RAM or CPU limiting overclock?

[foges]

Im in the process of upgrading different components. Currently i have an amd 3500+ (130nm core) and i cant get overclocks over app. 2.38 GHz (original frequency is 2.2 GHz) without the computer crashing, and right now the temps go up to 60-61 Centigrade, which i beleive is too much (im using a zallman CNPS7000B-Cu).

My ram is however prety crappy as well. I have two gigs of it. It is kingston value ram PC400 CL3, is this very limiting in overclocking?

Now as im upgrading im hoping to get more overclocking capabilites out of my upgrade. what do you guys suggest i invest in? A new cpu like the 3800+ (90nm), should i go dual core (i dont really know why i would need it). Or will better ram improve everything?

Im planning on getting water cooling, but it might take a couple of months.

So what do you guys suggest?

 

[IEC]

1. Your temps are way too high, should be 40-50C centigrade at full tilt with the Zalman. I would suggest re-applying thermal paste in a thin layer.
2. Your processor is a clawhammer core (130nm)... they don't OC nearly as well as Winchester/Venice/San Diego cores
3. RAM doesn't matter if you use a divider
4. Right now, if you're looking for best performance a Conroe E6300/6400 + i965(P)-based motherboard are your best bet.

 

[foges]

Yeah i know my temps are too high, im kinda surpised they are that high though. Its not especially warm in my room.
The processor actually has a newcastle core, but basically the same thing, which is why i want to get a venice/san diego for overclocking
When does ram matter?
Id prefer to stick to AMD, im fanboy, their prices are getting prety cheap too. What amd would compare to an E6300??

 

[Philippine Mango]

I think the OP would be better off getting a dual core solution, but first thing you should do is figure out why your temps are so high. Reseat the HSF, make sure that there isn't anything inbetween the HSF and the processor besides thermal paste, and when you place the HSF on, be sure to 'twist' it before locking it in place. Don't use too much thermal paste.

Once you get your temps to be lower, then upgrade to a dual core solution and then get water cooling. Ignore others who tell you to just upgrade to conroe, with that logic, everytime you get funds for watercooling and you just 'upgrade your system', you'll never get the watercooling solution you wanted. But if you get it now or before you next system upgrade, you'll only have to upgrade the HSF next system upgrade.

 

[foges]

Why would you suggest dual core? do you think many future applications are going to be dual core? in which case is the x2 3800+ sufficient?

Ill deff check my hsf and paste.

PS: is it better to have a case fan as air intake at the front or air exhaust at the back?
OT: do i need a 24 pin power plug for the mobo if it has a pci-express graphics card or will the 20 pin one do?

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: foges
Why would you suggest dual core? do you think many future applications are going to be dual core? in which case is the x2 3800+ sufficient?

Ill deff check my hsf and paste.

PS: is it better to have a case fan as air intake at the front or air exhaust at the back?
OT: do i need a 24 pin power plug for the mobo if it has a pci-express graphics card or will the 20 pin one do?

If the board asks for a 24 pin power plug, I suggest you have a PSU that supports a 24pin motherboard. Try running with the case door off as that may help..

Front is intake and back is exhaust.

You want a dual core as newer applications will take advantage of it for sure. Also you want to buy it before the supplies dry up on the processors.

 

[foges]

sry, i guess i didnt formulate the question propperly: is it better to have an intake or an exhaust fan in the case?

why will the supplies dry up on the processors? it would seem to me that they would just get cheaper and cheaper as time goes by and dual core isnt that special any more. or not??

 

[IEC]

Originally posted by: foges
Why would you suggest dual core? do you think many future applications are going to be dual core? in which case is the x2 3800+ sufficient?

Ill deff check my hsf and paste.

PS: is it better to have a case fan as air intake at the front or air exhaust at the back?
OT: do i need a 24 pin power plug for the mobo if it has a pci-express graphics card or will the 20 pin one do?

Front intake, rear exhaust - most ATX cases are designed that way.
24 pin is good, but not necessary if you have a good 20 pin PSU

What Philippine Mango is referring to is s939 X2's going out of production. Personally I think for a budget upgrade a s939 X2 is a good choice. If you think you'll need more power though, go Conroe. Watercooling isn't necessary unless you're thinking of extreme OCing. High-end air-cooling is generally cheaper and performs just as well, if not better than mid-range WC setups.

 

[foges]

ok ill phrase my question like this (i must be getting tired): If in your case you have one exhaust and one intake whole, but only one fan. Would you then use the fan as an intake fan or as an exhaust fan?

why is the x2 going out of production, wouldnt that signal that they are coming with something new and i should wait for an upgrade?

 

[bluestrobe]

Originally posted by: foges
ok ill phrase my question like this (i must be getting tired): If in your case you have one exhaust and one intake whole, but only one fan. Would you then use the fan as an intake fan or as an exhaust fan?

If your psu fan is working correctly then you already have an exuast fan. I would stick the one fan as an intake fan and order some more fans. They are super cheap and will save your electronics. This should have been something you considered before OC'in, lesson learned.

Originally posted by: fogeswhy is the x2 going out of production, wouldnt that signal that they are coming with something new and i should wait for an upgrade?

Waiting to upgrade is something I avoid. Buy current and save yourself the big bucks unless you got money to burn and little patience.

 

[foges]

I actually have multiple fans, it just makes everything so loud that its annoying, i guess i should be investing in quieter ones.

 

[Philippine Mango]

If you get fans, you should get 120mm fans as they can push more air while moving slower. I suggest you get the Silverstone 9 blade fan, 120MM. This fan is absolutely fantastic, it moves a LOT of air at full speed and at slower speeds, it's very quiet and still moves much more air than other brands I've used. You can find them at frys or newegg. You'd want watercooling for a quieter system and better overclocking performance.