Got a few questions for y'all expert here.

[jahjahbinks]

First of all I am glad that I found this place, since I have been putting together a list of parts I will be ordering soon to build a OC machine.

So here's my list:

CPU: AMD X2 4400
MB: DFI Lanparty UT nF4 SLI-DR
PS: Seasonic S12-500
HSF: Thermalright SI-120 with panaflo fan

My goal is to push this thing to 2.7-2.8gig with air cooling, or as high as possible.

My problem is that it seems to me RAM has the biggest effect on how fast CPU can be overclocked. So I was thinking on whether to purchase the extra money to for faster RAM. I was originally planning to get OCZ PC3200 EL Platinum Rev. 2 (2x512) 1GB. What do you guys think? Will a faster Ram like say DDR500 that can help more in reaching my goal?

And how easy is it for 3800 to reach 2.6gig with air cooling. I am trying to see whether it's worth the extra $200 to get 4400

[Major]

First of all welcome to XS !! :toast:

On air your going to have a hard time getting ANY X2 stable at 2.7g or more, it would take a "golden chip" to do it. They just run too hot. I'd say 2.5-2.6g would be a good goal for X2 4400+ on air. The 3800+ is hit or miss, you would be better off with the 4400+ if you have the money, it has 1meg cache and they seem to OC pretty well.

I think the OCZ Platinum would be a good choice

[Ugly n Grey]

Welcome to the Forum!

Major nailed it, as usual.
It takes a lot to get a x2 chip to 2.7 on air..I have one out of my three that'll get there, IHS removed, Big Typhoon blowing the snot out of the thing. I can bench it at 2.85 if I remove it from the case... but the heat is absolutely insane because of the high volts needed and the fact that two cores are on that chip. I found being happy with 2.6 on the other two made more sense.

OCZ Plats... yep they get along well with the AMD's and the support is great.

[jahjahbinks]

Thanks ! I sure will have a good time here. :)

So say I am shooting for 2.6 then, PC3200 will be just fine or will a faster RAM provide a greater stability? :D

[novagamer]

Thanks ! I sure will have a good time here. :)

So say I am shooting for 2.6 then, PC3200 will be just fine or will a faster RAM provide a greater stability? :D

The best stability will come from not overclocking :p:

But yes, the faster the RAM, generally, the better it will OC. Take a look around the xtreme bandwith section of the forums.

[Ugly n Grey]

at 2.6 with an 11x multi PC 3200 RAM will likely get you there..at x10 as well most likely... keep in mind there are no guarantees... everyones rig is different...