To overclock, or not to overclock...

[lifeblood]

I have a Biostar N4SLI-A9 with a AMD 3800+. It had 1 GB (2x512) of cheap PC3200 RAM which did not like to be overclocked. My coworker upgraded his PC and gave me his spare RAM, 1 GB (2x512) of highly overclockable corsair XMS3200. The question is now do I add it in to get 2 GB of RAM or swap it with my current RAM and go the overclocking route? I have been watching my RAM usage and the most RAM I used at any one time was 750 MB.

Anyone have any opinions either way?

 

[tcG]

Uhhh... it's been a while since I've been knowledgeable as to AMD overclocking, but can't you overclock the CPU independently from the memory?

 

[NoSoup4You]

This seems like a fairly obvious answer - if you have no need for 2 Gig's then overclock that Corsair RAM and make use of it. If you need 2 Gig's, then just stay at default speeds.

Or overclock the FSB and cpu while putting in a divider to run the RAM at stock DDR400 speeds.

 

[Dream Operator]

If you are going to OC. I suggest using only 2 sticks. Especially since they aren't the same. I have 2x512mb XMS (2-2-2-5) and that mem is solid. I use Photoshop, Nuendo and game as well. Those programs definately utilize the memory and it does a good job I think. I have used 512mb on the same rig and it was not fun. With proper cooling, you should be able to hit 2.6ish on the CPU and OC the mem with it.

I wonder about a scenario where you use all 4 sticks, drop the mem down 333mhz and OC the CPU to bring the RAM back around 400Mhz. Could that be a good resolution?

Edit: After reviewing, noticed that NoSoup4You was on the same track!

 

[catalysts17az]

Dream Operator is correct you will loose speed. but if you also fill up all four slots you will more than likely ALSO move from a 1T to a 2T command rate which will also loose some more speed. stick with what your friend gave you and just save the rest for some one else that is in need of ram. However, not too sure if you can overclock all four sticks back to 400 without stability issues. it all depends on the board as well as the on die memory controller i believe (not too sure about that though). BUT hey your friend gave you some kick ass memory! use it!

 

[SickBeast]

Overclock. Always get the most you can from your hardware. Use a RAM divider and you should be fine.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: SickBeast
Overclock. Always get the most you can from your hardware. Use a RAM divider and you should be fine.

:thumbsup:

Ram speed means squat on A64's anyway. Use all four sticks, run a divider and overclock the CPU