Replacement for i5 2500K

[justbeingmiko]

Hello,

I am looking to build myself a new gaming rig from scratch. The main priorities will be gaming (Simming) and photo editing (large files!). I am planning on running crossfire / SLI GPU arrangement in an aircooled rig, with closed loop water for the processor - with output to a 1440 monitor

Currently, I have an i5 2500k which is in a closed loop water cooled system, but I have found it to be a bit uncomfortable on large files and on gaming using crossfired 7950.

So, it is time for a total rebuild. And this is where I get stuck - It has been a while since I built a rig, having had this processor for about 3-4 years (never overclocked, cos PSu not powerful enough to run o/c and cards :S) The interwebs is filled with opinions as to which processor is better, and it has got me completely confused - thought I would come here, cos you guys have been epic at recommendations in the past for me!

Really could do with recommendations for a new CPU on which to build my system. No parts will be carried across, so I have free reign on mobo, PSu, memory etc.

I must admit to being a bit uncertain as to whether to go for an i7 on the X99 platform, or see if I can find a i7 on the older platform, or indeed, any other choices - SO MANY CHOICES!!!

Any advice recommendations would be gratefully welcomed!!

Thanks, like, huge thanks - cos lost!!

 

[justbeingmiko]

thanks for the quick replies - I have been reading that the i5 does bottle neck faster dual GPU setups - will these be removed by over clocking my i5?

I do seem to hit a bit of stuttering on my current setup with teh CPU maxed out.

 

[justbeingmiko]

Overclocking will go some way to alleviating a CPU bottleneck.

I wouldn't really expect an overclocked i5 to bottleneck dual 7950s at 1440p, generally.

It's certainly worth trying before upgrading the whole PC

I am already finding that my 7950s are not giving me full settings and a good fps at 1440. In particular on simming games such as Race Room and Project Cars - have to turn down settings quite a bit to get a nice smooth 60fps capped - BF4 is good but awfully laggy in some parts and I have to run at high on that game too ) That is the main reason for upgrading , really. I am looking to run a pair of 970 or similar (not decided on that yet either)- so I need new case, a new PSU to support those cards, and well, once I get those, might as well upgrade the whole lot and sell off the old components cos they good and shiny for someone running at 1080

So, the new system, I want to have a bit of headroom, if I ever go triple screen, or upgrade the cards to faster generation when available. Hope that all makes sense :S

p.s should say budget not a concern either - been a while since built a rig so happy to spec it nice and shiny - maybe even consider watercooling it entirely....or electricute myself trying!!

 

[justbeingmiko]

Thank you all, this has actually been quite enlightening. Didnt really consider o/c my current chip.

As it is currently water cooled, there would be plenty of thermal leeway for a bit of an o/c and see if it runs any better. I can still get the new GPUs and see how they do on the o/c i5.

Just out of curiosity, with those simming games being very CPu intensive (as is my photo editing) would more cores be worth the punt?

Also, will search for core parking, cos not sure what that means. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[justbeingmiko]

Think that is the way to go. Will upgrade PSu, case and GPUs and then can use same memory and mobo - and see how it clocks.

Thanks everyone, really helped me - was ever so confused as to whether that processor had legs for the more advanced GPUs now available.

 

[justbeingmiko]

upgrade GPU not CPU, a 2500k can drive 7970CF no problem (mine did).

Thank you. I am going to buy a 295x2 and keep my CPU, everyone seems to say the say, awesome CPU and I should overclock.

Now I am finalising the PSU I will need.

Thanks to all, been so very useful.

 

[justbeingmiko]

Crazy that you have the 2500K and you're not overclocking, that's the whole point of those chips, especially as you have a water cooling system.

You are not joking - got out of PCs for a good while and that was the processor that was in my system - am now starting to enjoy it more so need to revisit all the things I can do - overclocking being one of them - most definitaly felt like a black art or math, both of which leave me trembling!!

 

[justbeingmiko]

I would be tempted by this, second hand 2600K or 2700K (Or maybe even an Ivy Bridge i7 if cheap enough) will do fine.

...And then start considering a CPU upgrade again when AMD Zen/Intel Skylake/Cannonlake is out .

Going to stick with i5 and see if I can overclock it. if i kill it, then i7 it is, until next round of processor upgrades, if they offer a good step up.

I would like the i7 for sure, but heck, gotta try the i5 o/c

I am such a noob at this...take a few years out and the world changes....lol

Althought, I do admit to having an inkling to throwing the lot out and going for a new system. So far I have ordered a AMD 295x2 and an upgraded PSu to give me some head room on wattage for o/c - fingers crossed.

thanks for advice.

 

[justbeingmiko]

Just want to say thanks to all. Currently o.c to 4.2 and holding steady at 40deg under load. Can get cooling better cos case is cramped at the moment (sorting this weekend).

Will then try to push to 4.5

 

[justbeingmiko]

2500k is easy mode overclocking, even a noob like me can manage it.

Mine will do 4.8 on a low profile (ish) cooler, with a decent AIO or monster air cooler 5ghz shouldn't be an issue IMO.

Glad it is easy, I am a complete noob at this. ADmit to using the Easy Tuner with teh Mobo at the moment until I learn what the heck all the different settings actually mean.

Got it running at 4.4 now. But I did notice that it only became unstable in auto tuning at 5.2!!! So I think 4.8 should be easily achievable!!