Anyone try an Intel i5-2500K + GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3 build yet?

[Dark Mantis]

Can only get better with coming bios updates aswell. But I recommend taking it easy with bios, change only a few settings at once or even better just one setting at a time and reboot in between to make sure it doesnt bug in some way.

Always good advice...slow but sure.

[PeterT]

I will head down to the machine shortly and get the settings I am using. I have been quite conservative in what has been done; but I did leave it going for a 12 hour run of stress testing overnight.

[PeterT]

I've gone for probably minor (by many standards) over clocking.

CPU Ratio left at 33
Real Time Ratio Change in O/S Disabled
Turbo Boost Tech Enabled
Turbo Ratio 1 & 2 core 45
Turbo Ratio 3 & 4 core 43
Turbo Power Limit 120 watts

Also, I ensured that the Memory was using the XMP profile from the chips.

CPU-Z shows the speed as 4290.48 MHz (99.78 * 43)

[soarwitheagles]

I've gone for probably minor (by many standards) over clocking.

CPU Ratio left at 33
Real Time Ratio Change in O/S Disabled
Turbo Boost Tech Enabled
Turbo Ratio 1 & 2 core 45
Turbo Ratio 3 & 4 core 43
Turbo Power Limit 120 watts

Also, I ensured that the Memory was using the XMP profile from the chips.

CPU-Z shows the speed as 4290.48 MHz (99.78 * 43)

Peter, thanks for the detailed information.  I know next to nothing when it comes to over clocking.  You have helped me [and probably many others] in getting a jump on this new chip/mb combo.

I'll use your preliminary settings when I set my combo up next week.

Have a wonderful day and thanks again so much!

Soar

[BahamutLagoon]

I've gone for probably minor (by many standards) over clocking.

CPU Ratio left at 33
Real Time Ratio Change in O/S Disabled
Turbo Boost Tech Enabled
Turbo Ratio 1 & 2 core 45
Turbo Ratio 3 & 4 core 43
Turbo Power Limit 120 watts

Also, I ensured that the Memory was using the XMP profile from the chips.

CPU-Z shows the speed as 4290.48 MHz (99.78 * 43)

Would following this be okay with the stock cooler that comes with the processor? I'll be receiving this combination as well and don't know anything about overclocking.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

Although these chips don't suffer with heat in the same way as the previous generation if you are planning to overclock I would still encourage yopu to replace the heatsink with a better after market cooler.

[soarwitheagles]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

Although these chips don't suffer with heat in the same way as the previous generation if you are planning to overclock I would still encourage yopu to replace the heatsink with a better after market cooler.

Thanks DM!  I was thinking of going with Corsair's H70 again.  Have you any other suggestions? 

I was also wondering how expensive is a water cooler set up similar to the one you are using...

Thanks,

Soar

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Soar,

As I said these chips certainly run cooler than the previous generation, but something like the H70 would be fine. I really wouldn't bother with all the trouble and cost of setting up a water cooling loop for this platform as it really doesn't require it. The only benefit would be the noise reduction especially for the GPU when it is wound up hard.

Water cooling is more a calling than a hobby to be honest! It is something that if you are interested in it you will do regardless of cost and trouble. It is a problem though when you upgrade the system as so many parts need replacing each time.

[soarwitheagles]

Hi Soar,

As I said these chips certainly run cooler than the previous generation, but something like the H70 would be fine. I really wouldn't bother with all the trouble and cost of setting up a water cooling loop for this platform as it really doesn't require it. The only benefit would be the noise reduction especially for the GPU when it is wound up hard.

Water cooling is more a calling than a hobby to be honest! It is something that if you are interested in it you will do regardless of cost and trouble. It is a problem though when you upgrade the system as so many parts need replacing each time.

DM,

Thanks for sharing your insights.  You probably just saved me hunderds of dollars and lots of unneccessary time!

I will stick with the Corsair H70 and have fun all the way!

Have a good one!

Soar

[BahamutLagoon]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

Although these chips don't suffer with heat in the same way as the previous generation if you are planning to overclock I would still encourage yopu to replace the heatsink with a better after market cooler.

Thanks for the welcome and the reply.

What would be a good alternative to the stock cooler that doesn't cost much? Like I said, I know very little about overclocking and only plan to push it somewhere between 4-4.5, I definitely won't be doing anything more than that.

[Dark Mantis]

Of course it all depends on your budget. What I describe as not expensive might not be the same as you. Check out this supplier for prices it will give you an idea.

You didn't put in your profile your location so I don't know if you are UK based.

http://www.candccentral.co.uk/CPU-Heatsinks-And-Fans.html

[soarwitheagles]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

Although these chips don't suffer with heat in the same way as the previous generation if you are planning to overclock I would still encourage yopu to replace the heatsink with a better after market cooler.

Thanks for the welcome and the reply.

What would be a good alternative to the stock cooler that doesn't cost much? Like I said, I know very little about overclocking and only plan to push it somewhere between 4-4.5, I definitely won't be doing anything more than that.

Baha,

Many overclocker's are totally hooked on the Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler.  You can find the pricing, specs, and reviews here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018&cm_re=noctua_cpu_cooler-_-35-608-018-_-Product

I do not like the  Noctua NH-D14 because I am uncomfortable with so much weight on my motherboard and I also would like more room in my case for airflow [the Noctua NH-D14 is a total monster (as in MASSIVE) when it comes to size and weight].

A lower cost CPU cooler that is effective, well liked and well reviewed is the COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1.  Thousands of people love this CPU.  Here's the url for the specs, reviews. etc.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&cm_re=hyper_212-_-35-103-065-_-Product

You can find the Hyper 212 plus on sale many times for under $15.

If you would like to go water cooling and do not want to mess with all the connections and set up and expenses, then I heartily recommend Corsair's H70.  You can find the specs here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181013&Tpk=corsair%20h70

Personally, I prefer Corsair's H70 because it is so simple to set up and install.  It is very, very effective for both stock and over clocking [benchmarks reveal the H70 really kicks in well as you go higher in the over clocking].

The H50 is so-so and I would not recommend it.

Hope this helps!

Soar

[BahamutLagoon]

Dark Mantis,

Sorry, I'm located in the US. I updated my profile as well.

soarwitheagles,

Thanks for those recommendations. I think I'm going to go with the Hyper 212. The Corsair H70 seems nice but is unfortunately out of my budget range.

[soarwitheagles]

Dark Mantis,

Sorry, I'm located in the US. I updated my profile as well.

soarwitheagles,

Thanks for those recommendations. I think I'm going to go with the Hyper 212. The Corsair H70 seems nice but is unfortunately out of my budget range.

Baha,

We are glad to help you here!  You'll find the people are nice, friendly, and polite and that is why I like it so much here.

New Egg had the Hyper 212 plus on sale for $16 a while back.   I am not sure how much it is now. 

Amazon had Corsair's H50 for only $12 earlier this month which was a phenomenal deal.  For that price it was unbeatable.  The H50 is an ok CPU water cooler, but not as good as the H70.  I own all three H50, H70, and the Hyper 212 plus.  I like each of them.  Any of the three would work on your rig. 

I just do not like using the air cooled CPU coolers anymore simply because they are so big.

The size of your case may be a decisive factor too.  May I ask what case you will be using?

It's me,

Soar

[BahamutLagoon]

I'll be using the Antec 300. Again, I'd like to go with something with more space (I really have my eye on the HAF 922) but the 300 is within my budget.