My PC right now:
Intel i5-4690k
Kraken x61
ASRock H97 Pro
MSI GTX 970 ME
8GB 1600 RAM
Capstone 550W 80+ Gold PSU
I know my board isn't the best option out there, but it's also hard to find much literature in the way of comparing it to others -- most of what I find about it is before ASRock allowed BIOS overclocking, even on the H boards, so I am not sure if the 4.3 OC I have achieved to date is something that can be improved upon with a Z87 or 97. The temp isn't the issue, as I've gone with liquid cooling (55C under AIDA test at 4.3; turns off at 4.4), but I'm wondering if it's the board's limitations on voltage that destabilizes the OC process beyond 4.3 GHz, or possibly if the PSU is failing.
I see very reasonably priced Z87s and Z97s around these days, but haven't been convinced so far that I *need* to upgrade unless I want to roll with SLI (I don't) or overclock more -- and I don't think it would be worth it for .1-.3 extra GHz. Right now, the only real complaints I have about it are 1) its trim is the only light blue component in my case so it doesn't match my other components (waaaaah) and 2) the location of the 8-pin power connector, which blocks the radiator fan at the top of my case.
I feel like right now I have a great setup for the cost, all considered. I could easily live without OC'ing more, if that's the only benefit I'd gain with upgrading. And maybe I could find a way to paint the blue heat sinks.
Any thoughts?
Intel i5-4690k
Kraken x61
ASRock H97 Pro
MSI GTX 970 ME
8GB 1600 RAM
Capstone 550W 80+ Gold PSU
I know my board isn't the best option out there, but it's also hard to find much literature in the way of comparing it to others -- most of what I find about it is before ASRock allowed BIOS overclocking, even on the H boards, so I am not sure if the 4.3 OC I have achieved to date is something that can be improved upon with a Z87 or 97. The temp isn't the issue, as I've gone with liquid cooling (55C under AIDA test at 4.3; turns off at 4.4), but I'm wondering if it's the board's limitations on voltage that destabilizes the OC process beyond 4.3 GHz, or possibly if the PSU is failing.
I see very reasonably priced Z87s and Z97s around these days, but haven't been convinced so far that I *need* to upgrade unless I want to roll with SLI (I don't) or overclock more -- and I don't think it would be worth it for .1-.3 extra GHz. Right now, the only real complaints I have about it are 1) its trim is the only light blue component in my case so it doesn't match my other components (waaaaah) and 2) the location of the 8-pin power connector, which blocks the radiator fan at the top of my case.
I feel like right now I have a great setup for the cost, all considered. I could easily live without OC'ing more, if that's the only benefit I'd gain with upgrading. And maybe I could find a way to paint the blue heat sinks.
Any thoughts?
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