Author Topic: Question for you Hardware Guys - Mem Upgrade OverClocking (Read 315 times)

Quah! · « **on:** December 08, 2006, 12:39:39 PM »

Hey guys,

My system is as follows:

* Asus P4S533-E SiS 645DX P4 (533FSB) Skt478 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, LAN
* CPU-IP4-2.53BG-RP4-2.53B GHz 478/533bus, 512k cache
* 2 X 1 990900 256MB PC3000 DDR SDRAM
* B0887137 RADEON 9700 PRO 128MB AGP VIDADPT AGP W/ TV OUT

I wan to Oclock it to 2.8 or 3.0 gig and think my memory is the problem, plus I want to get upgrade from 512 to 2gig.

It seems when I search on memory for this MB I end up with
"16x64-333MHz DDR333 PC2700, 184p DIMM, 2.5v, Sync, CL=2.5"

Is this my only option, or is there better memory for overclocking that can let me get more out of my PC???

I was able to get to 2.8 but it wouldn't run that great and figure my memory is the problem.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!!!

Krusty · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2006, 12:55:17 PM »

You have an older motherboard. It only supports PC2700 (333MHz). More modern standards are PC3200 (400MHz) or even faster.

Okay, having said that, I'm no expert but here's what I've read about overclocking and RAM:

The higher quality RAM, or the stuff advertised as good for overclocking, will accept higher voltages without shorting out and will run at faster speeds. Overclocking changes the frequency the RAM runs at, as well as the voltage running through it (sometimes, depends on the options you choose in the BIOS). So you're going to have to go with premium stuff, unfortunately. This means more $$$. As to the specific types, I can't list a brand or anything, I don't overclock.

EDIT: Note that overclocking can have other side effects. It screws my joystick over when I try it (screws with the gameport clock frequency, or something).

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2006, 03:20:40 PM »

You can do it of course. I wouldnt if I were you. As Krusty said, your motherboard limits you to older, slower RAM (which you can overclock, yes, but why?). For what you'd spend on quality RAM that will work in your computer and overclock by any decent amount, you could buy a good lower-middle range motherboard and some quality basic RAM that wont overclock but will be rock solid at its normal speeds (and be faster than what you have now). Thats even assuming you stay with a AGP motherboard and reuse your old ATI video card. As cheap as it is to build a really rockin system these days, you'd be silly IMO to buy overclockable RAM for that computer, especially considering how little gain you'd notice.

MOIL · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2006, 03:42:53 AM »

You're wasting your time with a 533 fsb MB.

The "gains" from attempting to OC that system with those componets are futile and you'll gain very marginal results.
It also stresses or can damage the componets for little gains in real world computing.

I would recomend a faster platform.

P.S. and ditch the SiS chipset (no offence)

Quah! · « **Reply #4 on:** December 12, 2006, 10:09:07 AM »

Thanks guys, yeah I am holding out for a Quad Core so with the wait in mind where it hits a reasonable price point, I was hoping to kick up what performance was left in this box to hold me over.

MOIL · « **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2006, 12:15:09 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Quah!
Thanks guys, yeah I am holding out for a Quad Core so with the wait in mind where it hits a reasonable price point, I was hoping to kick up what performance was left in this box to hold me over.

Good call:aok