Guest pedro Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 Right, so I've decided that I'm going to get me either an: a) Opteron 165; or B) Opteron 170. Most probably, as always, I'll just stick the thing in and leave it as is. But I've heard very good things about the overclockability of these processors so I may just have a go this time around. I have 2 x 512 MB Corsair TWINX1024-3200XL TCCD sticks in an Ultra-D mobo. These run at 2-2-2-5 with a vdimm of 2.9 V. I believe my BIOS is 704-2a but I'm not sure about this. I'm comfortable flashing the BIOS to a different one if need be. What I'd like to know is whether my RAM and mobo (rev. A3) are up to the task of an overclock with the Opty 170 to 2.4GHz. I've seen a few posts here and there saying that bandwidth is more important than latency where overclocking is concerned. My RAM is only PC3200 - is this a big problem? Also, is it better for me to get the 9x Opty 165 or the 10x Opty 170 for overclocking purposes? Or does this make no difference at all? I'll be cooling the CPU/RAM with my Thermalright XP-120. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have no idea how this stuff works. Cheers. :tooth: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleDavid218 Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 You can put your memory on a divider. You have a great setup for overclocking! Personally I'd go with the 165. They overclock really good and obviously cost less. You might need to update your BIOS, but it should probably be OK. I would, however, be concerned with the power supply. I know Seasonic is a great brand, but 480w is the minimum! Take a look at the DFI Recommended PSU thread Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Praz Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 Using your current ram go with the 170. Because of the difficulty using certain dividers with the 165 plus the 9x multiplier anything less then PC400 will usually hinder the maximum overclock. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pedro Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 Thanks UncleDavid218 and Praz for your quick replies. I'm not too sure about all this divider business and I'm happy to pay the extra $30 to get the Opty 170 if it will make my overclocking experience easier. Anyone else got any thoughts on this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Praz Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 With the speed of your ram it would be foolish to get the 165 instead of the 170. Everyone is always quick to recommend the 165 because of price and the history they have of overclocking. None of that means anything if nothing lower than 150 divider will work, which is typical. An example. Let's assume your ram tops out at 225MHz. 165 - 300x9 with a 150 divider, 225MHz memory 170 - 315x10 with a 150 divider, 225MHz memory With the 165 your memory will possibly hold you back from achieving the maximum overclock that the processor is capable of. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleDavid218 Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 I agree with Praz. The 165 has had problems with dividers, I forgot that. The 170 is your best bet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pedro Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 OK, the Opty 170 it is then. Thanks a bunch folks! Now I've just got to work out this divider stuff. In fact, I've got to work out the whole overclocking thing. Time to do some reading methinks... A quick look through the OCDB has revealed some set-ups that will be similar to mine (i.e. Opty 170, 2 x 512 MB TCCD, Ultra-D). I'll try and just copy what these people have done I suppose. Is this the completely wrong way of going about it? Probably... Praz: what does RAM topping out at 225MHz mean? And how do I find out where mine tops out? Sorry if this is a stupid question. I suppose I should re-read THunDA's OC Thread Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
loggan26 Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 Yeah you got a lot to learn about oCing, plenty of reading and testing and trying......OCDB is a good place to start and your right with copy others with similar setup. There is no guarantee it will work the same for you as others but it should get you close. Ram topping at its top speed IT will GO NO further thats as fast as it goes? YOu will find out when you learn how to oc its not hard, but it does take patience and time and a feel for you rig. Read the Ocing guide and do a google for ocing and read some more Logan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Praz Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 Praz: what does RAM topping out at 225MHz mean? And how do I find out where mine tops out? [/url] I just used that as an example. You'll have to find out through testing how high your ram can go. Reread section 3. A64 Overclocking in the guide. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pedro Posted November 6, 2006 Posted November 6, 2006 Reread section 3. A64 Overclocking in the guide. Roger Wilco. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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