Questions from a first time overclocker C2D

[Kardiophylax]

Alright, I'm about to pull the trigger on an upgrade as my current motherboard is starting to go. I've got a few questions I'm hoping you could help with. I have built/repaired systems for years but as more of a business system oriented tech. I have not overclocked before, but have been reading what I can on the web about it. I do want my cpu life to be at least 2-3 years. My primary use of the computer is for gaming. My components are primarily coming from zipzoomfly as Newegg charges tax in my state.

Components:
To buy:

E4300 or E6300 or E6400
Gigabyte GA-965P-S3
1GB ram (2 x 512MB) around $100
EVGA 8800GTS (Unless I use my MSI x800 128mb card and wait out r600)

Already own:
OCZ 700w PSU
1 GB (2 x 512MB) Corsair Value Ram PC-5300 667mhz
Zalman CNPS 7700Cu
Arctic Silver 5 tube


I unfortunatly can not afford to get a 2 x 1gb configuration right now, so I am hoping to continue use of my existing 2 x 512 corsair value selects and add another 2 x 512.

The memory I am considering is

Corsair VS1GBKIT667D2 1GB Kit DDR2-667 PC2-5300

I believe it is the same as what I have now and I assume overclocking is bound by the memory with the lowest capabilites, so I'm not sure there is much point in buying better ram now. Is this correct?

I've also seen

OCZ OCZ26671024VDC-K (2x512MB) Kit DDR2 PC2-5400

Which is even less then the corsair vr after rebate and might be better. Anyway, here are my questions:


1. What kind of moderate OC can I do with a set up like this? Can I hit 333fsb with value ram (seems like in a 1:1 I should be able to), and not manage to shorten my cpu life to less then I want? I have a pentium d 820 now and it seems to run rather warm without an OC, but I understand the C2D's are a lot cooler at stock.

2. Should I use my older Zalman or has the stock cooler advanced enough to just stick with it?

3. Which of the three cpus would be best, given my expectations for cpu life and my other hardware? Seems like the E4300 would hit 3Ghz at 333fsb and run cooler from what I've read, but again I'm a rookie when it comes to the OC realm.


Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[wpb]

Well I'm still a noob at overclocking, but I'll answer your questions and I'm sure others will correct me if I'm wrong.

I recently (first time) OC'd my e6300 with the same memory that you have, Corsair Value Select DDR2-667. The memory was fine for me since I just wanted a conservative FSB 333MHz OC at a 1:1 divider. I have a Thermalright XP-90 HSF, but the stock Intel HSF is probably fine for a conservative OC like mine.

E4300 or E6300 or E6400

I would get the e4300. With its higher multiplier it will have much greater OC than my e6300.

1 GB (2 x 512MB) Corsair Value Ram PC-5300 667mhz

Same as my RAM, perfect for my needs. Plenty fast enough for me, but if you're a gamer you may want a more agressive OC, then I would get 800MHz.

Zalman CNPS 7700Cu

Very nice HSF for quiet fanatics like me. I went with the XP-90 with a Nexux fan because its even quieter than the Zalman . The 7700Cu may not be cool enough if you get real agressive on your OC. Also I think the AlCu model is just as good and much lighter.

I unfortunatly can not afford to get a 2 x 1gb configuration right now, so I am hoping to continue use of my existing 2 x 512 corsair value selects and add another 2 x 512.

Same set up as me, 2 512mb sticks. Works fine for me.

The memory I am considering is

Corsair VS1GBKIT667D2 1GB Kit DDR2-667 PC2-5300

It's what you have now. I'd save your money for 800MHz unless you really need 2GB.

I believe it is the same as what I have now and I assume overclocking is bound by the memory with the lowest capabilites, so I'm not sure there is much point in buying better ram now. Is this correct?

Correct. 667MHz is fine for my OC needs. But save up for 800MHz if you want a greater OC.

1. What kind of moderate OC can I do with a set up like this? Can I hit 333fsb with value ram (seems like in a 1:1 I should be able to), and not manage to shorten my cpu life to less then I want?

333FSB is a breeze with any C2D. You can easily reach it on stock voltage and cooling. It's what I'm at and meets my needs fine.

2. Should I use my older Zalman or has the stock cooler advanced enough to just stick with it?

Yes and yes. Either HSF, stock or Zalman, will be fine for a moderate FSB 333MHz OC.

3. Which of the three cpus would be best, given my expectations for cpu life and my other hardware? Seems like the E4300 would hit 3Ghz at 333fsb and run cooler from what I've read, but again I'm a rookie when it comes to the OC realm.

Easy answer for me, the e4300 is the best choice. Plenty of OC potential, will be even less expensive than the e6300 once the inventory picks up, and runs very cool.

Hope that helps.

 

[Kardiophylax]

Thank you for your advice. You confirmed what I have recently been thinking in that I should look at getting the E4300.

I know you said that I should try and get 800MHZ ram, and that may be a good idea, at least for future compability if I buy more 800MHZ ram to go with it. I want to make sure the 667 and 800 work together in the meanwhile. I could get the one below for almost the same price as what I listed above and it's 800mhz. Good idea?

OCZ OCZ2G8001GK 1GB Kit DDR2 PC2-6400 Gold GX XTC
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85267

I am a gamer, but I don't play FPS or demand 120fps. I'd rather have stability and long term reliability then a strong overclock. It seems like at 333 fsb on an E4300 x9 multiplier I should be able to hit 3ghz pretty safely with minimal voltage increase.

 

[Apple_Fritters]

DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 work fine together, but they will only run at 2x the FSB. So, if you overclock to 333MHz, then they both run at DDR2-667. Spending more on DDR2-800 is a waste. Look carefully at the latencies of the RAM. You want them to be same or close. CAS 4-4-4-12 or CAS 5-5-5-15...like that.

 

[wpb]

I think you'll be fine with 667MHz RAM. You can always get 800MHz later. And I would see if you can get by with 1GB. Then you can save your money for 800MHz later.