It's always good to stay positive but don't be too disappointed if you can't reach 5GHz or 4.7. In fact, intel say only 50% of their SB's can reach 4.5GHz.

I would go further and say that more than 50% would reach 4.5GHz.

Not what intel say. The say 50%

I, I would say most would go further. I have only read about a few that stop at or below 4.5GHz. A lot of people that buy the 2500k may not go to 4.5 so that's probably why you don't hear much about it.

Well I'm going to believe the company who make the processors.

you can but bear in mind they have to take a stab lower than what could be the actual number or else they are in big, errr.

Not what intel say. The say 50%

Actually, I believe that statistic comes from Asus (see here). It's based on 100 CPUs they tested. EDIT: Just found this little gem from back in January: AVSIM: 100 Sandy Bridge CPUs Tested by ASUS. Very comical thread, but I think Jahman nailed it from the start:

Let me restate (cumulative percentages are more descriptive):1. Approximately 100% of CPUs can go up to 4.4~4.5 GHz2. Approximately 90% of CPUs can go up to 4.6~4.7 GHz3. Approximately 10% of CPUs can go up to 4.8~5 GHz Cheers, - jahman.

...he was on the right track, but I think his math was wrong. Fixed: 1. Approximately 100% of CPUs can go up to 4.4~4.5 GHz2. Approximately 50% of CPUs can go up to 4.6~4.7 GHz3. Approximately 10% of CPUs can go up to 4.8~5 GHz

Actually, I believe that statistic comes from Asus (see here). It's based on 100 CPUs they tested. EDIT: Just found this little gem from back in January: AVSIM: 100 Sandy Bridge CPUs Tested by ASUS Very comical, but I think Jahman nailed it from the start:

Ahhh. Knew I read it somewhere, and here I was, searching the Intel site. *facepalm* okay, Thanks corey.

Based on the performance of FSX on my new i5 2500k PC, I reckon that you don't need to go any higher than 4.5Ghz.

...he was on the right track, but I think his math was wrong. Fixed: 1. Approximately 100% of CPUs can go up to 4.4~4.5 GHz2. Approximately 50% of CPUs can go up to 4.6~4.7 GHz3. Approximately 10% of CPUs can go up to 4.8~5 GHz

And what is the basis for this? How do I know how much my processor will give? I will take part from the 100 % or from the 10 % who can reach 5 or 5,1 GHz? ;) harpsi

You dont know how much your processor will give until you actually try to overclock it. It really is a complete lottery. you may get the best clocking chip in the world, or the worst. Most likely an average one though, which is why I told you to expect an average overclock, then treat anything more as a bonus. I wasn't making it up for the fun of it!

Actually, I believe that statistic comes from Asus (see here). It's based on 100 CPUs they tested. EDIT: Just found this little gem from back in January: AVSIM: 100 Sandy Bridge CPUs Tested by ASUS. Very comical thread, but I think Jahman nailed it from the start: ...he was on the right track, but I think his math was wrong. Fixed: 1. Approximately 100% of CPUs can go up to 4.4~4.5 GHz2. Approximately 50% of CPUs can go up to 4.6~4.7 GHz3. Approximately 10% of CPUs can go up to 4.8~5 GHz

So my CPU is pretty good. I am in the 10% that can do 4.8GHz.

Here is the final proposal: 1. Processor: i7 2600k LGA1155 3,4GHz 8MB2. Memory: Corsair, 8192MB DDR3 2000MHz 2X240 DIMM CL9 CORSAIR XMS3 HEAT SPREADER3. Videocard: Asus NVidia GTX580 Matrix 1536MB DDR5 PCIE24. Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V LX LGA1155 DDRIII ST3RD USB3 GBLAN5. SSD 2,5P Corsair Force Series 60GB SATA2 280MB/s for Windows and another HD Sata of 1 TB for FSX7. Cooler: Water Corsair Hydro Series H1008. PSU: Corsair TX950W PFC Active 80Plus9. Case: Antec DF10-EU 6X3.5 3X5.25 1XSSD 1X140 1X120 2XUSB Black What do you think? Is the memory with 2000MHz a good one? Or better 2133MHz? Water cooling with Corsair H100 is good? harpsi

Mushkin 2133 CL9 (b/c it's already rated at 2133 and it's Mushkin): http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820226200 Seriously, 750W is plenty. Seasonic X-750 (modular and gold rated): http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817151087

Okay. I'd get the i5-2500k and put the money you saved into a better mobo. Anything with LX or LE or SE etc are to be avoided. Get the P8Z68-V or to -V Pro. I'm not sure if 2000MHz ram is supported on those 2 boards. Look on the asus website. You can either get that ram and OC/UC it, or get 2133MHz ram. The 2133MHz ram is probably the better option. The cost difference shouldn't be much more than $100 for the faster ram/better mobo. If it is and you need some extra cash, get the Corsair H80 or the notctua NH-D14. Both excellent coolers, and both cheaper than the H100. But definitely change that motherboard. That's a must.