Overclocking on a budget

[Cartman0123]

Hi experts, got a question. Which would be the best (highest, stable) for overclocking on stock heatsink fan given the following options, keeping price under $475 for these three components CPU, Ram, and Motherboard:

Config #1: E6300 $182 (all price incl. shipping)
Gigabyte DS3 ($150)
G. Skill 1gb ddr2 800 latency 4 $130
Total: $462

vs.

Config. #2: E6400 $220
Gigabyte p965-S3 $122
1GB Super Talent 667 Ram latency 5 $106
Total: $448

vs. Config#3: Same as #1, except change mobo to S3 = $434

I know there may be some better combos at higher prices, but which of these 3 is the best for overclocking, stability, longevity (3-5 yrs)?

 

[wimcle]

I vote for the e6400, its 8x multiplier makes hitting 3.2Ghz easy

mine runs 3.2Ghz at 1.325v, mem at 800. good temps with si-128.

 

[Cartman0123]

PostPosted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:29 pm Post subject: Re: Overclocking on a budget
I vote for the e6400, its 8x multiplier makes hitting 3.2Ghz easy

So you think the config #2 is better, with the 6400 and the 667 memory (instead of 800).

I don't have to have super high overclocks, since I don't plan on any exotic cooling systems. Would like to keep stock heatsink fan for now, and upgrade to better cooling later.

 

[Anoobis]

The S3 would probably be just as adequate if used with config #1.

 

[Cartman0123]

Yeah, I keep going back and forth between 6300 and 6400 and 667 vs. 800 ram. I've never overclocked before and this will be my first build. I think I would be more than happy with 6300 and 800 ram. I don't have to have higher than 2.8 Ghz. Could that be achieved with 667 ram and the 7x multiplier on E6300? I might take a look at Wusy's guide. I think he has something about that. Sorry.

 

[yas]

If you want to reach around £ gigs on your E6300 then you will need a FSB of around 400. If I were you I would go with the E6300 and get super-talent 800mhz ram:

http://www.powerchargers.com/p/144835/t800ub1gc4-800mhz-1gb-low-latency-ddr2-memory-for-enthusiasts-and-gamers.html

It has amazing latency timings: 4-4-3-8 so that way you can up the FSB as much as you want and still keep a 1:1 ratio.

 

[RU_469]

From my reading (not application, although I'm going to build within the next 60 days), the E6400 seems to be a better choice to over clock.

Other reading I have done indicated significant overclocking can be achieved while still using the stock cooler.

The 800mhz ram was recommended but the 667mhz ram is acceptable for overclocking.

Here is my thread when asking for advice (some good respones here)
http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=207092&highlight=


Just my $.02

 

[tool_462]

Damn nice timings on that Super Talent! I gain more respect for their products daily

 

[JBS181818]

i agree with the 6400. i also have a ds3. its a great combo.

 

[RU_469]

Oh yea,

One more thing from practical experience. Motherboards make a big difference. I'm not familiar with your board but the MB influences performance significantly.

So if your interested in serious overclocking I'll throw out a 3rd suggestion. Go with the E6400, upgrade your motherboard (if necessary) and go cheap on the RAM until you can afford to upgrade it.

Still not sure this option will even get you anything under your current budget though

Good luck and let us know what you went with.

 

[rwaritsdario]

Can I have the part number for the Gskill modules?

 

[zjohnr]

I don't have to have higher than 2.8 Ghz. Could that be achieved with 667 ram and the 7x multiplier on E6300?

Here's the arithmetic as I understand it. (If I'm wrong, I have no doubt someone else will quickly point out my mistakes).

E6300: 2.8GHz divided by 7x multiplier = 400MHz system clock (equivalent to DDR2-800)
E6400: 2.8GHz divided by 8x multiplier = 350MHz system clock (equivalent to DDR2-700)

So I guess you could do any of the following if you got an E6300:

[*:064ce42308]Buy DDR2-800 which would just be running at its rated speed if you overclock the FSB to 400MHz.
[*:064ce42308]Buy DDR2-667 and run the RAM at 333MHz asynchronous to the FSB at 400MHz
[*:064ce42308]Buy DDR2-667 and run everything at 400MHz and overclock the RAM.

Ya pays ya money, Ya takes ya chance.

-john

 

[rwaritsdario]

You can also overclock your RAM.