question about component selection and overclocking

[skadebo]

Here's the issue I'm dealing with, cost of overclocking versus cost of buying a faster processor. Here's the scenario I've come up with.

e6300
really high quality ram (team xtreem pc2-8000) to run 1:1 with a 500mhz fsb for an overclock of 3.5ghz
either a p5b-e or p5b deluxe mobo to attain such high clocks

or

e6600
value pc2-6400 ram, as this only needs to run at a lower than default clock of 388mhz to achieve a 3.5ghz overclock
either a regular p5b or p5-e.

The latter came out to be fairly cheaper than the first option. So my question is whether I'm correct or is there some flaw in my design?

 

[wdn]

I am running an E6400 $220 with Crucial XMS2 6400C4 memory ($238) in a Gigabyte DS3 M/B ($134) .

When you look at system cost the E6400 is actually a better overclocker than E6300. Right now I am running 3400 MHz (8x425) with the memory 1:1 with the processor at 4-4-4-12 timings. And I am still burning in the system and i think 3500 is within reach. By the way that is with ALL STOCK VOLTAGE on the CPU and FSB and memory. I am not pushing the voltage on anything.

The problem with the E6300 is you need to buy very expensive memory to compensate for the 7x multiplier forces that you to run at 500 MHz. 500 MHz is way high for most motherboards. Also should look at the memory timings, I have never seen anyone run 4-4-4-12 at 500MHz clock. You are better off running at 425 MHz with tight timings (latency 4) than at 500 with loose timing.

E6400 is still be best price point IMHO. The CPU is cheap and you can use cheap memory.

 

[bail_w]

e6400
really high quality ram (team xtreem pc2-8000) to run 1:1 with a 500mhz fsb for an overclock of 3.5ghz
either a p5b-e or p5b deluxe mobo to attain such high clocks

change the CPU to e6400 its ready to go.

 

[RiverRed]

you forgot to factor in the cost of a good cooler.

a budget oc machine will look something like
E6400 @ 3.2Ghz
965P-S3 (cheaper version of the DS3, identical except doesn't use solid state capacitors)
"normal (read: cheap)" DDR2800 ram

at 3.2Ghz you can actually undervolt the 6400, and with luck you might get away with using the stock cooler with just lapping CPU and maybe AS5. Even if you DO need to get a cooler, you won't need to get an uber uber one. Get the system first, then monitor the temp, then decide if you need an extra cooler.