What's the purpose of lowering the CPU multiplier?

[aweigh]

I can understand the value of raising it, (keeping the buses 1:1), but what's the point in lowering it? I've never been able to think up a reason for it.

 

[aka1nas]

Gives you more options with respect to RAM speeds and dividers. I.E. Your max CPU OC at 9x multiplier might take your RAM too high at 1:1 divider, but dropping the divider would gimp the RAM speed.

In that case, you could try dropping the multiplier down to 8 and upping the FSB to equalize the CPU speed, which gives you different values for the RAM speed at various dividers.

 

[Roguestar]

With a lower multiplier you can run your FSB faster for the same overclock, allowing you to use faster RAM.

 

[LouPoir]

Higher FSB - another perfromace boost for free