How far can I overclock?

[Coded]

So, I've had my rig for about a a year and a half now, and in that time I never tried to overclock my CPU. Well, now i'm interested. So, how far do you think I can overclock my CPU?

Here are my specs:

CPU: i5 2500K @ 3.3 GHz; Vcore Voltage: 0.977 V

Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus

Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3

CPU Temps:

Idle: 25 C

Under load: 48 C (Folding@Home 100% load)

Thanks in advance :)

[killerx525]

You should have a decent overclock without a voltage increase and the cooler should be able to keep as long the voltage is not increased.

[Dave :)]

Should be easy to get over 4.2 GHz. Just ensure you stress it using Prime 95 Blend for at least 12 hours when you've finished, if there are any errors, redo it.

[Aaranu]

It all depends on your chip, you should definitely be able to hit 4.4. You could possibly go all the way up to 5ghz if you had a better cooler. see what voltage and temps you get at 4.2/4.3ghz and then take it from there.

[xeks]

Won't know until you try it. Could be 5 GHz easy or not at all. If you need a guide, I posted one in the Guides sub forum.

[ProKoN]

Get a better air cooler if you want to push past 4.4GHz.

Noctua NH-D14

Phanteks PH-TC14PE_OR

are both top notch air coolers.

With one of these coolers you should be able to hit 4.6 - 5.0 GHz depending on your cpu.

I would aim for 4.5 or lower with you current cooler.