Higher overclock vs higher ddr?

[Tzzird]

The highest I can overclock at default voltage is 2.29 (143FSB) However, this is using the lower memory settings. I believe the 2 options are 2.00 and 2.66. Using the 2.66 setting, I can not boot at 143FSB.

1) Is this my memory's problem here?
2) Am I better off running at 136FSB with 362 DDR or 143FSB with 280DDR?

 

[BuddyAtBzboyz]

you are probably better off with the higher ram speed and lower fsb. However you may be able to get that ram stable with some ramsinks. But don't trust me on which is faster try benchmarking it, as that is the best way to find out.

 

[CrazySaint]

Originally posted by: Tzzird
The highest I can overclock at default voltage is 2.29 (143FSB) However, this is using the lower memory settings. I believe the 2 options are 2.00 and 2.66. Using the 2.66 setting, I can not boot at 143FSB.

1) Is this my memory's problem here?
2) Am I better off running at 136FSB with 362 DDR or 143FSB with 280DDR?

That Crucial PC2100 is holding you back, but if you haven't already try upping your memory voltage to 2.6v. If it still won't go any higher, then do like Buddy suggested and just benchmark your computer at both settings, and see which is faster. Also make sure you can run Prime95 for at least an hour with no errors.

 

[Duvie]

I have done some pretty extensive study of this....

It depends on certaion apps as whether it is better to run high fsb and overall clock or higher memory mhz...Some systems show no difference with higher memory even at same overall speed. Those apps are usually not bandwidth limited.

I have tested my system and what I found in my divx encoding apps I run as predominant function...

1.6@2.640ghz (165fsb) w/ 440mhz ddr cas 2.5,6,3,3 = 1.6@2.704ghz (169fsb) w/ 338mhz ddr cas 2,6,2,2....

I decided to stick with 1.6@2.736ghz with 342mhz ddr cas 2,6,2,2 because it was faster by about 3-4 percent...

I think the cas 2.5 really limits me even at the 440mhz ddr and 3340's in sandra...that 28% increase in sandra scores does not materialize itself in any program I have ran....even if ran at same overall clockspeed.

 

[Mikki]

Excellent info, Duvie.

 

[Tzzird]

1. How do I know what my default memory voltage is? When I look in the BIOS, it does not list what my "DIMM voltage" is but allows me to increase it by +1-3.

2. Also, when you say cas 2, 6, 2, 2... I *think* you're referring to the memory timings. How do I change this? If not through the BIOS (which I can not find) is there any other way?

3. If memory is my ultimate problem in making this rig run faster, what kind of memory should i be looking for? PC 2700?

Thanks as always!

 

[BuddyAtBzboyz]

1) I don't know if you can't find it in the bios
2) You should be able to set it in the bios usually under advanced memory timings or some such
3) Get the fastest memory you can pc 2700 should be fine but you could go with pc 3300 if you want though you may not take full advantage of it, it won't hurt.