it should be an ITX model to fit within my case.
Please let me know if you notice any other issues with my setup or if there are specific points I should focus on.
Thank you for your help!
It depends on the specific overclock you aim for. For a gentle boost without extreme demands, a Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo offers a decent, affordable option that should reach approximately 4.3 to 4.5ghz and fit well in your case.
For higher performance with air cooling, models like the Noctua Nh-d14 or Nh-d15 are suitable. They will fit within your case but may restrict space, especially if you have a DVD player—removing it might be necessary. These coolers typically achieve around 4.8ghz on capable chips.
You can also accommodate a 240mm AIO cooler.
It varies based on the overclock you aim for. For a gentle boost without extreme performance, a Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo offers a decent price point, delivering around 4.3 to 4.5ghz and fitting well in most cases. If you desire higher speeds while still using air cooling, options like Noctua Nh-d14 or Nh-d15 are suitable for your case, though they may restrict space and could affect compatibility with devices like DVD players unless you remove them. These models typically reach about 4.8ghz if your processor is capable—though several factors can cap your maximum overclock. You might also find a strong chip allowing you to surpass 4.5ghz.
You can accommodate a 240mm AIO cooler in the case, but you’ll likely need to remove your DVD player. The Corsair H100i matches the performance of the listed Noctua models while offering more room and potentially quieter operation with upgraded fans or a quieter 240mm unit. The H100i is mainly recommended for its warranty—five years on an AIO—which provides peace of mind if something fails, unlike some other brands.
Prices are shown in USD, so it’s hard to confirm exact costs or availability outside the US.
Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo
https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Hyp...B005O65JXI
I own three of these, performing well for their cost and allowing room for additional fans. They’re not the quietest.
Noctua Nh-d14
https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NH-D14-Hea...B002VKVZ1A
Noctua Nh-d15
https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NH-D15-hea...B00L7UZMAK
These coolers are excellent!
H100i v2
https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Radiator-...s=h100i+v2
I’ve installed several of these, and my previous H100 managed to keep an FX8320 stable at 5ghz—though the fan noise increased and Corsair replaced it with the updated version without hesitation. It’s been around for four years now, and still running strong.
There are many other reliable options that can handle the task, but these are the ones I’ve personally used with positive results.