Top-Rated Configuration for Enhancing Performance
Top-Rated Configuration for Enhancing Performance
Hey everyone, it's been a while since I've shared updates, but I'm excited to be back. I'm working on a fresh project with a different approach. My usual setup gives me the best results without pushing overclock limits, since I usually see limited gains from that. But what if I wanted a system tailored for the thrill of pushing performance boundaries?
I aim to create the most cost-effective build focused on overclocking. My typical tasks include heavy office work, light video and image editing, managing my expanding DVD/Blu-Ray library, and some casual gaming. I enjoy playing various titles like Faster than Light, L.o.L, Wither, Tomb Raider, Overwatch, Grid, and more, but gaming isn't my main activity—mostly 1080p games.
My goal isn't to prioritize gaming speed; if that were the case, I'd allocate more budget to the GPU. I also don’t need an overly powerful machine for these tasks. The emphasis here is on getting satisfying overclocks within a reasonable budget. Here are my key requirements:
A) Compact Micro ATX design
B) Strong, noticeable overclocks without extreme spending
C) Quiet and unobtrusive look
D) Reliable performance overall
I’m not looking for:
A) An overly flashy build
B) Future upgrades like SLI or Crossfire
C) Extremely expensive parts (like the Asus Maximus boards, Noctua NH-D15 coolers, or $100 cases)
I’ll likely stick with my N200 case (fully populated), a 750W power supply from G2, and a Cryorig H7 cooler. I’ve already considered these options and believe they’ll meet my needs for daily tasks and gaming at 1080p.
The focus isn’t on maximizing gaming performance—unless that were the priority, I’d invest more in the GPU. I also don’t require cutting-edge components; I’m comfortable tweaking base clock multipliers to hit overclocks. In fact, the harder the challenge, the better.
What do you think would be the best value for my money and help me achieve a solid overclock? I’m considering these options:
- GTX 960 (new or used)
- GTX 970 (used)
- GTX 980 (used, ~$270)
- GTX 1060 (new)
- R9 390 (new or used)
- RX 480 (new)
If it were just about finding the right card for maximum frames per dollar, I’d handle that myself. But honestly, I’m more interested in the one that gives me the most satisfaction during overclocking. I’m leaning toward a used GTX 970 or GTX 980 if I get them quickly, but if AMD cards offer solid overclock potential, I’m open to going all-in.
Let’s hear your thoughts from seasoned overclockers who’ve worked with these components!
Thanks, everyone.
Both platforms provide solid overclocking potential, but focusing on micro-ATX specifications will restrict your options. These boards aren’t typically top-tier for advanced overclocking. A complete motherboard setup will yield better results, though affordable overclockers exist (though at a cost). AMD processors usually reach higher overclocks, yet their performance remains inferior to Intel models. Excessive overclocking also requires a quality overclocking motherboard and power supply—especially if your PSU is an EVGA G2. Remember that when selecting an AMD board, you’ll likely be limited to GPUs above the GTX 960, regardless of how aggressively you overclock them.
Great to hear! I understand my choices are limited to a Micro ATX setup, which matches what my case already has. I prefer a more compact design, so I’ll likely stick with it. Even if the AMD chips run overclocked, they won’t match Intel’s performance—though that’s not the main goal. A stock X4 845 at normal speeds with an SSD and 8GB DDR3 should cover all my needs. I’m particularly excited about seeing the results of my overclocking attempts.
What draws me to AMD is the availability of more MATX motherboard options (still new) and the compatibility of AM3+ and FM2+ with memory overclocking. I’d like to purchase a 1866 Cas 9 kit and push it up to around 2400 MHz, which would be fun. The fact that it’s a dead platform doesn’t bother me at all. I’m also interested in the idea of how affordable the X4 845 platform could be—potentially reaching 4.1Ghz with the base clock, and then fine-tuning the memory.
On the GPU side, I’m comfortable letting it bottleneck with my system. I’m just enjoying the process and hope to upgrade to a GTX 750ti or GTX 980 soon. It would be great if I could get a used or refurbished Z77 or Z87 board from Newegg for a decent overclocking experience. Decisions are coming!
GPU overclocking has its own unique aspects, as there are typically fewer adjustments available unless you attempt to update other BIOS settings within the device. It's hard to predict how much a GPU will overclock, but based on my experience, newer GPUs tend to reach higher overclocks than older ones.
In my observations, newer GPUs tend to reach their overclock limits less effectively. This aligns with my preference for the GTX 980. While checking Craigslist, eBay, and Newegg yesterday, I discovered that a 1155 socket is slightly pricier than a 1150 socket at the moment. Newegg is offering many of its 1150 motherboards at discounts (likely clearance), and a 4690K model is available on eBay for around $160. Here are my current choices:
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($160.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 ($109.99 @ Newegg + $20 M.I.R.)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 ($36.23 @ NCIX US)
Total: $306.22
CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Amazon or $85 on eBay)
Motherboard: MSI 970 GAMING ATX AM3+ ($99.99 @ eBay + $20 M.I.R.)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 ($36.23 @ NCIX US)
Total: $236.21
CPU: AMD Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core ($66.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock A88M-G/3.1 Micro ATX FM2+ ($67.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 ($36.23 @ NCIX US)
Total: $170.21
I think the 1150 socket is nearly comparable to what a 1151 and DDR4 platform would cost, which might make it less appealing unless I can secure a better price for the 4690K. On the other hand, I’m confident the Athlon model will surpass the FX chip significantly, and the CPU isn’t close to the others in price. Feel free to share your thoughts on what you’d get.