Quick question on conroe processors...

[galvelan]

Which steppings seem to be the best conroe overclockers? From what i see here it seems like the b2 stepping. The only thing is that the lower end processors are being limited by the FSB on motherboards due to lower multipliers. this chart is invaded and smeared otherwise with b2 steppings everywhere.

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1075792

Second question i keep hearing and reading about a difference in retail overclocking over oem overclocking with the retail having better results. Is that possible? I find it hard to believe.

 

[gobucks]

i think all the ones currently being sold are b2, so it really shouldn't be an issue. as for OEM v. retail, I would go for the retail just in case, since the price is pretty much the same and you get a better warranty (even though you technically void it by OCing lol). the cooler sucks, but you could always use it if you decide to put together some old parts into a little media center PC later on.

I bought a retail b2 e6400 and i guess my results are pretty typical. my max frequency at 1.45V is 3.24GHz, but with my zalman 7700 the heat is too much. had to lower it to 3.08GHz, 1.3875 to get load temps under 60C. if you buy an e6300 or e6400, definitely grab the gigabyte DS3 since it's the only way you'll hit FSB speeds high enough to get a good OC. if you buy an e6600 or higher, grab an asus p5w or something since they seem to OC better with 4MB conroes.

 

[Kango2020]

Originally posted by: galvelanSecond question i keep hearing and reading about a difference in retail overclocking over oem overclocking with the retail having better results. Is that possible? I find it hard to believe.

I don't believe there is any difference. I bought an OEM version (I had my own ideas about cooling). Bought the E6600 and OCed to 3.3GHz on stock Vcore. Temp was marginal so I am running 24/7 @3.1GHz. My temps are gradually dropping as the AS5 forms the best thermal seal. I will shoot for 3.4GHz to 3.6GHz when I have the time (next week, probably). And all this on AIR! I just can't believe there is any real difference in Retail/OEM performance.