This is probably a dumb question...

[ferrous]

I haven't gotten all of my parts yet, but they should be here tomorrow, and when I get them,I plan to overclock. The CPU is an e6550, the RAM is (2 x 1GB) Corsair XMS2 1066 and the motherboard is the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R. I also ordered Arctic Silver 5 but decided to stick with the Intel heatsink/fan for now because everything is going into an Antec Nine Hundred case. No, not really. I just forgot to order the Thermalright Ultra Extreme 120...

I want to run the FSB:RAM at 1:1. If my parts can't handle running the CPU at 533 x 7, would I be able to or should I even try to downclock the Memory to match whatever the highest FSB i get to? I mean, if I got stuck at exactly 500 FSB, would I be able to set the RAM to run at 1000? And even if I could, should I?

 

[SDraconis]

Erm...I think 533 is a little high for an FSB goal. You're likely to have troubles with your mobo not being able to take it before you see any RAM clock limits (especially with that RAM, as it's still within design specs at that speed).

Edit: I may have misunderstood the question. Yes, you can downclock your RAM to keep 1:1 with your FSB, and it's probably a good idea to do so.

 

[ferrous]

Yea I don't really think I could make it that far, although it would be nice. That's why I'm asking about what to do when I do reach the limit. I'm realistically shooting for 450 since all the reviews I've read so far on the e6550 got to at least that much.

So what do I do when I finally reach the limit? Will the motherboard automagically take care of the memory speeds or do I have to set them? Or do I have to find some sort of compromise ?

I just saw the last part of your reply. Damn I've had 5 too many beers. Thanks SDraconis.