Specifically want to hit 3.2GHZ with a Core 2 DUO. Best way to do it?(best price/performance ratio)

[Hajpoj]

Going to work with P5W-DH

Now my options are as follows, I'm going to be using a zalman 9500 for cooling:

E6600 + DDR2 667(moderately OCd to 711) , FSB 355x9 = 3.2GHZ

E6600 + DDR2 800, FSB 400x8 = 3.2GHZ

E6400 + DDR2 800, FSB 400x8 = 3.2GHZ


Now My questioning is which setup here would get the best performance? Which is easiest to set up? Which one gives the biggest bang for the buck?(best price/performance ratio)


Now should I consider going for broke and Taking an E6600 + DDR2 800, FSB 400x9 = 3600?
Can I hit 3.6GHZ with my zalman 9500 air cooler?


Thank you for all the help!

 

[Jumpem]

My e6600 is at 3.6 easily.

 

[Hulk]

Check my signature.

I'm rock solid, 3.2 at Vcore 1.350.

Ran Prime95 for 8+ hours last night.

 

[ScrewFace]

I'm jealous of all your overclocks! I'm damn lucky to get my Athlon 64 4800+ to 2.7GHz!

 

[RussianSensation]

This is my setup:

CPU:
E6400 @ 3400mhz

Using this memory:
Corsair DDR2 2GB XMS2-5400, 675MHz - $179.99 = Running at 850mhz (see pic above) but overclocks to 1000mhz with 2.2V

Using this motherboard - replaced northbridge with Zalman one:
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 Revision 1 with Zalman Northbridge

Using this cooler:
BigTyphoon with Arctic Silver 3

I have the cpu at 1.35V and have not tried more overvolting.

Hope this helps. Remember that extra cache gives some advantage to E6600. Hopefully someone can point out whether 6600 can reach 3.2ghz or higher with stock cooler.

 

[Markfw]

To get to 3.2 is easy with a decent motherboard and memory. S3 and at least ddr2 800 and decent aftermarket cooling.

 

[Ibn]

You'll hit that 3.2GHz pretty easily with decent memory. I'm running at 3.6 (400x9) with that same fan and motherboard combo.

 

[Yellowbeard]

I too would vote for the 6600 at 400x8. And, if you can get some good memory, try to run at a 1:1 OC with the lowest latencies you can get, such as 3,3,3 or 3,4,3. Or, you could try a 4:5 ratio and be sure to get memory that will run 4,4,4, timings at 1000mhz.