I7 6700k Upgrade Advice Please

Zzenith · 23 Sep 2016 at 22:38

My current PC is approaching 5 yrs old and I am looking to upgrade the CPU, motherboard, memory and possibly the case, CPU cooler and PSU if necessary.

My current build is as follows

CPU - I7 2600k
Mobo - GIGABYTE Z68XP-UD4 (Socket 1155)
Memory - 8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 668MHz (9-9-9-24)
Case - Corsair Graphite 600T
CPU Cooler - Corsair H80
GFX Card - MSI GTX 980 Ti
PSU - Corsair 850HX Pro Series 850W

I would like to get components that will last me as long as these ones have.

I definitely want an I7 6700k CPU and would be looking to overclock it.

So I require advice on an excellent gaming motherboard, fast memory 16 or would 32 be better and would I need a new case if so I want one that will have excellent cooling and features similar to my current and with plenty of space for any new CPU Cooler.

My budget can go as high as £900 if required but I would prefer to spend less if possible.

Thanks

mickyflinn · 23 Sep 2016 at 22:45

What do you use your pc for ?

arc@css · 23 Sep 2016 at 22:47

Is that memory speed correct? You probably won't like me saying this, but I don't see the point of upgrading a decent system like that just yet.

Perhaps drop in more memory and upgrade your monitor or storage. Perhaps add a sound card if you don't already have one?

See if you think it's worth it:

http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-2600K-vs-Intel-Core-i7-6700K/621vs3502

Zzenith · 23 Sep 2016 at 22:56

I use my pc mostly for gaming and some video encoding.

Do you think that an upgrade wouldn't be worth it and perhaps try overclocking my I7 as it is currently running at stock.

However I have never tried overclocking and wouldn't know where to start.

Thanks

arc@css · 23 Sep 2016 at 22:58

Definitely head over to the overclocking sub forum and ask for help there. They will tell you that to leave your cpu at stock is a crime!

stulid · 23 Sep 2016 at 23:01

666X2 (double data rate) = 1333Mhz.

arc@css · 23 Sep 2016 at 23:03

^^ Ahh, I see. Ta.

Zzenith · 23 Sep 2016 at 23:04

However with regards to making my current pc better could you please spec me 16bg of the best memory my current motherboard can handle.

Thanks

Zzenith · 23 Sep 2016 at 23:07

Any particular brand of memory recommended and would I have to replace my current memory with 2x8 memory sticks for best performance ?

arc@css · 23 Sep 2016 at 23:18

Zzenith said:
Any particular brand of memory recommended and would I have to replace my current memory with 2x8 memory sticks for best performance ?

I tend to read that Kingston and Corsair are held in high regard. I'll have a look and post my suggestion, but bear in mind that folk like Stulid & Lee32uk know a hell of a lot more than I do.

stulid · 23 Sep 2016 at 23:20

Yeah those two brands are good.

Zzenith · 23 Sep 2016 at 23:21

Thanks, I have posted in the memory section for some advice and plan to post in the overclocking section for some advice there also.

arc@css · 23 Sep 2016 at 23:23

I think your board supports up to 32GB of DDR3 2133mhz dual channel memory (not that I'm suggesting you should buy 32GB

). Below are examples of the fastest memory that I believe your board supports, though you may be able to go higher - but no guarantee there. Not entirely sure about that.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/pc-c...ddr3-2133-mhz?sSort=3&ckSuppliers=140&ckTab=0

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/pc-c...ddr3-2133-mhz?sSort=3&ckSuppliers=324&ckTab=0