Noob Overclock Memory Question

[Srotten]

I'm planning to overclock a new system build, so I'm experimenting on my ol P4 3.0GHz.

I've read most of the posts and am starting to understand the basics, but still have a way to go to reach any level of compentency.

My question, I'm running Corsair 3200 memory 3-3-3-8 and it is rated at 200MHz. In my bio setting I'm overclocking FSB at 10% (220), is it ok to overclock the memory to a DRAM Frequency of 220, or do I need to keep it under 200 ABSOLUTE? I've set it both ways with a 1:1 which obviously is a 220 Freq. and I also have it at 5:4 with a DRAM Freq. of 176?

Also on the auto overclock setting it gave me 4-4-4-8 figures so I manually changed them to match the RAM... I'm assuming that is what you are supposed to do right? Also, what is the max voltage I can safely give the CPU... I've been bumping it up slowly until I get PRIME Stable, which I havent reached yet.

Any help is much appreciated. I got these numbers from CPU-Z and am currently running Prime95 to see how stable it is.

Thanks,

 

[toadeater]

You can use whatever timings work at the speed you're using. If 3-3-3-8 is stable, that's better than 4-4-4-8. But when 3-3-3-8 fails, loosen the timings and you should be able to get a few more MHz out of the CPU--if the CPU isn't what's holding back the overclock. To find the maximum overclock, you have to isolate what's limiting the OC, if it's the CPU, RAM, or motherboard, etc.

Google some P4 overclocks, or overclocks with your motherboard and take a look at the settings people use to get a rough estimate of what to aim for.

 

[Srotten]

Thanks,

What about the memory 200MHz deal. Should you NEVER exceed that, or is 220MHz ok? That is my big question.

-Mark

 

[Idontcare]

Originally posted by: Srotten
Thanks,

What about the memory 200MHz deal. Should you NEVER exceed that, or is 220MHz ok? That is my big question.

-Mark

You'll get a lot more help if you post this thread in the Memory and Storage forum.

As for 200 vs. 220...keeping toadeater's comments in mind regarding latency you can increase the operating frequency of the memory (to a certain extent, as with all overclocking) however it may require additional voltage to the DIMM's, possibly additional cooling (case fan zip-tied to the ram), and don't be surprised if you must "loosen" the timings (i.e. increase the numbers, thus increasing the clock-based latency) as you attempt to increase the operating frequency.