Support NeoGAF

[jakomocha]

So, should I go with the GTX 780 Twin Frozr, Classified, or Lightning? Non-overclocked, which performs best at 1440p? Overclocked, which performs best at 1440p?

 

[mkenyon]

So, should I go with the GTX 780 Twin Frozr, Classified, or Lightning? Non-overclocked, which performs best at 1440p? Overclocked, which performs best at 1440p?

The Gigabyte GHz Edition has the highest performance out of the box. You'll be limited by silicon lottery in terms of what overclocks the highest, unless you're willing to void your warranty with custom BIOS.

 

[LilJoka]

The Gigabyte GHz Edition has the highest performance out of the box. You'll be limited by silicon lottery in terms of what overclocks the highest, unless you're willing to void your warranty with custom BIOS.

They can tell if you flash your old BIOS back??

 

[mkenyon]

They can tell if you flash your old BIOS back??

Nope, but sometimes you can brick your card and not be able to flash back.

 

[LilJoka]

Nope, but sometimes you can brick your card and not be able to flash back.

Ive used an old nVidia card to flash bricked cards through DOS, guess it may not always work though.

 

[Dave_6]

Just the pump.

So just plug it directly into the power supply? I don't think I have a connector that will work.

 

[mkenyon]

So just plug it directly into the power supply? I don't think I have a connector that will work.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BSJGL0/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Anything that says 3 pin to molex adapter is what you'd want.

 

[Nostremitus]

Does anyone know what would be the highest-fidelity game a 5350 conceivably run at a decent clip?

Could it run, say, The Witcher 2 at a non-HD res (say, 1280x960) on Medium?

Edit: oh, the Kabini APU?

It's better than I'd have expected...

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7933/the-desktop-kabini-review-part-1-athlon-5350-am1/6

...but still not playable...

 

[Hazaro]

Phanteks Enthoo Pro on HW Canucks YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBhmn21ylkc

$100 supposedly. This thing is pretty amazing for the price.

MidTower pls

 

[Dave_6]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BSJGL0/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Anything that says 3 pin to molex adapter is what you'd want.

Ok thanks.

 

[jakomocha]

The Gigabyte GHz Edition has the highest performance out of the box. You'll be limited by silicon lottery in terms of what overclocks the highest, unless you're willing to void your warranty with custom BIOS.

Is it better than the alternatives? Surprising considering that it costs less. Is this what you are talking about? I think I'll go with it then. What are it's dimensions (they aren't included in the description)? Is it compatible with the Nvidia Shield?

Thanks!

Also, the MSI Z87 Mpower includes wireless internet adapters/connectors, correct? So I don't need to buy a network card.

EDIT:
Oh, and are the fans on my case suitable/enough, or do I need more?

 

[anchorman128]

Does anyone know what would be the highest-fidelity game a 5350 conceivably run at a decent clip?

Could it run, say, The Witcher 2 at a non-HD res (say, 1280x960) on Medium?

I'm sorry to say but it will probably still be a slideshow at 800x600 low settings

 

[diaspora]

Does anyone know what would be the highest-fidelity game a 5350 conceivably run at a decent clip?

Could it run, say, The Witcher 2 at a non-HD res (say, 1280x960) on Medium?

I'm not sure if it can run almost anything tbh.

edit: if you mean Kaveri then you're best looking at games that aren't big budget like the Witcher and more along the lines of Dota or L4D.

 

[zero shift]

When will the next line of NVidia and AMD cards come out?

 

[kennah]

When they come out

 

[eBay Huckster]

When will the next line of NVidia and AMD cards come out?

sometime between now and 2020

 

[elfinke]

So I've just about got this build for my bro's birthday sorted out. Comes in between $1300 and $1500 (inc. P&H, still haven't decided on a case) and looks to be a killer bang-for-buck system:

• i5 4670K
• G'byte GA-Z87-HD3
• G.Skill Ares 8gb F3-1866
• C'master Hyper 212 EVO
• G'byte R9 290 Windforce
• Samsing 840 EVO 120GB
• WD Blue 1TB
• Seasonic G550

Got great deals on the 290 and the SSD, saving $100 between them.

One last question: is Windows 8.1 "worth it"? If so, why? I've been googling around all morning, and the results are mixed. Complaints about mouse and keyboard use abound, praise for speed and SSD optimisations as well as compatibility with components exist as well.

