Q6600 + 4GB = bliss, 2GB = death? LESS RAM = DEATH?

Thanks for stopping by.

This is the wackiest problem I've ever, personally, encountered. My Q6600 WILL NOT OC on an 8x multiplier unless it has 4GB of RAM. Actually, it won't do much over 9x333 unless it's got 4GB.

W. T. F?

Here's a rundown of what happens. I've tested all 4 sticks of RAM. All are good.

9x333 - 4GB = totally stable
8x375 - 4GB = totally stable
8x400 - 4GB = relatively stable (few hours on Prim95 - still working on vcore)

And now, the totally bizzarre:

9x333 - 2GB = totally stable
8x375 - 2GB = Prime95 for 30 seconds!
8x400 - 2GB = Post beep. That's it.

Now I'm running an Antec NeoPower 480. That's an old-skool 480W PSU. WHY would ADDING power-consuming RAM HELP the situation? I thought it was HARDER to OC 4+GB of RAM vs 2GB.

What am I missing? Any takers? Check out my system by clicking the computer icon above. Thanks!

Joker, your system says 2.6Ghz which means you're running 9x289, 8x325, or 7x371. So where are you getting 400Mhz from?

9x400 = 3.6Ghz
8x400 = 3.2Ghz
7x400 = 2.8Ghz

If you're not sure what those numbers mean:

9 (the multiplier) x 400 (FSB) = 3.6Ghz (speed of CPU)

Look at my system (click the little computer icon at the top of each of my posts). That's what I'm running. To answer your question, though:

RAM: Corsair XMS2 PC6400 CL4's
CPU: C2Q Q6600, G0

what multiplier/fsb did you use and what vcore?

I shouldn't need to up the voltage on the RAM. It's at 2.1v which is what it's speced at for 400Mhz (800Mhz)

what voltage do you have your CPU at to get it to boot @ 3.4Ghz?

ha ha....thanks busta.

Joker, is it stable at all or is it just enough to boot? How long does Prime95 last?

what PSU do you have?

Anyway, does anyone know what could be causing my 2GB/4GB problem?

Thanks!

djack, do you have the P5B-Deluxe? They've updated the BIOS to recognize the 8x multiplier now. RAM is super cheap now. I'd suggest 4GB now.