e6420 OC vs e6600?

[gramboh]

I just built the system in my sig at the end of March. I have to check what batch my CPU is, but I think it's from the 'crappy' recent batch (G or F or something), I'll update this post with it.

Anyway, I can get the system stable at 3.4GHz but it takes 1.5V in bios (1.45-1.47 actual). I'm currently running at 3.2GHz with 1.35V actual and it's 100% stable (I'm lowering all the voltages one step at a time to see how low I can get them at 3.2). I figure I can probably get somewhere in between 3.2 and 3.4 stable with lower voltages but even at 3.2 it's fast enough, so I'll likely run it there.

I recommend the Ultra 120 or Ultra 120 Extreme for a heatsink. I have only built one other PC myself, and this thing was relatively easy to put on the CPU. I've read that mounting the Tuniq can be a challenge. The Ultra 120 comes with spring loaded screws so you can't under/over tighten it.

My temps are roughly 34-36idle and 51 gaming load, 56-60 Orthos small FFT/blend load. This is with a Scythe SFF21E (1200rpm) fan on the Ultra 120, in a P182B case with the two exhaust fans on low.

My advice is get the E6600 and learn to OC with it. Even the recent batches will probably have a 99% of hitting over 3GHz. OC'ing a C2D is pretty easy once you understand the varaibles (FSB, multiplier, memory bus speed, memory divider, voltages that's all that really matters).

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: Golgatha

Originally posted by: Shimmishim

Originally posted by: lostguy28

Maybe I am being a little too aggresive, but I am hoping to hit 3.4-3.6 with my 6420

i think it should be doable.

it appears they are hitting 3.4 to 3.6 with a moderate voltage increase.

i'd pick a new 6420 over a 6600.

but as someone else said, i'd pick an old 6600 over 6420 anyday.

I'm going to bring it down to earth and say that all of the aforementioned CPUs should do 3.0Ghz+ fairly easily and at 3.0Ghz my E6600 is a speed demon. I can get about 3.4Ghz stable out of my E6600, but I figure why push the limits of my system when 3.0Ghz is stupid fast to begin with? You'll be extremely happy with any of these CPUs at stock and any OCing is just icing on the cake.

ummmm now if you failed to read the tons of previous posts that states the new E6600 are having problems climbing past 3.3-3.4 why would you risk gambling for one when a 6420 is cheaper, can do the same ghz, also has a higher possibility to climb higher?


if you think your E6600 is a speed demon at 3.0ghz.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p73/aigomorla/3-1.jpg

What do you call mine? which only watercooled overclocked quad cores seem to be able to beat at this moment on this forum? in XS my CPU gets stomped.

 

[igloo15]

I have decided to get the e6420 and with the extra cash get a good HSU. The problem is that I can't figure find any reviews of them. I am leaning towards a Zalman 9500 with that should i be able to get 3ghz out of my e6420.

 

[iluvdeal]

Boxed E6600 is $199.99 shipped at Frys.com right now. Does that change your mind any?

 

[igloo15]

YES ordered!

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: iluvdeal
Boxed E6600 is $199.99 shipped at Frys.com right now. Does that change your mind any?

WOW.... thats about 100 dollars cheaper then i paid for my OEM.


But as i said, the overclocking performance on these guys arent as great as they used to be.


But since your overclock isnt high, i guess it will be alright.

However, im kinda bum'd on my chips performance and might jump quad. I know 3.75 is excellent, however, i had my hearts set on 3.8ghz.

Anyhow i just hope the Quad will do 3.6ghz with acceptable temps on load for all 4 cores.

 

[igloo15]

ok Question using the Zalman 9500 will I be able to get 3.2 ghz out of my e6600 without voltage increase

 

[Skott]

Originally posted by: igloo15
ok Question using the Zalman 9500 will I be able to get 3.2 ghz out of my e6600 without voltage increase

I doubt it. Usually once you get to 3GHz on the chip it needs a volt increase. Check the Official DS3 thread for what others are doing to get 3.2.

 

[five4o]

Look what I just ordered at newegg

e6600
Gigabyte P965-ds3
Corsair DDR2 6400c4
Antec 650w psu

Will probably get delivered by Friday (this is why I love to order from newegg)
I went with the 6600 over the 6420 because I'm a noob at OC'ing and wanted a safety net just in case.

Gonna be following this guide http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1169366 wish me luck.

 

[imported_lostguy28]

keep us posted. I am waiting for the new DFI board to come in stock....if it ever will

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: 1ManArmY

Originally posted by: Shimmishim

Originally posted by: lostguy28

Maybe I am being a little too aggresive, but I am hoping to hit 3.4-3.6 with my 6420

i think it should be doable.

it appears they are hitting 3.4 to 3.6 with a moderate voltage increase.

i'd pick a new 6420 over a 6600.

but as someone else said, i'd pick an old 6600 over 6420 anyday.

why would you pick an old 6600 over a new 6420? Can you even find an old 6600? how are they identified as old?

when you take a look at the chip, you'll see a series of numbers:

L631B121 was my chips designation.

The B is a letter you should be looking for. From my knowledge all the B's do 3.6ghz @ 1.425+ V

the 2 numbers b4 that is week. The lower the number, the closer to the pinicles you get. I think the week 06B ones do 4ghz. :T


But GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD luck getting an Old B. Even mine is considered a old batch now. :T

and you guys know what my chip can do at max. :T Its actually on the lower middle tier of older B's

 

[troutinator]

Originally posted by: iluvdeal
Boxed E6600 is $199.99 shipped at Frys.com right now. Does that change your mind any?

that didn't last long, I just check Frys.com and the E6600 was $302 and the E6400 was $223 they must have made a pricing mistake or something.

 

[1ManArmY]

Originally posted by: troutinator

Originally posted by: iluvdeal
Boxed E6600 is $199.99 shipped at Frys.com right now. Does that change your mind any?

that didn't last long, I just check Frys.com and the E6600 was $302 and the E6400 was $223 they must have made a pricing mistake or something.

either that or not adhering to the recent price drops

 

[five4o]

Woohoo

This is my 1st notable over clocking adventure.
Got my e6600 running 434x7 @ 3038 MHz Vcore 1.375
28°C Idle and 48°C load
I think I can get it higher but I was getting sleepy.
Will give a go this evening or this weekend when I have more time to play.

 

[The-Noid]

B takes a higher drive so it will run hotter. Many B chips are not great. All C2D clock about the same as Intel tweaks the drive before they go out.