If this was for me, I'd grab Win8.1 and be happy, but since this PC is not for me, introducing an all new OS might be more grief than is worth it. But I'm open to persuasion!

 

[Nuts.Pistachio_Nuts!]

thanks for the suggestions guys...i've been so on the fence about the 8350 and almost everyone has said get the i5, so i think i'm gonna pick it up tomorrow after work

If you happen to have a microcenter in ur area i believe the i5 4670k is on their hot ad deal for $189.99 and if you get that with an asrock Z87 extreme 4 you get $40 off combo. Just a heads up.

 

[diaspora]

So I've just about got this build for my bro's birthday sorted out. Comes in between $1300 and $1500 (inc. P&H, still haven't decided on a case) and looks to be a killer bang-for-buck system:

• i5 4670K
• G'byte GA-Z87-HD3
• G.Skill Ares 8gb F3-1866
• C'master Hyper 212 EVO
• G'byte R9 290 Windforce
• Samsing 840 EVO 120GB
• WD Blue 1TB
• Seasonic G550

Got great deals on the 290 and the SSD, saving $100 between them.

One last question: is Windows 8.1 "worth it"? If so, why? I've been googling around all morning, and the results are mixed. Complaints about mouse and keyboard use abound, praise for speed and SSD optimisations as well as compatibility with components exist as well.

If this was for me, I'd grab Win8.1 and be happy, but since this PC is not for me, introducing an all new OS might be more grief than is worth it. But I'm open to persuasion!

I've been using 8 and 8.1 since they came out and there's actually no issues with it. Anyone capable of using a computer should be able to make full use of it reasonably easy.

 

[Sectorseven]

So I've just about got this build for my bro's birthday sorted out. Comes in between $1300 and $1500 (inc. P&H, still haven't decided on a case) and looks to be a killer bang-for-buck system:

• i5 4670K
• G'byte GA-Z87-HD3
• G.Skill Ares 8gb F3-1866
• C'master Hyper 212 EVO
• G'byte R9 290 Windforce
• Samsing 840 EVO 120GB
• WD Blue 1TB
• Seasonic G550

That's a nice birthday present.

Spoiler

Do you need another brother?

 

[zero shift]

When they come out

sometime between now and 2020

I realize that there is no way of definitely knowing but don't they have a usual release schedule of sorts? Like a ball part of 15-18 months?

 

[tarheel91]

So I've just about got this build for my bro's birthday sorted out. Comes in between $1300 and $1500 (inc. P&H, still haven't decided on a case) and looks to be a killer bang-for-buck system:

• i5 4670K
• G'byte GA-Z87-HD3
• G.Skill Ares 8gb F3-1866
• C'master Hyper 212 EVO
• G'byte R9 290 Windforce
• Samsing 840 EVO 120GB
• WD Blue 1TB
• Seasonic G550

Got great deals on the 290 and the SSD, saving $100 between them.

One last question: is Windows 8.1 "worth it"? If so, why? I've been googling around all morning, and the results are mixed. Complaints about mouse and keyboard use abound, praise for speed and SSD optimisations as well as compatibility with components exist as well.

If this was for me, I'd grab Win8.1 and be happy, but since this PC is not for me, introducing an all new OS might be more grief than is worth it. But I'm open to persuasion!

I love the Gigabyte Windforce on my 7950, but I've read it doesn't do as well on the 290. Check out Sapphire's Tri-X offering, which has performed better in comparisons.

 

[elfinke]

I've been using 8 and 8.1 since they came out and there's actually no issues with it. Anyone capable of using a computer should be able to make full use of it reasonably easy.

Alright, that's good to hear. GAF threads in general are pretty positive about 8.1, from the few threads I've been lurking in.

I might have to devote 5 minutes later to understanding how Reddit works, see if I can make heads or tales of that software swap area I keep hearing about.

That's a nice birthday present.

Spoiler

Do you need another brother?

Haha, I can't afford another one! Thankfully, It's a combined present from many parts of the family - everyone chipping in a little bit, and he has decided to spend a lot of it on a new PC.

I love the Gigabyte Windforce on my 7950, but I've read it doesn't do as well on the 290. Check out Sapphire's Tri-X offering, which has performed better in comparisons.

