Overheating i5-2500k on load and possible upgrade routes

[dsharp1888]

Hi all,

Current gaming PC build:

Asus P8Z68 with i5 2500k @3.3 Turbo at 4.0Ghz (Coolermaster sink)
8g Ram
Nvidia Geforce 960ti
SSD 250gig boot drive.

I've had no real issues with this build and only upgraded the graphics card from a 560 to a 960 in the last year (a 970 would have been preferable but cost considerations kicked in).

I recently tried a 4.5 overclock which seemed stable but sent CPU temps through the roof. Turbo to 4.0ghz seems better.

Temp wise on idle everything is good around 36 degrees. However, have noticed recently since picking up the Division that CPU temps are up in the 76-86degree range and steady. This seems like it is running too hot? (I have the Division on High settings and runs beautifully but appreciate it is also resource intensive). Other games seem to not be having this issue and all around 50-60 degree mark

I've also been considering whether its time to do a CPU/mobo/ram upgrade to new skylake i5-6600k but other than the improvements in chipset you get from new z170 boards there doesnt appear to be a huge performance increase.

So my really my questions are:

- How concerning is the overheating CPU? Sink appears set fine and idle temps are good. would a bigger better cooler be an option?

- Is it worth upgrading cpu/mobo? Or would a GPU upgrade be more benefit?

- Where are my potential bottlenecks for playing at high settings and decent framerate.

Thanks for any help apologies if anything isnt clear I' working nights at the moment and brain is mush!

 

[X79]

If it's only happening when you pay the Division, it's not so concerning. But of course it's not ideal to go past 80C.

It's a good CPU and I don't think it's really worth upgrading yet; in particular if you're not actually experiencing FPS issues or anything.

As it stands, only your CPU and possibly your PSU which you didn't mention, need upgrading; depending on what you want to achieve.

Of course if money is no object, sure, upgrade. Personally I wouldn't, unless I was having problems. I'd upgrade the heatsink first

most likely. Maybe even go watercooling, since it's such a good OC'er and then that could potentially be used on the next CPU as well.

You could get more fans, make sure your cable management isn't obstructing airflow or even get a newer and bigger case.

 

[k1114]

What heatsink? What vcore? The performance difference isn't worth it imo. My 2500k still runs fine and am not planning on upgrading anytime soon. Most get around 4.5ghz while keeping temps below 80c on 212 even in stress testing so big coolers or wc is not necessary.

 

[djreedj]

What cooler? The hyper 212 evo is a nice cheap cooler. You dont need to necessarily upgrade. Do you want to upgrade just for that game? If so the 970 would give you better fps gain then upgrading mobo and cpu.

 

[dsharp1888]

Thanks both. The heatsink is Coolmaster hyper 212 evo, but I'll need to check vcore settings.

When I tried a 4.5 OC recently temps went through the roof - over 90. With you answers makes me also wonder if it is worth re-seating the sink with new paste...?

 

[dsharp1888]

What cooler? The hyper 212 evo is a nice cheap cooler. You dont need to necessarily upgrade. Do you want to upgrade just for that game? If so the 970 would give you better fps gain then upgrading mobo and cpu.

Yea that's my current cooler. don't necessarily need to upgrade specifically for that game, but has been awhile and was starting to go through that - Maybe I need new stuff mindset... which I usually start looking at when new games start appearing that start testing the current...

 

[djreedj]

Understandable. I would upgrade them both if your budget allows

And by both I mean your motherboard is fine get a new processor and gpu.

 

[Unolocogringo]

When was the last time the heatsink was cleaned?
Pull the fan off and blow it out good with compressed air.
Then look at replacing thermal paste.

 

[k1114]

If you don't know your vcore than it was probably on auto and jacked up the voltage way too high causing your high temps. You shouldn't need more than 1.35v.

 

[dsharp1888]

You guys are awesome! thank you. Will give the heat sink a good clean out and new paste and check vcore first and see how that effects things and will look at potentially a cheeky GPU upgrade to scratch that itch!

thanks again