E6400 - 533 RAM OK?

[bryn]

Thinking of getting an E6400 core2 duo package with 533/PC4200 speed RAM. Is this RAM going to significantly constrain the setup when compared with 667/PC5400 RAM?

Might be trying a bit of overclocking, but not too concerned if we can't.

Many years since I've bought anything with Intel in it, so haven't got to grips with the non-AMD architecture and constraints.

--
Bryn

 

[Combat squirrel]

possibly work, but it would be SO SLOW it would be annoying, would DEF stop it working to full potentail

 

[Raikiri]

possibly work, but it would be SO SLOW it would be annoying, would DEF stop it working to full potentail

It would certainly work and it would be at a 1:1 ratio stock, which is what is most commonly used. I have seen some 533 RAM go up to 1000mhz when overclocking (Crucial Value with corsair value doing 7-800mhz). At stock it would barely make a difference but depending on what ram it is overclocking could be limited.

Considering my 6300 was getting the same super pi at stock when running my ram at 1:1 (533) as any other 6300 in reviews etc which were running 800mhz and 1000mhz ram I would hardly call it slow.

 

[steve258]

Thinking of getting an E6400 core2 duo package with 533/PC4200 speed RAM. Is this RAM going to significantly constrain the setup when compared with 667/PC5400 RAM?

Might be trying a bit of overclocking, but not too concerned if we can't.

Many years since I've bought anything with Intel in it, so haven't got to grips with the non-AMD architecture and constraints.

--
Bryn

DDR2 533 will match C2D's stock FSB speed of 266Mhz so no it won't constrain the setup, but it will hold you back when it comes to OCing.

DDR2 667 will provide better performance only when you run a divider so that your RAM operates faster than your FSB speed.

But tbh I'd get at least DDR2 667, or better still invest in good DDR2 800 just so you have a bit of headroom for the future. It's like deciding between DDR266/333/400.

 

[Tetras]

Aye at stock 533 is fine (there is a slight boost from running in sync) but considering the prices of DDR2 there isn't a lot of point buying it over 667, especially as next gen Core will up the FSB to 1333.