Does C2D oveclocking use dividers?

[Bossk128]

I'm sorely tempted to go for a E6300, but not long ago got my 2Gb RAM for my 146 Opteron.

If I'm attempting to get better single threaded performance with the addition of dual core (my current Opty is running at 2.7GHz) what speed will I need to be able to OC to on a E6300? About 2.4GHz?

So, if I get the Asrock mobo that supports DDR and DDR2, and I'm running my current DDR RAM, can I acheive that kind of overclock?

Basically, can I run dividers on C2D like I currently do on A64 architecture. Needless to say I'm trying to upgrade on a budget, if I can do this it'll be sub £200

Cheers,

Bossk

 

[Tooks]

I think you may struggle to get 2.4Ghz on that board I'm afraid.

There is a thread on here that people are sharing their experiences on, but IIRC about 300 FSB is the limit on current revisions of the board. With an E6300, that would give you 2.1Ghz, or with an E6400 2.4Ghz.

I wouldn't know how that compares to your Opty I'm afraid, but it should compare pretty well even at 2.1Ghz.

I know you haven't asked for my opinion, but I'll give it you anyway!

I would probably just stick with what you've got for a while, as it's a pretty good CPU.

If you really do want to go Conroe though, I would advise flogging your current CPU/RAM/Board, and buy a decent 965/975 chipset Mobo, some DDR2 and an E6300, which should get you to 3Ghz without too much trouble!

 

[Bossk128]

OK, cheers for your advice. My machine can currently do everything I want (no encoding, so DC not to much an issue) but these forums are a pain for egging you on to the next big thing! I just fancied DC to ensure my games are never competing for CPU cycles, and also I'm a sucker for bang for buck type things (which the processers seem to be).

Might price up a full upgrade inc. RAM and a quality mobo, but IIRC I'll be looking at £400! Too rich for my blood so soon after last upgrade.

 

[Tooks]

I hear what you're saying! Stay off the forums unless you want to be tempted to spend money!

In games, I really don't think a Conroe is going to make that much difference, unless the game is optimised for a dual core, which most aren't. Even when they are, you aren't going to notice very much.

Games are much more impacted by the GPU. What GPU do you have?

If you can wait, I'd skip this generation, and then wait for Kentsfield and/or the response from AMD.

If you really can't wait, then £400 is about right, but you should be able to offset that quite a bit with the sale of your current kit, if you can be bothered to sell it on that is!

For gaming, it sounds like your rig is fine to be honest.

 

[Bossk128]

Aye, initially I was just going for an X2-3800 but I don't want less than 2.7, which is pretty hardcore for these chips. If I go Opteron 165/170 they are expensive, and the 165 will probably need a better mobo as it's only a 9X multi. This got me thinking that for only a few bob more, I could Conroe.

But you're right, if I've a budget of £200 now (which I don't actually, it'd be Mr. Visa) I'd be better off banking it and adding to it until the next gen, and get a proper increase. I'm installing Vista RC1 this weekend for a play, I'll see what my current hardware thinks of that!


PS, GPU is X1900XT- loving it!