Upgrading From Q8300?

[Burnout81]

AS the title states i am thinking of upgrading from my current CPU from a Q8300 at stock speed 2.5ghz
basically id like to know what to go for that will not throttle my r6950 2gb

i dont have a budget in mind as of yet, so for now id like ot go with the cheapest options that meet my requirements

im guessing i would need new RAM as well as a motherboard to support the new CPU.

as for the motherboard i would like to have the option to upgrade to crossfire graphics cards at some point in the future

RAM-wise i would like 6-8gb

and as for overclocking, it is something i would like to give a go but maybe not right away (unless the CPU needed it to meet my original requirements of not throttling the graphics card.)

also i only have a 500w psu at the moment but i know this will also need upgrading at some point in the future what is a good amount to go for 650w would that provide enough for crossfire in the future?

sorry for the long post

ask for more info if you need it
any advice welcome
thankyou.

 

[cmndr_andi]

Hi there,

The standard answer these days if you want a new CPU/motherboard/RAM is simply:

i5 2500K CPU (OEM - so no cooler included)
Z68 motherboard (like this or this)
8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz RAM (like this)
Gelid Tranquillo CPU cooler

As for the PSU, may I ask what the make and model number of your current one is? If it is good quality then you should be fine keeping it as it is. Though If you want to add in a second HD 6950 in crossfire then I would recommend a good quality 700W+ unit like this.

 

[Burnout81]

hey thanks for the reply, looking at the components u mentioned i came across this bundle http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-080-OE&groupid=43&catid=2053&subcat=2063 , as a total novice in overclocking would the extra £50 ish be worth the money for pre clocked to 4.4ghz?

also my PSU is an Antec EA-500 its done me well for the last few years but is right on the nose of what my graphics card is asking for, some places say 500w others 550w but its running fine with my current system

 

[cmndr_andi]

Aye, if you don't want to try overclocking yourself then a good value bundle like that makes sense - just make sure you pick the option to go for 8GB of RAM.

That said, this 2500K is really fast even at stock speeds and overclocking it is very easy. So a good option would be to buy the parts separately (including the good cooler), run it at stock speeds initially and then over time have a go at overclocking as you find the need.

 

[Burnout81]

one more question, looking to the future how much upgrade room for the CPU will i have? will the socket type be changing? anything else i should know?

 

[spain]

^^
One thing you can guarantee is a socket change. The 2500k should last years to come. Intel are not known for offering good "upgrade room" that i'm aware of, so 1155 will be EOL sooner rather then later.

Edit:

Just read THIS thread, it's the norm, at least from my experience which go's back many years.

 

[cmndr_andi]

Well it has been confirmed that the new "Ivy Bridge" CPUs will work in existing LGA1155 boards (such as Z68 chipset boards), so there is some scope for upgrading the CPU while using the same board.

However the generation after that called "Haswell" will use a different socket and chipset (as highlighted by spain) -so don't expect these CPUs to be compatible with a LGA1155 Z68 board.

 

[halohippe]

get a 2500k, awesome CPU and great for overclocking. Mine does 4.6 on air easy and i don;t have to tweak as my motherboard ASUS does it all for me auto.