Higher Memory Bandwidth or Higher CPU speed

[Kamui]

Ok computer gurus, I have this question for you.

Did anybody conduct an experience to test which condition, (1) Higher CPU speed or (2) Higher Memory Bus, provides the best performance?

Allow me to illustrate my question. I currently own a P4 1.8A with an Abit TH7II mobo. The current setup allows me to overclock the system to 2.4 at 533FSB (4x). I have tried increasing the FSB while running at 4X, but stability becomes a big issue. I also tried playing with the memory at 3X, and much to my surprise, the CPU was able to boot to much higher FSBs.

Which is more optimal? Running at 4X with a lower CPU speed or running at 3X with a higher CPU speed. And what is the break-even point? In other words, how much faster must the CPU at 3X be able to run in order to catch up or outperform the other setup at 4x?

Kamui

 

[AndyHui]

The Pentium 4 will eat bandwidth like there is no tomorrow.

I would keep with the lower CPU speed and have the higher RAM bandwidth.

 

[Kamui]

Thanks Andy (that was fast)

Anybody else here agree or disagree? Btw Andy, did anybody calculate the break-even point?

 

[jcmkk]

I agree with Andy, but the only way to really know is to benchmark the crap out of it with both configurations. Don't just rely on one benchmark. Use synthetic and real life benchmarks.