Yah, I did read things to that effect. Unfortunately, the jump to the Tri-X is $90 from the G'byte, putting it out of reach. I was originally only going to grab a 280X, but that particular G'byte 290 is such a small jump in price that it'd be crazy to pass up.

 

[Sword Of Doom]

`The IN WIN 904 and 901 are amazing looking modern minimalistic cases.


We need more designs that have these aesthetics. It seems that these cases have some problems in the design though.

The way they use the glass is great. I think less people will buy apple if case manufactureres and other hardware vendors step their aesthetics game up and design some timeless designs. Easier said than done.



And what I want personally, is something that takes the sleek, modern, minimalistic but more edgy than fractal design, but not crazy, but perhaps with some little illumination or at least option for it. More subtle though. Less intrusive. And much better cable management.


I love this trend of getting the desktop back on the desk. Computers are like cars. They are amazing customized individual works of achievement. Amazing tools that give joy to people, and they deserve to be admired and appreciated on the desk. Like a good looking TV or a painting.

The reason I bought a Mac years ago wasn't for looks but cause I got tired of dealing with Windows. I do agree though that computers can be like works of art.

 

[TC McQueen]

I realize that there is no way of definitely knowing but don't they have a usual release schedule of sorts? Like a ball part of 15-18 months?

The only upcoming big event where GPUs might be revealed is Computex in June, so everybody is keeping an eye out for rumors/leaks about what the new cards will be like.

 

[tarheel91]

Alright, that's good to hear. GAF threads in general are pretty positive about 8.1, from the few threads I've been lurking in.

I might have to devote 5 minutes later to understanding how Reddit works, see if I can make heads or tales of that software swap area I keep hearing about.



Haha, I can't afford another one! Thankfully, It's a combined present from many parts of the family - everyone chipping in a little bit, and he has decided to spend a lot of it on a new PC.



Yah, I did read things to that effect. Unfortunately, the jump to the Tri-X is $90 from the G'byte, putting it out of reach. I was originally only going to grab a 280X, but that particular G'byte 290 is such a small jump in price that it'd be crazy to pass up.

Australia has some wonky pricing. They're both $420 on Newegg.

 

[elfinke]

Australia has some wonky pricing. They're both $420 on Newegg.

Haha yeah. Reading this thread is often depressing, looking at all the terrific Newegg deals posted (though Newegg are beginning to ship stuff to Australia, rolling out more and more components. That should hopefully shake things up).

 

[appaws]

So I've just about got this build for my bro's birthday sorted out. Comes in between $1300 and $1500 (inc. P&H, still haven't decided on a case) and looks to be a killer bang-for-buck system:

• i5 4670K
• G'byte GA-Z87-HD3
• G.Skill Ares 8gb F3-1866
• C'master Hyper 212 EVO
• G'byte R9 290 Windforce
• Samsing 840 EVO 120GB
• WD Blue 1TB
• Seasonic G550

Got great deals on the 290 and the SSD, saving $100 between them.

One last question: is Windows 8.1 "worth it"? If so, why? I've been googling around all morning, and the results are mixed. Complaints about mouse and keyboard use abound, praise for speed and SSD optimisations as well as compatibility with components exist as well.

If this was for me, I'd grab Win8.1 and be happy, but since this PC is not for me, introducing an all new OS might be more grief than is worth it. But I'm open to persuasion!

That looks great to me. I would go with 8.1 for the new build. It has some optimizations like you said, and with something like start8 it gets past the metro nonsense.

 

[Sword Of Doom]

I have a question regarding the NZXT H440. Does the case have any room for a fan controller? I know it has a fan hub which is cool but what about controlling those fans?

 

[killertofu]

When it happens, try to get a look in the case so you can isolate what fans are doing this.

Also, plug your H60 directly into molex power rather than a fan header.

Ok it just happened again...I opened up the case and it's the graphics card's fan that's going crazy.

I have a MSI GTX 670

 

[jakomocha]

The Gigabyte GHz Edition has the highest performance out of the box. You'll be limited by silicon lottery in terms of what overclocks the highest, unless you're willing to void your warranty with custom BIOS.

Overclocked, which one is better? Which of the three would you recommend? Sorry, I don't mean to post this question twice but I feel like my last post was way too long.

 

[mkenyon]

Ok it just happened again...I opened up the case and it's the graphics card's fan that's going crazy.

