Overclock 2500K on Z68, which GPU/RAM upgrade?

Hi guys,

I wanted to check in with you since I would like to upgrade my current setup without having to replace all of the core components. The wish is to buy a new compatible GPU for Hackintoshing but also to overclock the CPU in order not to bottleneck.

MB: Gigabyte Z68AP-D3 Socket 1155, Z68, ATX B3
CPU: Core i5 2500K

GPU: XFX PCIe HD6950 2GB DDR5 (looking to replace)
RAM: Corsair 8GB DDR3 1600MHz/VENGEAN/1,5VBLUE (looking to get 8GB more or upgrade to 2133).

With these components, which GPU would you recommend for me that would work OOB or with minimum hassle (I actually got the 6950 to work which was a nightmare!)

Other questions I have is, would an update to 16GB RAM with 1600MHz be better than moving to a 8GB 2133MHz, it seems that the performance gain is quite significant: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/d...it-finally-time-to-upgrade-your-core-i5-2500k

Thanks!

I think a GTX 980 / Ti would be a decent upgrade to your system.
Your CPU IS overclockable. And i don't think that you will notice the difference between 2133MHz and 1600MHz (RAM can also be overclocked)

Thank you for the input! I just gave overclocking a bit of a try now and testing it in Windows. I overclocked the RAM with XMP up to 1866 and it wouldn't start when I dabbed with it at 2133. However, it feels stable for now (as it should be with XMP I guess?).

Also, I browsed for some 2500K overclocking guides and I got it to clock at 4.3GHz without any other changes to wattage or volts. Idle temps went from 40 to about 45 (have Evo 212 fan) and I played a game of Overwatch and it got to about 60-65 degrees celcius. It felt stable and I think I am content with it for now.

I just wanted to get back to you on the 980 / TI recommendation - I am looking for a bit cheaper card than that, but that can still take advantage out my other components and hamper the performance - do you have any other cards that could work given my budget?

Hello Baaja,
I have a similar Gigabyte MB and have used nVidia GPUs with success. Currently running GTX960 with nVidia web drivers. With the latest announcement from nVidia, the Pascal series GPUs would be possible also (GTX1060, 1070 and 1080s).

Baaja, I have a very similar system as you (chipset and processor family, different but similar) and when I overclocked my i7 to 4.8ghz i got a 20fps increase using Cinebench and good scores on CPU as well however, that is with speed step disabled and the mobo forcing the cpu to be at 4.8Ghz. I've tried a number of ways to have speed step work so I'm not frying out the cpu or adding stress when its not under load to no victory. Sierra always keeps it at its stock (or below depending on load). Have you had any success with sustaining speedstep and an overclock on your Hack? If so how did you do it? I've tried generated SSDT, multibeast overclock for i5/i7 sandybridge (4.4ghz) and Piker Alpha SSDtPRGen.sh to no luck

Cheers bro