How does overclocking memory work?

[computernewbie]

So, title explains what i need explaining.

Gonna get an Asus P6T Deluxe V2 MB, and it supports 1333 Mhz of memory, it also supports higher memory but that needs to be OC'd, do you buy 1333 mhz memory and then OC it from there, or like 1600 mhz memory and the MB will naturally OC to it?

Also what type of 1333 memory would someone recommend? Low CAS latency, good stability, low voltages, things like that, a reliable memory, anyone?

 

[jitpublisher]

Memory does not overclock well, at all. They pretty much sell it for what it will run without errors.
What you do is buy 1600mhz memory. Your BIOS will most likely detect it as 1333. You then enter the BIOS and set voltage, and the timings, and the buss speed manually for 1600.
Some BIOS's might detect and set the speed to 1600, but most will not. Kind of the same thing with 1066 DDR2 memory. Most BIOS's will only detect and set for 800mhz speeds, and you have to set the 1066 up manually.

You got the rest pegged. You are looking at all the right things. Low latency, with low voltages, is a good start. For memory to run fast, at low voltages, that is probably one of the biggest measures of a quality product. Remember also, that buss speed is not nearly as important as latency. 1333 memory that has latencies of say 6-7, would be a better choice than 1600mhz memory with latencies of 8 or 9.

 

[computernewbie]

You mentioned it doesent overclock well, does that mean at all? I though you could get 1333 memory with a CAS latency of 6 and boost that up, to get memory even better