OCing Q6600, what memory to use????

[Guest]

Ok guys, here's the scoop. I am about to build a new computer with the following:

Gigabyte P35-DS3R
eVGA 8800GTS 320MB
Seasonic S12 650W PS
Q6600 (Which I plan on OCing to around 3.00 Ghz)
Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme Cooler
Windows XP Pro 64bit
4GB (2x2GB) PC2-6400 (DDR2800) Memory
22" Samsung 226BW Widescreen Monitor
Then Seagate Barracuda 320GB HDD, LiteOn DVD Burner and all that stuff that I don't think really matters here.


This computer is going to be used moslty for gaming. Then some basic web browsing, movies, music stuff.

This is the memory I'm currently looking at. Since I'm looking for a 1:1 ratio, PC6400 looks like the ram for me, wouldnt want to mildly OC DDR2667 ram to get my FSB or anything like that.

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820231122

G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
$219.99

Timings - 5-5-5-15, 1.8-1.9V


I was trying to find some 4-4-4-12 2x2GB sets but I couldnt. I also don't really want to spend more than around $225 on my memory.

Now since I'm OCing my Q6600 to around 3.00 Ghz, I want a FSB of 333 Mhz for 1:1 ratio. So PC6400 ram should handle that easily w/out anything special so I'm not concerned if the ram I buy isn't a good overclocker, since I do not intend to OC the ram. (Am I right about this?)

Anyway I searched Newegg, Frys, mWave, and Zipzoomfly and haven't really seen anything better than the memory I have listed. Do you guys think this memory would be good or do you know of something that should be better, or cheaper?

My plan is to also upgrade to 8GB in 2 or so years when I upgrade to Vista or if the computer begins to slow down. Probably upgrade to a new graphics card around that same time.


Thanks a lot. I hope I have provided enough details for you guys to help out. Oh yeah, this is my first build/OC but I've been researching for about 6 months now on these forums! Ordering in the next 7-10 days!!!

 

[Mousemonkey]

These will cost you less than $100 @ the Egg:- http://www.yoyotech.co.uk/product_i...=1380&osCsid=8e9114334a725549e858c7641dadb410

 

[Guest]

Those would be perfect but they are only 1GB sticks. I'm trying to put (2) 2GB sticks in so when its time to upgrade I can just buy 2 more sticks and I'm up to 8GB.

 

[Guest]

Anyone? Can someone at least tell me that the memory I have should do fine to put my mind at ease?

 

[mad-dog]

Anyone? Can someone at least tell me that the memory I have should do fine to put my mind at ease?

My short-term memory went to pot.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste and vice-versa.
Of all the things I've lost, it's my mind i miss the most.

Hypothetical situation-(In a Nut-Shell)
You have a 2.6GHz CPU with a calculated FSB speed of 800MHz, the RAM should run as fast as the FSB so 800MHz RAM would work fine, I'm not going to go into the different ways you can OC but if you increase the FSB then the RAM should be able to keep up.

Folding@Home

 

[Mousemonkey]

[:mousemonkey:4] My bad, I misread the 2x2GB part.

 

[ausch30]

The only one a Newegg with cas4 timing is Mushkin and although I like Mushkin and I'm using them in my current system it is absolutely not worth $530.

I have never used G.Skill but I've read good things and the reviews look pretty good so I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[Guest]

Yeah I saw that Mushkin and thought the same.

I believe I'll be using a FSB of 333 and the multiplier of 9 which makes me think DDR2-800 memory should be more than enough to handle this operation. I'm a first time OCer so I'd rather not have to OC the ram to keep up.

 

[homerdog]

If I were you I'd use an FSB of 400 and a x8 multiplier. If you're only going to do an FSB of 333 then all you need is DDR2-667, assuming you want a 1:1 ratio. Good luck.

 

[Guest]

That would take me to 3.2 Ghz. I am using the Antec Nine Hundred case and a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme. But I'm still concerned that 3.2 Ghz on a quad core would run too hot. Or am I just being a worrier? With that case and cooler is it feasible to run a Q6600 stable at 3.2 Ghz?

 

[homerdog]

From what I've read the G0 stepping should be able to go that high, but if not you could even drop the multiplier down to 7 and have perfectly acceptable performance at 2.8GHz. Your original plan of 333x9 isn't bad, I'm just saying that if you do that then all you need is DDR2-667.

 

[authoratah]

Dispel a myth for me here: Does overclocking have any detrimental effects on a system?

 

[ausch30]

Yes it does. Overclocking or more specifically heat and voltage will shorten the life expectancy of your components. I have a computer sitting in a closet that has a P2 333 in it and it runs great because it's never been overclocked but exactly how useful is a P2 333 today. Overclocking won't kill your components in a year or two it will more likely change it from about 15 years to 10 years and by that time your more than likely to upgrade anyway.

 

[Guest]

There isn't any problem running DDR2-800 memory at 333 Mhz though is there?

 

[ausch30]

Why would you keep a p2-33?

It's for my girlfriend so she can play Freecell and to keep her off mine.

 

[Guest]

Anyone able to answer my question?

 

[ausch30]

No there isn't any problem with that in fact you should be able to tighten the timings while running at 333. My memory is rated for 4-4-3-10 2t at 800 and 3-3-3-3-8 1t at 667 so you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[aggiestudd07]

I have the following memory from OCZ and overclocked to 3.21 GHZ on the Q6600. Check out my sig

Cheap, fast and amazing
OCZ 2GB (2X1GB) DDR2 1066: OCZ2N10662GK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227178

_________Gaming Rig__________
C2Q Q6600 (2.4GHz) @ 3.21GHz & 1.328Vcore
eVGA 680i SLI (A1 Version)
OCZ 2GB DDR2 1066MHz @ 1426MHz 5-5-5-15 2T
eVGA 8800GTX
OCZ GameXStream 600W
RaptorX 150, Seagate 320 SATA PR
XP Pro 32-Bit
Razer Barracuda AC-1 + Barracuda HP-1
Logitech Z-5500
Thermaltake Shark Full ATX
Zalman 9500
Olevia 27" LCD HDTV