RAM and overclocking

[dawei]

I've been testing overclocking with my Q6600 QC; so far I've gotten it from 2.40 ghz to 2.80 without a problem, and a core voltage of 1.24. I was thinking about going to 3.0 ghz next.

Anyway I'm wondering if my ram, which isn't the greatest, will cause any problems, either by creating a bottleneck or overheating. It is 1 2GB stick of PC2-5300, 667mhz DDR2

I haven't changed the voltage on it or adjusted anything about it except for disabling memory remap, as I heard it's only useful above 3 gigs.

What you guys think?

 

[sneekypeet]

The only issue with the ram is its low MHz. The ram needs to be good overclocking stuff or it will cap your Overclock fast.

As it is now the FSB can only be 266 before you start working the ram into overclocked range!

 

[OzzmanFloyd120]

keep going, the ram will probably make it past 800MHZ if you loosen the timings enough. The 6600 on the other hand has at least 3.2 ghz in it. Keep going.

 

[dawei]

So I won't notice any difference going above 2.4 ghz with the ram I have now?

How fast does the ram need to be to OC to 3.0 ghz?

EDIT: how do i loosen the timing of the ram? I have a big fan on the ram btw, so I'm not too worried about it overheating...

 

[OzzmanFloyd120]

The settings will be under a BIOS option called "DRAM SETTINGS"

 

[dawei]

The settings will be under a BIOS option called "DRAM SETTINGS"

Okay, I found it. I'm in the BIOS now, I see DRAM frequency, which is currently on auto. It gives me a few options near 800, like 780 and 829...should i select one of those?

I see the timing now is 5-5-5-15. What do you think of that?

 

[dawei]

Hey I just checked CPU-z , it says my DRAM frequency is 388...the standard value for 667 would be 333 mhz wouldn't it?

Does that mean the 'auto' setting in the bios already overclocked it to keep up with the cpu OC? If so, is there anything else i should check ?

 

[pepsi71ocean]

Hey I just checked CPU-z , it says my DRAM frequency is 388...the standard value for 667 would be 333 mhz wouldn't it?

Does that mean the 'auto' setting in the bios already overclocked it to keep up with the cpu OC? If so, is there anything else i should check ?

auto under timings will adjust the timings automatially, and yes DDR2 667 is 333 ddr. so your running DDR2 776. not to bad. you can probability get to 800mhz maybe a little farther but that is about it.

 

[dawei]

auto under timings will adjust the timings automatially, and yes DDR2 667 is 333 ddr. so your running DDR2 776. not to bad. you can probability get to 800mhz maybe a little farther but that is about it.

Okay cool...anything else I need to tweak about the ram? Like the voltage or anything?

 

[pepsi71ocean]

Okay cool...anything else I need to tweak about the ram? Like the voltage or anything?

run mem-test and if you get errors then up your ram, unless your ram is also set on auto. becareful, feel your ram and make sure that it doesn't get to hot to the touch.

 

[dawei]

Hm. Well I pushed the CPU up to 3.2 ghz now, the ram is running at 443mhz.

I don't get it though. I mean I don't have any bench testing software, but according to realtemp, my temperatures dont seem any higher than they were when i was running at 2.6 ghz. I'm steady at about 53C with 100% load on all 4 cores.

It makes me think I'm not overclocking it right, or there is something that's keeping it from actually running at 3.2 even though cpu-z says that's what it's running at....

 

[pepsi71ocean]

download CPU Hardware monitor and OCCT, other programs like real temp and speed fan work also. I used Hardware monitor because it monitors voltages as well as temps. With a stock intel heat sink i would say 3.2Ghz is about pushing the reasonable temperature threshold.

I would recommend after market cooling if you wish to stay at 3.2Ghz or go higher.

 

[lollerskater69]

did you increase vcore at all?

 

[dawei]

did you increase vcore at all?

I have vcore at 1.28 right now.

Pepsi the thing is it doesn't seem like my overclocks are making a difference as far as heat. 53 C is a pretty safe temp at full load isn't it?

I am using an intel heat sink, but I also have an extra fan right next to it and no side cover on my case, so the fans are both taking air directly from the room rather than from the inside of the case. I don't know how much difference that should make...

 

[pepsi71ocean]

maybe you got a good Q6600. Cuz normally you should be pushing 70c for temps under full load. But hey it it is a good clocker then you should do good. But make sure you run programs like OCCT and make sure your overclock is stable before you go any higher.

Have you been doing CPU stability testing at all?

 

[Altered]

I don't get it though. I mean I don't have any bench testing software, but according to realtemp, my temperatures dont seem any higher than they were when i was running at 2.6 ghz. I'm steady at about 53C with 100% load on all 4 core

Get some now like pepsi71ocean said.

maybe you got a good Q6600. Cuz normally you should be pushing 70c for temps under full load. But hey it it is a good clocker then you should do good. But make sure you run programs like OCCT and make sure your overclock is stable before you go any higher.
Have you been doing CPU stability testing at all?

Prime95 and Memtest good software to test stability and 3DMark programs will give you scores to compare to see if your making it actually faster.