What to look for in Memory when overclocking

[alexfair]

What is the most important characteristic for overclocking your memory? Should you be concerned with lower Timings or higher MHZ?

Here are my two choices>:


DDR2 PC2-6400 • 4-4-4-12
or
DDR2 PC2-8500 • 5-5-5-15

 

[skyguy]

It depends how high you plan on overclocking your RAM, and whether the 6400 can reach the speeds you want.

If you have a CPU with a higher multiplier (or a mobo that will let you unlink the RAM like a 680i for example) and your RAM won't be pushed too high above 800, then the 6400 stuff should be fine.

But if you plan on pushing your RAM alot due to a lower CPU multiplier or mobo that won't allow unlinked, then the higher rated RAM speed is better because it's guaranteed to take the overclock speeds.

So it entirely depends what your ultimately OC will be on the RAM.

Post:
1) your CPU
2) your mobo
3) you intended overclock speed
4) what brand RAM you're looking at

Then we should be able to confirm for you.

 

[alexfair]

My motherboard is an Asus P5W DH Deluxe, C2D E6600 and the memory is going to be Ballistix Tracer either the 800mhz or 1066mhz

My case is currently watercooled and the cpu is running at 70F under gaming load I want to push it to the max.

 

[skyguy]

Well then, get the 6400 with lower timings. The reason for this is simple:

6600 has a 9x multiplier. So let's assume you hit 400 FSB. 400 x 9 = 3.6ghz CPU speed. 3.6 is possible with watercooling. 400 FSB @ 1:1 RAM ratio (2.0 multiplier) = 800 mhz. Which means........that at 3.6 ghz (if you hit it), then your DDR2-800 RAM will actually just be running at stock speed. So you don't need the 8500 stuff. 6400 at lower timings is definitely the way to go.

And if by chance you have to lower the CPU multiplier to 8x, then you still only have to hit 450 FSB to get 3.6 ghz.....and your RAM will be running at 900 mhz......which the Ballistix should easily do. And give it some volts and it should hit 900 at CL4 speeds.

6400 is the stuff to get for you.