I have a MSI GTX 670

And the screen is going black? Sounds like time for an RMA.

Overclocked, which one is better? Which of the three would you recommend? Sorry, I don't mean to post this question twice but I feel like my last post was way too long.

Overclocked it comes down to silicon lottery. They're all the same GPU, they all have very similar memory. What the Classy and Lightning have is better power delivery for hardcore overclocking with custom BIOS. Without flashing the BIOS, chances are they will all be spitting distance of each other if pushed to the limit on stock BIOS.

If that is confusing, please let me know and I will try to elaborate. But, tl;dr, the GHz Edition will give you more performance with less fuss and for less money.

The Classy and Lightning are for overclocking enthusiasts where the act of overclocking is a game in and of itself.

 

[jakomocha]

Overclocked it comes down to silicon lottery. They're all the same GPU, they all have very similar memory. What the Classy and Lightning have is better power delivery for hardcore overclocking with custom BIOS. Without flashing the BIOS, chances are they will all be spitting distance of each other if pushed to the limit on stock BIOS.

If that is confusing, please let me know and I will try to elaborate. But, tl;dr, the GHz Edition will give you more performance with less fuss and for less money.

The Classy and Lightning are for overclocking enthusiasts where the act of overclocking is a game in and of itself.

Okay, I think I somewhat understand it. I don't want to risk changing the BIOS (at least until my warranty has run out) unless this is safe, but with a 1440p screen would you recommend overclocking any of the GPU's? Most people seem to recommend it. It seems like an overclocked Classified only performs 3-4 FPS faster than an overclocked GHZ, which is not worth an extra $40, so is it really worth the extra money just in case I decide to unlock the power amount/change the BIOS? Also, it's very difficult to find benchmarks for the GHZ edition (both OC'd and not OC'd), where it was much easier with the Lightning and Classified. Any benchmarks you have?

I'll probably go with the GHZ Edition, it seems the mostly friendly for first time builders.
Thanks!

 

[VLEXP]

Okay go guise so I'll be going with this build.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3F18w
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3F18w/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3F18w/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Dual Classified ACX Video Card ($549.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Grey ATX Mid Tower Case ($73.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1227.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 02:52 EDT-0400)

Just saw that this just came out, is it any better than the z87-a??
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128710

and for monitors which one would be better?
this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236305
or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014345
?

 

[kharma45]

Okay go guise so I'll be going with this build.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3F18w
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3F18w/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3F18w/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Dual Classified ACX Video Card ($549.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Grey ATX Mid Tower Case ($73.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1227.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 02:52 EDT-0400)

Just saw that this just came out, is it any better than the z87-a??
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128710

and for monitors which one would be better?
this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236305
or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014345
?

Swap to the 750w version of that PSU, better value http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151132

Change mobo to the Biostar Z87X 3D http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138380

As for Z97, they're not a known quantity yet so I wouldn't want to jump in yet.

Hyper 212 Plus is $20, I'd swap to it too. The EVO is not much better http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

 

[LilJoka]

Okay go guise so I'll be going with this build.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3F18w
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3F18w/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3F18w/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Dual Classified ACX Video Card ($549.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Grey ATX Mid Tower Case ($73.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1227.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 02:52 EDT-0400)

Just saw that this just came out, is it any better than the z87-a??
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128710

and for monitors which one would be better?
this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236305
or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014345
?

Here's an mATX option
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3FtKi

 

[Al13n]

Hi guys, my rig is now close to 3 years old. It was pretty high-end back in the day, but now I want to upgrade because of my Oculus DK2 that i'm getting in july. Really want to hit that constant 70fps.

I was setting up a new configuration, doing some research about the latest tech and I was surprised to see how most of my components still hold up to today's standards.. Instead of building a whole new machine of +€1500 I might just as well buy a new graphics card and save myself a €1000. The only thing I'm worried about is my CPU..

My current rig:
Mainboard: ASROCK P67 Extreme4 v3
CPU: INTEL Core i5 2500K 3.3 ghz
Graphics: 2x CLUB3D RADEON HD6950
RAM: G.SKILL 8GBRL
SSD: MICRON Crucial M4 128 gb
HD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB
Power: CORSAIR HX 750 watt
Heatsink: SCYTHE Mugen 2
Case: COOLERMASTER CM 690 II


I'd buy a GTX 780 (and probably a SB Z), what do you guys think?

