Q6600 + GA P35C DS3R + Memory?

[Noc0de]

I'm after some guidance for what memory to get with:

1. Gigabyte GA_P35C_DS3R
2. Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600
3. Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Edition

I've been considering either of the below:

• 1 x GeIL 4GB (2x2GB) PC6400C5 800MHz Black Dragon DDR2 Dual Channel Kit
• 1 x G.Skill 4GB DDR2 PQ PC2-6400C5 (2x2GB) CAS5 Dual Channel Kit
• 2 x CellShock 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 PC2-6400C4 800MHz Dual Channel Kit
• 1 x GeIL 4GB (4x1GB) PC8500C5 1066MHz Black Dragon DDR2 Dual Channel Kit
• 2 x OcUK 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 PC2-8500C5 1066MHz Dual Channel Kit

I'll probably be attempting some overclocking at some point. Any help suggestions?

 

[Cob]

Since you're wanting 4gb it's pretty hard to look past the 2x2gb kits.

But while they'll stick with the Q6600 to over 3.6ghz (and 3.6ghz with a Q6600 isn't easy with their high temps), they won't go much further than that. They all preform pretty much the same, so price should be the only consideration.

If you're looking to get your memory over 1000mhz then you'll have to go with a pair of the 2x1gb kits. And I'd take a good look at the OcUK PC8500 stuff. Their only downside is their 1 year warranty.

 

[SOLDNER-MOFO64]

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(16220)OCZ-TI-Alpha-Series-2GB-DDR2-memory-kit-PC28000.aspx

£14 more for OCZ DDR2-1000 (4,4,4,12) with heatspreaders and lifetime warranty

 

[Cob]

Don't link to competitors, dude.

 

[Skiddley]

^^ nooblet

 

[Noc0de]

Thanks Cob.

I'm a bit out of touch with things, particularly the overclocking side of things.

How would I go about overclocking the Q6600? It's multiplier locked? Does overclocking the CPU have a bearing on the RAM as well?

Just interested to see what you've got Cob because you've got a Q6600 as well as some PC8500? Is there a downside (except using more slots) to going with 2 x 2gb vs 4 x 1gb?

Apologies for any n00by questions up front

 

[Cob]

I've 2gb of the OcUK PC2-8500 stuff. I'll be getting another 2gb in a couple of weeks. I had 4x1gb of the PC5300 Ballistix but got rid of it after too many RMA's.

The Q6600 is upwards locked to x9, but can be lowered down as far as x6. I run mine at x8.

With the P35 chipset boards you need memory that can at least match the CPU's FSB. So at the Q6600's stock 266mhz FSB you only need PC2-4200 (533mhz) memory. Once you start overclocking the FSB you need memory that can stay with it. As I mentioned above, PC2-6400 will stick with the Q6600 up to 400x9 (3.6Ghz), usually a lot higher.

Atm there is no real downside to running four 1gb sticks as opposed to four 2gb sticks, other than them using up all four slots.