Overclocking a 2500k first timer

I've never overclocked anything before, always used the stock heatsink and fan that came with my cpus when I build my computers.

Reading everyone's forum sig it seems most of you guys are over 4ghz on their cpus. Instead of upgrading I thought maybe I should give this a go or at least start reading about it.

I have an Intel 2500k @ 3.3ghz, what would be a good aftermarket cooler to pickup to try some overclocking. Also I don't even know how to do it, anyone have any experience with my mobo or one similar?

Best way to go is to start out using the Asus AI Suite to do the overclocking for you. As easy as clicking a button. Probably already installed on your system, but if not download it here:
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P8P67/

It will run it up to a safe OC or a more radical OC. Improve cooling to go further. There are a lot of good air cooling systems, but as the price increases, it makes more sense to jump to an all-in-one liquid set up like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Extreme-Pe...s=corsair+h100i

Pretty well priced and that one is well respected.
Just make sure you have the room for it on your case.

I'm trying to avoid Asus motherboards (just don't like them, that's all) so can't give any hints on that. small advice on the future - be careful with voltage adjustment, looks like degradation happens for my CPU after half a year (4.5Ghz or something with small voltage increasing) and became unstable on 4Ghz+. you can try to increase frequency multiplier up to 40 and watch for result - it works fine for my Z68 MB with default voltage settings and average silent cooler.

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO is considered to be a very good cooler.

Remember that running a CPU at over 4.5Ghz is great for benching but if you can reach 4.1 or 4.2 with that CPU, be happy. Voltage is what makes a CPU run faster which also brings about more heat. At some point, the CPU's thermal protection will kick in, throttling it or causing a BSOD.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/motherboards/2011/01/12/asus-p8p67-review/2

here is a good start.. Read the guide any questions feel free to ask..
I have used this guide and it is a good start to get to learning how to OC a CPU:


http://www.overclock.net/t/1100100/info-intel-2500k-2600k-overclocking-tips

I have a Be Quiet! Dark rock pro. 2500k is a good overclocker but it depends from chip to chip, i can not stabilise past 4.4ghz.

The automated OC software is ok but it usually pushes the voltages unnecessarily high and in my opinion it take the fun out of OC'ing

here is a good guide to oc'ing:

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=149050

IIRC i have seen a guide to oc'ing your board somewhere... google is your friend.

Hey Kestrel,
As you can see from my Sig below, we have similar rigs.
Your Mobo should have come with a CD with a suite of Asus programs. Within one of the programs is an application which automatically OC's the CPU to the highest stable setting. It's very easy compared to "the old days" (I started OC'ing with an AMD XP1700+). You can do it through the BIOS, but the Asus utility is good and simple. Edit: I'm referring to the same program as Raw Kryptonite.

I'm sorry I'm Not more specific ATM but look for the Asus CD and MoBo manual and install the utility. If you still have trouble post back and I'll pull up all the info and answer questions

BTW, I got to 4.8GHz with the STOCK Intel fan! The 2500k is a great OCer and yours should get to 4.3 easily.

kestrel,

Nephilim was instrumental helping me put my system together. At the time I used many of the same features he was running. Nephilim also helped me do the OC giving me the instructions on how to set it up. Thanks Neph !!

Speedbump has recommended a great heat sink for you. I have been running it with my build. I just added a second fan to it in pull - pull configuration. Temps are not an issue.

Specs are in my sig. Good luck with your system build.

WingNuts

I have two fans on my heatsink as well. I replaced the factory fan with two of these since they offer the highest static pressure, made for heatsinks and radiators.

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Series-Performance-Edition-CO-9050008-WW/dp/B007RESFYK