Does memory affect CPU OC?

[OCP]

Hi guys, I've recently overclocked my E6600 to 3.2ghz x9 multiplier - 1.45v (Bios) on my P5k Deluxe mobo with 2x 1GB 6400 Corsair Dominators @2.2v 4-4-4-12 711mhz (1:1 ratio).

I cant seem to get any higher than this. Temperature is fine according to TAT @ 35-38 idle and 48-55 load.

When I run Orthos Blend @ 3.3 ghz it stops within a few seconds. But when I run the Small FFTs CPU Stress its stable for as long as I left it on which was around 1 hour.

Could it be my memory thats holding me back?

My friend that has the exact same system apart from memory which is the Corsair 5-5-5-12 and has 3-5c higher CPU temps, can overclock his above 3.5ghz orthos blend stable??? His settings are all exactly the same as mine, I even raised my memory timings to match his!

Does the memory play a big part in this? Any help will be great.

If there is anything I missed out that you need to know to help let me know.

OCP

[staffsMike]

Memory can hinder how much you can overclock but with pc6400 ram (800mhz) an e6600 could run at 3.4GHz without the memory even being overclocked.

Your CPU has probably just hit its limit and its current vcore. If you want to get higher your going to have to raise the vcore.

[Biscuit]

all is explained in clunks guide

http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=103676

[OCP]

Hi Mike, thanks for the reply. Do you know what the limit is for e6600 vcore? What I mean is, a reasonable vcore thats in the 'safe zone' or a limit that i shouldn't go higher than.

Thanks.

OCP

[Bhazza]

I suspect the limit is probably set by what you're planning on using to cool the e6600 as upping the vcore will have a dramatic effect on your temps.

I wouldn't blindly aim for the overclock that your friend got with the same set-up, you could end up burning out your CPU. Chances are he got luckier with his CPU selection.

[staffsMike]

The bios probably isn't giving you an acurate vcore at the moment. 1.425 in my bios is about 1.38 in reality.

I'm using a bios 1.425v (so 1.38) and running 3.4GHz

You can push them higher but i'd deffinatly stay in the 1.4X's. Much more and your going to be cooking it and probably void the warranty.

[OCP]

So what your saying Mike is, In the Bios I shouldn't up the voltage higher than 1.5 or 1.5 in reality? Which program do you use to monitor the voltages? Is AiSuite good enough?
Also, we bought the CPU at the same time at the same place too :/.

OCP

[staffsMike]

CPUZ tells you the vcore but i'm not sure how relaible that is. I use nvidia monitor as well but i have the 680i chipset.

[Captain Fizz]

Also, we bought the CPU at the same time at the same place too :/

Makes no difference.

No CPU is identical to any other.

Some will clock higher, some lower... Just the luck of the draw.
(Even with sequential CPU serial numbers!)


If it seems like you have hit the limit, I'd say tighten up memory timings again and get it running as fast as you can.
Then probably have a higher system performance even with 100MHz less on the CPU(s).

[OCP]

That sounds like a plan captain! Thanks for all the advice guys. I'll be getting some new Crucial Ballistix 6400's, see if that makes any difference. I'll be back to report on that and have some screenies for you guys to see. Cheers!

Alex