CPU versus Memory for Overclock?

[Wineohe]

I have a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R with a Q9400. I'm a relative Nube, but I've gotten it up to 3.4Mhz with relative ease using 800Mhz memory synchronously. I just ordered some 1066Mhz memory and I just want to check my thinking.

It would seem to me that the best overclock would involve lowering the multiplier to 7 from 8, and trying to get the FSB up as high as I could while running the memory synchronously. Say an FSB of 485MHZx7=3395Mhz, and memory at 485Mhzx2=970Mhz.

Admittedly I should probably back the memory speed down and the multiplier first before attempting this charade to see if the MB could actually reach 485Mhz, but is this kind of thinking correct?

 

[n7]

You can get WAY more than 3.4 GHz outta a Q9400.

While higher FSB speed does gives better performance, you should be focusing on max CPU speed, not FSB.

Considering it's a quad you're OCing, you'll run into motherboard limitations for FSB likely before anything else, though the UD3R/Ps are definitely amongst the very best for quad clocking.

Say 8x485+ for 3880+ MHz...that's a better goal to aim for, unless you're trying to really low vcore only, or have a crappy heatsink.

Obviously CPU speed is king.

After that, then FSB, then RAM speed.
Don't try for 1:1 (2.00), try for higher (like 2.4 ratio) if possible.

Again though, prioritize pure CPU speed, then test with higher FSB 1:1 vs. slightly lower FSB 5:6, etc.

Example: 8x450 DDR2-1080 vs.7.5x480 DDR2-960

Hint: for the above, if you manually set tRD, you'll be able to set it lower for the 8x450 DDR2-1080 (5:6 aka 2.4 ratio) scenario, & you'll get better performance overall.

 

[radaja]

with the UD3R you can also do 7x500@3500 and if you get some good memory2x1GB d9's you can run cpu@3500 and memory@1200MHz.the UD3' are great at clocking quads at high fsb.but since you already ordered the ram it will depend.even with your new kit you could still do 7x500@3500 ddr1000,that would be more than enough

 

[Wineohe]

Thanks for the input, I'll give both consideration. I'm using an Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, so if the CPU is capable, the higher clock shouldn't be an issue. I've played it conservatively so far. I somehow thought that synchronous operation of memory was the best option.

 

[Billb2]

Originally posted by: Wineohe I somehow thought that synchronous operation of memory was the best option.

It is, for the nOObs.