Question 1

I was looking into getting this and was NOT going to overclock it and I was wondering if it came with its own cpu cooler? 
This way I can save some money and not have to buy my own. Plus the case I'm getting has good fans on it already.

Accepted Answer

Yes, it does come with its own fan. As far as my experience has been so far, every CPU comes packaged with it's own cooling fan. I would recommend purchasing an extra tube of thermal paste "just in case". The fan has some pre-applied, but better safe than sorry.

Question 2

Will this processor work with this motherboard? GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 from gigabyte. And if so is it as simple as just installing it?

Accepted Answer

According to Gigabyte's website:

http://www.gigabyte.us/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3856

This CPU will work as long as the motherboard has been updated with BIOS revision F13.

You can download the bios from here:
http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3976#bios

Note:
There are two revisions for this motherboard, rev 1.0 and 1.3. By the looks of it, the bios file is the same for both revisions, but I would check which revision you have and then be sure to click the appropriate revision link at the top of the page on the link provided above.

It should be a simple plug-n-play upgrade as long as you update the Bios BEFORE you install the new CPU. Also, I think this CPU comes with thermal paste to put between the CPU and heatsink/fan, but I like to use arctic silver paste. Never had a problem with that stuff.  Now, you don't have to use any special paste, because this boxed CPU comes with everything you need for installation, I just like to use higher quality paste because it cools better.

Good Luck!

Question 3

What is/are heatsinks/fans that come recommended for overclocking? is the stock one enough? I don't plan on going past 3.9ghz

Accepted Answer

I always use the Intel DZ77GA-70K board, and it automatically turbo boosts this processor to 3.9 GHZ. I have not had a problem with heat running the stock fan and heat sink that comes with the processor. However, If you want to go liquid, the Antec H20 620 is a great and cheap alternative to 4.6 GHZ, and very easy to install if the board is not in the machine. 3.9 though is OK for the stock fan, and I have about 30 machines out there that way,and no overheat problems.

Question 4

Will a LGA 1155 cpu work with a LGA1150 Mobo ???????

Accepted Answer

I installed this processor in a MSI Z87 1150 board and it works great.  Anyone who complains about high temps is either overclocking or not running proper cooling.  I have had no issues.

Question 5

I'm trying to find out if this will be compatible with my current computer as an upgrade?

My Mobo is an ASRock H61M-DGS LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard in the mobo page on newegg it says "Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron (LGA1155)" I'm hoping this is compatible but I'd like someone to double check.

Accepted Answer

Yes, it will work.  I have paired this processor with an ASRock Z75 Pro3 LGA 1155 Intel motherboard and an Asus P8Z77 Pro LGA 1155 Intel Motherboard.  If you notice, the compatible processors listed are the same as for your motherboard.  If overheating is a concern, the processor runs relatively cool so the smaller case that holds your Micro-ATX motherboard should not be a problem.  My son's computer has the Asus Motherboard listed above and he is fine with the Intel HD 4000 graphics for now.  You will not be disappointed with your combination.  Good Luck with your build.

Question 6

Does this product include any fans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it comes packaged with a heatsink and fan.  If you intend to overclock the processor, though, I would look into purchasing a fan with stronger cooling capabilities.  The packaged one works just fine if you're not into overclocking.

Question 7

My current CPU is the AMD Phenom II X4 970 and my mother board is a GIGABYTE GA-880GA-UD3H (Socket M2) i was thinking of upgrading to this model, will it work with my mother board?

Accepted Answer

Not gonna happen. AMD and Intel have different pin placement, so no matter what you do the processor won't go in there. Once you buy a motherboard/processor for AMD or Intel, you're kind of bought into a whole system. It's easier to stick with whichever you choose, for the long run. That being said, I prefer intel processors myself. In short, if you want to upgrade, you need to change your motherboard as well as your processor. I used the ASRock z77 extreme4 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293 ) which has worked wonderfully. Great motherboard for a guy starting out building computers, like myself. If you didn't know that AMD and Intel don't go together, I'm assuming you are also pretty new. I'd go with that mobo- it pretty much has it all. Good luck!

Question 8

If the Ivy Bridge is faster and newer than the Sandy Bridge, why is it cheaper in price?  Even thought it's roughly like $10 less, still why is it?  And which one is better? (I thought the faster one is usually better?)

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure about the speed. Are their gpu's the same?  Usually they have different built-in graphics.  Also make sure you are looking at the right cpu zig socket like 1155 vs 1150. Ull be disappointed when u spend 30 dollars more to find it was a 1150 and ur mobo was 1155.

Question 9

I was wondering. Is this much of a upgrade if I would be going from a i5-3570k which is 3.4ghz? Or would I be better off waiting until they release a newer and better processor?

Accepted Answer

IMHO it depends on your motherboard and what future upgrade options might be.

For me, I upgraded from an i5 2500 and this is the best CPU my motherboard will support. I think the day I move from the i7 3770K will be the day I buy a whole new system. For me it was worth upgrading from the i5, yes.

Question 10

Would this work with a EVGA X79 Dark Motherboard?

Accepted Answer

To my knowledge it will not John.  The X79 supports LGA 2011 where THIS Ivy Bridge chip fits in slots for LGA 1155.  When looking for Chips for your board narrow-down the search results for chips fitting ONLY LGA 2011.  Hope this helps!

Questions & Answers