An Intel Core i5-3570K and Maximus V GENE is arguably the ideal combo for gamers and overclocking enthusiasts on a budget. The GENE motherboard suits those looking for ROG innovations like USB BIOS Flashback, the mPCIe Combo card, GameFirst (on Intel GigE) and SupremeFX III, while and importantly here – the Extreme Engine DIGI+ II – provides essential, powerful hardware for reliable CPU overclocking.

Tip 1: Remember to use fan filters. Our Maximus V GENE heatsinks are fuzzy from dust because we didn't. Doh!
But how do we make the best use of this hardware?
WHAT BUTTONS DO I NEED TO PRESS?
OK, OK, we hear you!
So you’re eyeing up an overclock on that i5-3570K. How about an extra 1.1GHz on all four CPU cores? 4.5GHz is a nice round number, after all.Well, this guide is for you.
We take you through basic installation, to setup, to UEFI BIOS settings needs to reach the magic 4.5Gs.
Start from the top: Installing the CPU
- Pop off the protective cover cap from your Maximus V GENE
- Release the CPU socket tension arm and lift the socket lid
- Drop in the CPU straight downwards (be sure to note the keying) – avoid touching the socket pins at all cost
- Hook the socket lid under the screw and secure tension arm
- Add thermal paste (if your CPU cooler doesn’t come with it pre-applied)
- Use a flat edged item such as an old credit card to smooth the thermal paste flat and even
- Fit your CPU cooler of choice. We’ve selected Intel’s bundled LGA 1155 cooler, roughly equivalent to any £20 cooler on the market. Better coolers offer more thermal capacity to keep the CPU cooler, or, often use larger, quieter fans.
- Make sure the fan is plugged into the CPU_fan header at the top.
- Install your memory: remember to push down firmly and clip in on the one end. Use the outer two DIMM slots if you’ve got a dual-channel kit, as we’ve shown here on some Corsair Dominator Platinum’s. Mmmm soooo shiny!
- Now install this backbone into your case, adding flavorings of storage, power supply and graphics to suit your taste.
Next: Heatsink & Memory
Be sure to download the latest BIOS and extract it to the root directory of a flash drive. It’s also well worth downloading monitoring apps such as CPUZ, Asus’ AI Suite II (which allows you to monitor voltages and CPU temperatures) and Prime 95 to check the stability of your overclock.
Now click page 2 for some overclocking.






