how much more performance will 500Mhz get me?

[bushwickbill]

So I have made some calls to my computer store about purchasing more ram(Kingston Value 1 Gb DDR 2 667Mhz) and maybe a aftermarket cooler. But is it worth it? With my current setup I have no problem getting my CPU up to 2.7Ghz with very low temps 55-60(While Gaming). I am unable to go any higher because my 1 Gb stick of DDR 2 533Mhz is holding me back. I would like to know how much more performance in games will I see by overclocking my cpu to 3.1-3.2Ghz?? At stock 2.13Ghz ,I get around 8500 points on 3DMark06. At 2.7Ghz and Gpu overclocked I can get 10575 points. So my question is a rewards vs risk to get up to 3.2Ghz. I am asking, if I only use that speed(3.1-3.2Ghz) for very demanding Gaming like Crysis etc, what kind of improvements will I see with the added 500Mhz from my CPU? And how much am I going to be shaving off my CPU's and Rams lifespan from added volts/Heat and punishment from this type of abuse? I plan on keeping my CPU/GPU till late next year or so. At that time I will be building a new Rig. Will running it at those speeds while gaming really damage my chip? I am sure Kingston Value DDR2 667Mhz Ram should have no problem reaching 800Mhz(Right?!?). 800*4-3.2Ghz. Realisticly how much of a gain will I get:} Thanx again guys

 

[SerpentRoyal]

You can get the HP/Crucial 1.8V DDR2 667 stuffs for $15 AR/GB. These will hit 400MHz with 2.0V and 5-5-5-15-2T timing. Check out hot deals forum. Bottle neck will be GPU unless you have a high-end video card.

 

[zach0624]

Well if you can reach it, yeah it will improve your perf. the faster ram will do nothing if you keep your slower ram in. Also get 2gb of 800 ram off of newegg or find some cheap on pricewatch, that way you will be guaranteed 3.2ghz by your ram instead of having to OC it at all. try checking your temps under an orthos load because 55-60 will probably increase to 60-65 in gaming at 3.2ghz and while playing a demanding game like crysis you will probably get near 70. If you load your cpu using orthos and check you temps in coretemp you can see what your cpu maxes at. If you get to 70 under orthos you should probably back off or get a better cooler for your cpu.