need advice abaut overclocking

[Anarin]

i'm changing my current configuration for better and i need advice from more expirienced overclocker.
-changing my processor from core2duo e6750 to e8400
-changing my memory from kingston ddr2 800 to (need suggestion ddr1066)
-changing my graph. from asus 8800gts 320 mb to 8800gts 512 mb
old stuff i keep
-motherboard is gigabyte p35 DS4 rev 1.0
-hdd 400 gb WD and dvd
-soundblaster audigy 2 ZS
i have watercoling nautilus 500 and core2duo e6750 work on 3.6 ghz without voltage increase. It have full load temperature of 50 C, i cannot overclock it more cause memory. So i think to buy 1066 memory kingston hyperX or Geil 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 1066MHz Black Dragon Evo One (or what do you suggest?) so when i increase FSB memory don't go out of range (FSB x 2 = memory clock speed)

questions:
-i read that 8400 when overclocked can go approx to 520 fsb which will give me memory speed 1040, so will i get some benefit if i spend more money for better memory ?
-how much is save to increase voltage for 8400 (is 1.640 too much?)
-what is best to buy for graphics - asus, gainward, gigabyte? I cannot find anywhere test comparing asus vs. gigabyte etc.
and most importand will be my chieftec 400w be able to sustain all this or i need better PSU unit?

if you have any other important advice you can e mail me to free@energogas.co.yu

thanks in advance,
Slobodan

 

[nzxtlexa]

Hi slobodan,

Both of these RAM's are good but also have a look at the Crucial Ballistix 1066.

As for you questions:

1. Yes, the E8400 is probably capable of reaching 520fsb but that doesn't mean that you will definetely get to 520fsb with your motherboard, meaning that the upgrade may not be worth it. If I was you I would hang on to your current Kingston DDR2 800 and see how much you can overclock the E8400 with that setup. If you think you may benefit from DDR2 1066 after that then you can always get some.

2. For day to day use, it is recommended that you don't go past 1.5v vcore.

3. Personally I would avoid Asus GPU's and would go with either BFG tech (640mb), Evga or XFX. Gigabyte are also not bad.

4. If I was you I would definetely upgrade your PSU to at least 550w. The 8800GTS is listed as needing a 400w PSU MINIMUM. Seeing as you are going to be running quite a powerful system I would recommend getting more. Its good security for the future as well.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[Anarin]

i don't understand why you thing BFG 640 mb will be better than this new 8800 gts with 512 mb? Explain plz.

One more strange thing need explanation : i currently have e6750 overclocked to 3.6 ghz and it have temp 40 - same temp when i don't clock him. I test using Core temp and motherboard.

 

[Evilonigiri]

i don't understand why you thing BFG 640 mb will be better than this new 8800 gts with 512 mb? Explain plz.

One more strange thing need explanation : i currently have e6750 overclocked to 3.6 ghz and it have temp 40 - same temp when i don't clock him. I test using Core temp and motherboard.

The 8800GTS 512MB is much better than the older 8800GTS 640MB. He is mistaken.

As for your temp question, there could have been a ambient temperature difference.

 

[Mondoman]

...
-how much is save to increase voltage for 8400 (is 1.640 too much?)
...

The e8400 uses the new 45nm process, so it can't handle as high a voltage as the e6xxx CPUs. The max VID for the e8400 is 1.3625V. The "absolute max" voltage for the e8400 is only 1.45V. Here's what Intel says about the "absolute maximum" voltage:

At conditions exceeding absolute maximum and minimum ratings, neither functionality
nor long-term reliability can be expected. Moreover, if a device is subjected to these
conditions for any length of time then, when returned to conditions within the
functional operating condition limits, it will either not function, or its reliability will be
severely degraded.

Also, it seems pointless to me to replace an 8800gts 320MB with an 8800gts 640MB. Why not wait six months for a substantially more powerful card for a similar price?

 

[Anarin]

The e8400 uses the new 45nm process, so it can't handle as high a voltage as the e6xxx CPUs. The max VID for the e8400 is 1.3625V. The "absolute max" voltage for the e8400 is only 1.45V. Here's what Intel says about the "absolute maximum" voltage:

At conditions exceeding absolute maximum and minimum ratings, neither functionality
nor long-term reliability can be expected. Moreover, if a device is subjected to these
conditions for any length of time then, when returned to conditions within the
functional operating condition limits, it will either not function, or its reliability will be
severely degraded.

Also, it seems pointless to me to replace an 8800gts 320MB with an 8800gts 640MB. Why not wait six months for a substantially more powerful card for a similar price?

cause i pay only difference between price of 8800 gts 320 mb and 512 mb which is 30eu

 

[Mondoman]

It's nice that you only pay the difference! In any case, the performance boost is minimal, so I'd spend even 30Eu elsewhere.

 

[Anarin]

It's nice that you only pay the difference! In any case, the performance boost is minimal, so I'd spend even 30Eu elsewhere.

what do you suggest? Memory? In Serbia we have limited choice so give me few suggestions

 

[nzxtlexa]

Answers to your 2 questions:

1) The reason I recommended the 640mb is because I didn't realise that BFG make a 512mb so sorry about that. The 512mb from BFG will be very good.

2) I think you'll find that there is a small temperature difference between your OC'd and not OC'd E6750 but the reason you don't appear to have a temp difference is because you are still running stock voltages. The reason you usually get a temp difference is from increasing voltages.