How to Pick MB for overclock

[numba1player]

Hi

My motherboard is not working and it's time to get a new one for overclocking. This is my first time overclocking so I would like some tips from you experts.

My Current System
CPU: Intel Core2Duo E6300 1.86 Ghz 1066 MHz
Memory: OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 800 MHz 2x1G
Graphics:E-GEFORCE 7600 GTS
PSU: 550W

What parameters do I need to look at in buying MB for overclock?

I found these two
http://www.anitec.ca/product/11033/...ore_2_duoorquad_pci_e_socket_775_motherboard/

http://www.anitec.ca/product/10875/...ore_2_duoorquad_pci_e_socket_775_motherboard/

THANKS!

 

[dagger]

Hi

My motherboard is not working and it's time to get a new one for overclocking. This is my first time overclocking so I would like some tips from you experts.

My Current System
CPU: Intel Core2Duo E6300 1.86 Ghz 1066 MHz
Memory: OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 800 MHz 2x1G
Graphics:E-GEFORCE 7600 GTS
PSU: 550W

What parameters do I need to look at in buying MB for overclock?

I found these two
http://www.anitec.ca/product/11033/asus_p5k_seorepu_intel_p35_core_2_duoorquad_pci_e_socket_775_motherboard/

http://www.anitec.ca/product/10875/asus_p5kpl_cm_intel_g31_core_2_duoorquad_pci_e_socket_775_motherboard/

THANKS!

P35 is good for oc on budget. Ignore g31, it's no good. Consider p45 or x38/48 for higher overclocking.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130181

 

[lucuis]

+1

ASUS P5K Series are good on a budget which is a P35 like Dagger suggested.

ASUS Maximus Formula is said be be an excellent overclocker, and the LLC isa dream. It's an X38 board.

 

[numba1player]

Interesting, but what parameter is important in choosing MB?
Like FSB or Memory frequency?

 

[lucuis]

A bit of both. Normally a supported RAM frequancy of 800mhz is all that's needed. But it depends on the processor you plan on overclocking, or more specifically it's capable FSB speeds.

For say a Q6600 800mhz ram is plenty, since you'd need to hit 3.6ghz at the 9x multiplier to utilize the ram at stock speeds. That however would require a FSB speed of 1600mhz. In most cases that kind of FSB speed it easily within the motherboards capabilities even if it's only supported to 1333mhz. Unless it's a 680i chipset or similar.

But overall the biggest deciding factor in a overclock is how high can the motherboard go in terms of FSB. After that it become a mix of heat, processor's capabilities, and ram capabilities.

 

[numba1player]

oh so that's what it is. So if I have 800 Mhz 4-4-4-15 dual channel ram, all I need is a MB that supports 800 Mhz ram and supports as much FSB as possible?

 

[lucuis]

yup

the x38s support 1600fsb.

p35 support 1333, although most can overclock well past that. For example the ASUS P5K-e Wifi has hit 510fsb (2040) more than once. It's definitely one of the best overclocking boards for the price.

 

[numba1player]

thanks!

 

[dagger]

yup

the x38s support 1600fsb.

p35 support 1333, although most can overclock well past that. For example the ASUS P5K-e Wifi has hit 510fsb (2040) more than once. It's definitely one of the best overclocking boards for the price.

P45 runs at 1600mhz stock too, ocs almost as well as x38/48 and cost half the price. ($99.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130181

While some p35 boards can exceed 1600mhz fsb on high oc, 2000mhz is basically impossible. Pros did it, but that doesn't mean you can replicate their results at home. X38/48/p45 is the way to go for that kind of high fsb, not p35.

 

[Evilonigiri]

I read the P45 has better OCing than the X48. Anyways, the P45 isn't the wrong choice. Go for one of them.

The P35, like the P5K-E is also a excellent OCer. The P5K-E can hit 500MHz+ FSB, Lupiron here has done it. Then again, perhaps he got lucky.