I bought an E8400 with the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L. I increased the bus speed to 378 from 333 with the 9x multiplier, and it gave me an overclock to 3.4Ghz. My question is about the RAM. The memory I'm using is brand new Dell certified RAM I purchased for an XPS system I month ago. However, upon discovering the Dell mobo did not support the C2D processors, I decided to build a new system and therefore am using it in this new build. Now the RAM itself is rated DDR2 667MHz. CPU-Z is showing the timings as 5/6/6/18. Additionally, when the system boots up, its showing 756MHz not 667 anymore for the RAM. CPUZ shows DRAM at 378. Is this SAFE or should I use better RAM?
I'm using the stock HSF. This is my first build, and I did not want to get too much into my plate by trying a fancy HSF and applying different thermal paste. I did however throw in a tube of Arctic Silver 5 with my purchase, so when the time comes I can get a different HSF and use it with this paste.
What is a safe overclock with the stock HSF? 3.6GHz for the e8400, correct? OR should I not mess with that?
Message edited by nforce256 on 02-09-2008 at 02:40:18 AM
From the reviews I read the E8400 stock HSF should not be trusted. I heard it is a total piece of crap. Just splurge ~$25 and get an Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro 7. That should allow you to OC pretty high.
Your ram running at 756MHz makes sense because 378 x 2 = 756MHz. As for it being dangerous or not, this depends on the quality of the ram and the amount of air flow in your case. If your system is running well, I see no point in worrying too much. Ram is dirt cheap these days, so you can buy better ram if you want.
As for your OC, I think it might be able to handle 3.6GHz, but just remember to watch your temps.
------------------------------"Nvidia, the Way It's Meant to be PAID Played! - Corrado
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Reply to Evilonigiri
hehe purchased myself a E8400 and my GA-P35-DS3L is on it's way.
I was hoping for an GA-EX38-DS4 but unfortunately they are not on sale where I live.
I am curious if these two coupled with a pair of Kingston DDR2 667 is overclockable since 533/667 is what it says on their box.
my question: could I overclock my system or should I get new RAM to even dream that?
Thanks in advance.
PS: Cooling and fueling is not a problem as I have a Zalman 9500 and Antec 500W HE. How far could I push the overclock without risk?
Message edited by Black Hades on 03-05-2008 at 02:10:00 PM
Seems like you've got one of the E8400 with a faulty sensor. Unless the room you have your system in is less than 15C, the cpu temps can not be 15C air-cooled.
------------------------------"Nvidia, the Way It's Meant to be PAID Played! - Corrado
*Lesbian Lover Club* - founder Assman
Reply to Evilonigiri
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