Member Avatar for toto4398

Hi all,

First off, I'm a TOTAL newbie at overclocking (actually, make that a total newbie PERIOD :rolleyes:!) and I just want to get some clarifications before I go ahead with this system I'm planning to build. [I'm on a VERY tight budget!]

This is the system I have in mind as far as components go:

Processor: Core2Duo e6300 @ 1.86 GHz (Allendale)

MoBo: ASUS P5B or ASUS P5B-E

Memory: Transcend DDR2 667MHz
(CAS 5, v@1.8v)

[This is the memory that is available to me. At the most, I might be able to get Kingston memory but it might not be available. This sucks I know, but there's not too much of an option left to me really]

Graphics: BFG Tech 7600GT 256MB(OC)

I've been doing a bit of reading and research about overclocking and this is my question:

[NOTE:All cooling will have to be done with the stock HSF that comes with the processor! Cannot afford any aftermarket cooling right now!]

If I go with the vanilla P5B, according to the manual, the FSB maxes out at 400MHZ. Keeping the RAM ratio at 1:1 and the multiplier at a default of 7 for the e6300, theoretically I should be able to get a core speed of 2331 MHz=2.3GHz right? This ofcourse will have to be adjusted with the vCORE settings but lets assume for the moment that the vCORE is not a problem. My question is this: assuming that the RAM ratio is kept at 1:1 (DDR2 667MHz = 333MHz), and that the max I will go to on the FSB of the e6300 is 333MHz (from 266MHz), will I have to do any adjustments to the vDIMM settings? I would really like to avoid mucking about with the memory because it is 'value' (read cheap) RAM and I would like to avoid making any adjustments with the vDIMM. I've assumed that because it is DDR2 667Mhz (FSB=333MHz), it will be running underclocked at the core FSB of 266MHz and this assumption makes me believe that I can overclock to its rated FSB of 333MHz without making any adjustments to the voltage being supplied to it. (I might be mistaken, but from what I understood from this site, the RAM supports a max. voltage of 1.9v). If you're still here and reading this, what I REALLY want to know is this:

From what I've explained above, will the vanilla P5B do for my requirements or should I go in for the P5B-E which goes up to an FSB of 650 MHz and by all accounts overclocks better than the plain P5B? I would really like to avoid going in for the P5B-Deluxe. I don't really need all the bells and whistles it comes with and more importantly compared to my options, its way too expensive. Just to give you a rough idea, the best price I got for the Deluxe where I live translates to about 260$ USD when it's going on Newegg for 182$!!

Although getting to 2.3GHz from 1.8GHz seems very sweet to me, any tips or suggestions to get further will obviously be welcome! :)

Any help will be much appreciated!!!

EDIT: Will also have a couple of 120 GB @7200 rpm Seagate HDD's and one Samsung/Lite-On DVD writer that will complete the system. Will be running all this on an ANTEC SP 400W.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by reezin14

Dani AI

Generated

Given the constraints posted by (tight budget, stock cooler and "value" RAM), the sensible goal is a modest, stable overclock rather than chasing maximum clocks. A motherboard with cleaner power delivery and finer BIOS voltage/FSB controls will make that process easier and more forgiving; that is the point was making. Also, 's recommendation to improve thermal interface material is a high-return, low-cost step worth doing before any tuning.

A practical tuning workflow that fits a budget build:

  • Update the board BIOS first so you have the latest stability and voltage options.
  • Restore safe BIOS defaults, then make changes in small increments. Increase the FSB a little at a time rather than big jumps.
  • Keep the memory running at or below its rated stress by using a memory divider or looser timings rather than pushing its voltage.
  • Disable power-saving/cpu-throttle features while testing so results are consistent, then re-enable once stable.
  • Raise core voltage only in small steps if needed, while constantly watching temperatures and system behavior.

Stability checks and troubleshooting:

  • Use a CPU stress test to catch compute-instability and a separate memory tester to confirm RAM reliability.
  • Monitor core and VRM temperatures closely; VRM overheating is a common limit on budget boards and with stock cooling.
  • Symptoms like freezes, reboots, or memory errors call for backing off the FSB, loosening memory timings, or a small voltage bump. If VRMs get hot or temps approach safe operating limits, stop and improve cooling.

Final tradeoffs: with the stock cooler and inexpensive memory, aim for safe, repeatable gains. If the pricier board only adds a modest premium it usually pays off by giving more BIOS flexibility and better voltage regulation. Good thermal paste and improved case airflow are inexpensive upgrades that extend headroom; an aftermarket cooler is the next best upgrade for any further overclocking.

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Member Avatar for jo2995

I think spending a bit more now would be better, buying to P5B-E, instead of buying the cheaper one. From 1.8 to 2.3 is a lot of gain and would show when you're gaming or just using it at all. Spend more now! The price difference is only around $30 to $50 (US) from what i've looked at... In addition, the core 2s were made for overclocking, so you dont have to worry about it getting toasted at a higher clock speed.

Member Avatar for reezin14

You should be fine, but increase alittle at a time to make sure that your(value RAM) can handle it. Invest in some quality thermal compound also, it will help keep the CPU cooler with the stock fan.

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