400MHz RAM == max 400MHz?

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Rask

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Aug 15, 2004
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www.rdegree.net
I have some 800MHz DDR2 RAM (dual-rate of 2x400MHz) in my PC. Does this mean my CPU FSB overclock shouldn't go over 400MHz or can the RAM be overclocked in the same fashion?

I was stressing my 425MHz FSB with Prime95 when I headed out, but it seems my PC had restarted itself while I was out (Prime95 was nowhere to be seen and the results simply show passes after passes). This got me thinking whether my RAM made the computer fail or something.

Is the MHz rating on RAM an absolute maximum number the memory can operate in?

If it is, is it better to switch the sticks to another 2 gigs of faster RAM or should I jump straight to 4 gigs of faster RAM?

If not, what should I take into account if I'm overclocking RAM?

I bought some CPU cooling and I'm wondering how far I can go with this but my RAM might not like it. Right now I'm on 400MHz FSB so it certainly stays stable.
 

Deathmaker

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Mar 29, 2001
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You can overclock your cpu/memory asynchronously by using dividers, which often includes dropping the cpu multiplier.

The rating on the ram is what the manufacturers guarantee the stuff to run at, but that's not saying it won't run faster with looser timings or a voltage bump. For example, I have some DDR3 in this rig that is rated at 1600 Mhz with 7-7-7-24 timings @ 1.5-1.6v, it will clock to 2000MHz with the timings slackened off to 9-9-9-27 and the voltage at 1.65v

Adding two more sticks of ram will often lead to incompatibilities, even using the same brand/spec from different batches can make some mobo's throw a hissy fit. It's often easier to dump your old stuff on Ebay & pick up a higher capacity "kit".

How far can you go with overclocking? It's mostly luck of the draw & knowledge, so hit up Google for some guides.

PS. It'd help if you listed your system specs.
 

Rask

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Aug 15, 2004
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I'd go as far as I can. I've heard people clock their 2.6 GHz E6750 over 4GHz with proper cooling. I'm fine with under 4GHz. I somewhat know the limits on voltage and heat of this one. I'm planning on getting max perfomance from this with max temperatures of 65 celsius under load (Intel says 72 celsius is the maximum for this CPU).

Running with Abit IP35-Pro motherboard, Intel C2D E6750 and 2 gigs of Kingston PC6400 DDR2 RAM. My GPU is at repairs but its a XFX factory clocked 8800GT.

Right now I'm getting money to grab a DDR2 2x2GB kit with better speeds.

Thanks for the reply, I'll try something. :)
 

Rask

New Member
Aug 15, 2004
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Are the Corsair 1066MHz XMS2 2x2 series any good? Or should I try some Kingston HyperX with same latencies (5-5-5-15)? Other suggestions welcome too. :)