4gb and windows XP, plus a dual channel question

[xringx]

I want to upgrade my memory. Currently running
Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146526

This memory is hampering my OC....

Am thinking about this memory
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231114

With timings of 4-4-3-5

Questions.

1. If I ran all four sticks, i am told xp will limit it to 3+gb's, is that correct.
2. Would I still be able to run dual channel with all 4 sticks?
3. If I ran all 4, I still would be limited in my oc'ing ( i am fairly sure of this one)
4. Would I be better off just to run the 2sticks of the new?
5. does that gskill memory suck or not worth it?


Thanks

 

[zenmaster]

1) Yes
2) Yes
3) Yes
4) Yes ( For 99% of the people)
5) It will help vs the DDR2-667. You will see better benches with this than normal DDR2-800, though you are not likely to be able to feel them.

 

[xringx]

Ok, so the answer is dont F with it if it works for a small improvement in the real world.

I have my e6300 oc'd to 2.8, but at 3.0 or higher, my memory is pooping out on me.

So dont worry about, save my $100, move on etc..
(must.... fight.... urge..... to.... spend........ money.....on.....upgrade......)

 

[zenmaster]

I would probably not worry about it.
3.0 to 3.2 would probably be you top OC with the 6300 w/o serious cooling issues. My guess is you will not feel the difference.

I would have bought the decent DDR2-800 to start, but if I had the DDR2-667 I don't think I would spend the money for the small boost.

In my case, My CPU runs just fine @3.2Ghz, but I choose to only run @3.0Ghz because it is a little quieter under load and I can't feel the difference.

 

[xringx]

Well, system runs at 3.0 very well, just in a game, it reboots. Took almost 3mos of use before that started.

As for cooling, my temps at 3.0 where low 40's idle and like 52-53 full load. Not bad..

Plus, I am undervolted at 1.20.

So I lowered it to 2.8 and havent had any problems for about a month now and my full load temp is like 46-47c idle is 35-36

I did get my computer to boot at 3.2, but wasnt stable. I think I need to loosen the memory timings to go higher than 3.0. I currently have them at 5-5-5-15

 

[zenmaster]

You may need to increase your voltage for more stability in games.
Both on the CPU and the Memory Chips.

The reason is that you are putting more load on your system and that is when you are most likely to see your problems.

 

[xringx]

Well lordy lordy,

I am now at 3.2

I lowered the timings to 6-6-6-16

Increased voltages on FSB by 1, vcore to 1.25, and memory by .01

So far, dual prime 95 ok for 40mins or there abouts.

Highest temp per TAT is 50c.....