First Overclock - RAM advice please

[Viper9201]

So i've finally seen the light, and have decided to build my own PC. I've spent the weekend researching everything, and feel reasonably confident about it all. I just have one question at the moment, what is a safe frequency for Crucial XMS2 memory? I want to overclock my system, and would love a 1:1 ratio for my RAM, so what is the maximum, safe FSB speed?

Thanks a load guys, you might be hearing from me a lot more as I actually begin to OC

 

[Viper9201]

Have tried to edit the above post, but its not playing along...

So, one other question, what would you say the highest safe voltage is for an E8400? Bearing in mind, i'm only looking for a moderate OC to get the most out of my system, not simply to build it as fast as I can, so would prefer to have a voltage that won't do damage to the CPU.

 

[Viper9201]

OK, I keep thinking of more questions, sorry

Which RAM would you say is better, Corsair XMS2 with 4-4-4-12 and EPP or XMS2DHX 5-5-5-18?? Both are twin 1Gb DDR2 PC6400, and cost nearly exactly the same.

 

[Evilonigiri]

So i've finally seen the light, and have decided to build my own PC. I've spent the weekend researching everything, and feel reasonably confident about it all. I just have one question at the moment, what is a safe frequency for Crucial XMS2 memory? I want to overclock my system, and would love a 1:1 ratio for my RAM, so what is the maximum, safe FSB speed?

Thanks a load guys, you might be hearing from me a lot more as I actually begin to OC

Your ram is safe at speeds in which you do not go over the specified voltage. Also, don't let the ram get too hot, which you shouldn't worry too much if you have adequate cooling.

As for the max safe fsb speeds, that depends entirely on you. Technically, anything over the motherboard's maximum specified fsb is not safe.

 

[Evilonigiri]

Have tried to edit the above post, but its not playing along...

So, one other question, what would you say the highest safe voltage is for an E8400? Bearing in mind, i'm only looking for a moderate OC to get the most out of my system, not simply to build it as fast as I can, so would prefer to have a voltage that won't do damage to the CPU.

Stay within the recommended specs from Intel. If you're looking for a moderate OC, around 1.35v should be fine.

 

[Viper9201]

Thats awesome, thanks bud.

 

[bildo123]

Your ram is safe at speeds in which you do not go over the specified voltage. Also, don't let the ram get too hot, which you shouldn't worry too much if you have adequate cooling.

As for the max safe fsb speeds, that depends entirely on you. Technically, anything over the motherboard's maximum specified fsb is not safe.

E.G. My DS3L says rated for 1333FSB meaning....If I go over 1333FSB total according to cpu-z I run a higher risk of instability?

I think this hold true because when I tried to run 8x400 to get my E2180 to 3.2Ghz my total FSB was 1600Mhz, and I didn't last very long in windows, yet when I did 9x320 (1280Mhz FSB) it ran prime FFT stable for 6 hours I believe. But this was at the very voltage limit of 1.504V in CPU-Z idle, when in load it dropped slightly below 1.5 I think it was 1.474V because my load drop is .03V

Also will the MUCH voltage control finally be a useful option if I try such a high FSB like 400Mhz and I know its proven that there really is no noticeable difference with higher FSB? But with 400FSb I could run my RAM at 1:1 which again I hear is another non-noticeable difference compared to the alternative.

 

[Mondoman]

You can also run your RAM at 1:1 with slower FSBs speeds... For example, when you run your FSB at 320MHz, run your RAM at DDR2-640.