Thinking about getting back into the overclocking game with C2D

[BigJ]

So after using Dell systems for awhile (they work great, I just want a little more control over my systems and more customization) I'm thinking about getting back to overclocking.

For clarification, when I'm talking about the 6xxx line, I'm really talking about the 6300, 6320, 6400, 6420. The use of the system is going to be more for video editing, CD ripping, HD content playback, etc. More of a media PC than a gaming PC. I'm willing to spend what's needed to get an economical overclock. I'm not looking for the most absolute overclock.

The E6320 and E6420 were just released, with the only difference between them and the 6300 & 6400 being 4mb and 2mb cache respectively, correct? This should translate into roughly a 2-5% performance difference, right? Have there been any reports on the OCing capability of these chips?

From what I've read, with the 6xxx line, you need faster ram due to a lower multiplier. With the 4xxx, you can get away with the slower ram due to the higher multiplier. Would DDR2 667 (more specifically, the deal on the Super Talent 2gbs for $105) be alright for the 4xxx line and DDR2 800 (I like the Buffalo Firestix for $165, but if theres better RAM that I probably don't know about, I'd be down for that) be ok for the 6xxx line?

With that said, in terms of bang for your buck, what's the best option right now, the E4x00 or E63xx/E64xx? The 6xxx option would be around $110 more expensive, but is it really worth the premium over the 4x00? Would it be worth the premium to go up to the E6600 as opposed to the 63x0 or 64x0?

As for the other parts, I'm looking at the new DFI Infinity board or the Gigabyte DS3 3.3. I'm not going to be gaming heavily, so I'm not concerned about SLI. Is there really any boards that would be better options than these two?

 

[PCTC2]

For the E6XX0 line, DDR2-800 is great if you don't plan to OC past 2.8/3.2GHz (E6300/E6400 respectively).
For the E4X00 line, DDR2-667 is up to 3.0/3.3GHz (E4300/E4400).

EDIT:: The OC "limits" are for stock RAM clocks at a 1:1 divider. you can OC the RAM to get higher clocks at a 1:1 divider but stability is not guaranteed for OCed RAM

The DS3 has a lot of problems. I don't know about the DFI Board. Any board with a 965P chipset should be fine (well, depending on the brand).
An Asus P5B is a good board.

 

[Conky]

I went with a DS3 Rev1.0, some Corsair DDR2-800 RAM, an E6400 and I've had a superstable overclock for months at 3.2ghz(8x400fsb). The only settings I've changed from DS3's defaults was a .0125v bump in the voltage and set the PCI-E to 100. I've been very happy with this combo and have no thoughts of changing anything until the Q6600's are priced under $250.

I've noticed that the only people who seem to have issues with the DS3 are those who are trying to get over 500fsb from their overclock or have other issues besides the mobo. 400fsb with a DS3 is as easy as falling off a log. :laugh:

I would say to go with an E6420, some DDR2-800 RAM, and whatever P965-based motherboard you like and go for 8x400fsb for a sweet system. I would recommend Gigabyte or Asus brands.

 

[aigomorla]

the nvidia 680i has a feature that lets you UNLINK the FSB and Memory speed.

It basically autoscales the ram to your liking using dividers on its own.


If your really thinking about overclocking, i suggest you take a look at only 2 platforms.

the 975chipset. and the 680i chipsets.

650i i hear are great ocers as well, and less buggy then my 680i.


But honestly, if your never goign to touch SLI, or play with SLI, id pick up a BX2 if your going to C2D. And a 680i if you want to mess with 1333 fsb cpu's later on, or your going to mess with a uber cheap Q6600 @ 268.