 

[kennah]

Your cpu is fine. Get a better heatsink and overclock it.

 

[killertofu]

And the screen is going black? Sounds like time for an RMA.

I got it second hand

 

[kennah]

I got it second hand

Warranties are often by serial number. It's worth a call.

 

[Al13n]

Your cpu is fine. Get a better heatsink and overclock it.

Now I'm confused. Back in the day when I bought my configuration, it was said that the Scythe was the perfect heatsink for when I wanted to OC my CPU. Still haven't OC'ed it though..

 

[ClearData]

TL: DR Own a gaming PC. I am interested in a gaming Laptop. I like the 2014 Razer Blade. But I am open to other gaming laptops if I can get suggestions from owners of them on their experiences with these machines.


Let me preface this by saying I already own a gaming PC and an HTPC that will be converted to a Steambox once SteamOS matures. I am considering spending a considerable amount on a gaming laptop. If you think I should spend that much money on a full fledged desktop PC, like I said, I already have two, so I am covered.

My reasoning is thus:

• For Laptops I prefer Macbooks. But I am also getting a bit tired of spending a premium for less of a machine (spec wise). That can't run the majority of my steam library on the go.
• I can finally play some high fidelity games in a hotel room when I travel and also have something to use for work.

I really, really love the design and display of the 2014 Razer Blade and its retina equivalent display. I also like that it has a touch screen (if I have to use Windows 8 it might as well be with one).

I have been eyeing the alternatives from MSI, Asus, Alienware, Origin, Falcon, and Lenovo. But I don't know anyone who owns one and I am soliciting opinions. So Gaming Laptop GAF. Do you have recommendations? If you own a Blade, how is it? If I posted this in the wrong thread, sorry, I figured this counted as a new PC.

 

[kiyomi]

So Gaming Laptop GAF. Do you have recommendations? If you own a Blade, how is it? If I posted this in the wrong thread, sorry, I figured this counted as a new PC.

No worries, it's not the most populated of threads but here is probably where you want to go:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=745783

 

[kennah]

/ try the laptop thread listed in the OP. it's a different area of expertise.

Now I'm confused. Back in the day when I bought my configuration, it was said that the Scythe was the perfect heatsink for when I wanted to OC my CPU. Still haven't OC'ed it though..

Ah cool. I wasn't familiar with it so you're probably good. Get on it!

 

[Zaph]

TL: DR Own a gaming PC. I am interested in a gaming Laptop. I like the 2014 Razer Blade. But I am open to other gaming laptops if I can get suggestions from owners of them on their experiences with these machines.

No personal experience, but LinusTechTips really liked the Asus G750JZ.

Also, I'm pretty sure there's a dedicated laptop thread.

 

[Al13n]

Hmm, reading about 2x HD6950 in crossfire (like in my rig) is not much worse than a GTX 780..

 

[diaspora]

Hmm, reading about 2x HD6950 in crossfire (like in my rig) is not much worse than a GTX 780..

It really isn't. Single GPUs are better than dual setups but honestly it's a waste of $500+.

 

[Water]

Now I'm confused. Back in the day when I bought my configuration, it was said that the Scythe was the perfect heatsink for when I wanted to OC my CPU. Still haven't OC'ed it though..

Even a stock cooler may accommodate a tiny overclock. Something like the Mugen 2 is surely enough for a moderate overclock, so OC away. Switching to a better cooler might give you a few extra percent of speed, but if you were really hurting for that last bit of performance, you'd probably want to upgrade the CPU anyway.

 

[dmr87]

Time for a new build.

Corsair Obsidian 750D
Asus Maximus Hero VI
i5 4670K
3x Corsair Air series AF140 Quiet edition
4x Corsair Air series SP120 High Performance
Corsair 16GB CL9 2133MHz Vengeance Pro

(H100i, 2xGTX670 and a AX750 PSU from my old build)

 

[Al13n]

Even a stock cooler may accommodate a tiny overclock. Something like the Mugen 2 is surely enough for a moderate overclock, so OC away. Switching to a better cooler might give you a few extra percent of speed, but if you were really hurting for that last bit of performance, you'd probably want to upgrade the CPU anyway.

Any idea to how far I could go with my Mugen 2? I've now set it to 4, but I wonder if I could reach 4.5 or even 4.8?