OCZ PC2-6400 4-4-4-15 vs. PC2-8000 5-5-5 for overclock

[HeyTad]

I am building a new machine which I plan to over clock. I have made decisions on all the components except for the RAM. The two options between which I am deciding are as follows:

OCZ (OCZ2P10004GK) DDR2 PC2-8000 1000 MHz 4GB(2x2048MB) Platinum Edition Dual Channel Kit
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr2_pc2_8000_4gb_platinum_edition_dual_channel
$135 CAD

OCZ (OCZ2RPR800C44GK) Reaper 4GB DDR2 2X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 4-4-4-15 Memory Kit
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr2_pc2_6400_reaper_cl4_4gb_edition
$130 CAD (less $20 rebate)

These seem to be the best options available to me.

The other relevant components of the system will be as follows:
Q6600
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P
Scythe Ninja Plus Rev. B CPU cooler
Corsair CMPSU-620HX power supply
Antec P182 case

I am looking to have the highest stable overclock I can manage. That is, I would sacrifice the ultimate overclock, allowable by my components, for excellent stability. My main use of this computer will be software development combined with occasional gaming. I should also note that I pretty inexperienced when it comes to overclocking but I am researching hard.

I have not yet set an overclocking goal but a 1 GHz overcock above the 2.4 would be pretty cool (although I am willing to admit that may be naive).

Accordingly, should I purchase the OCZ PC2-8000 1000 Mhz with the more relaxed timings (5-5-5) or is this overkill for what I am shooting for in that I would benefit better from the tighter latency (4-4-4-15) on the OCZ PC2-6400 Reaper?

My basic understanding of overclocking suggests that maybe I should go with the PC2-6400 and get the benefit of the tighter timings since a 3.4 Ghz overclock would only require that the RAM run at ~755 Mhz.

To show how I got that number I divided a potential overclocking goal (3400 MHz) by the clock multiplier (9) and then doubled (DDR2). Is this reasoning sound?

Further, is my goal of 3.4 GHz for my overclocking goal off the mark for a stable system? Should I be aiming higher or lower?

Thanks to anyone in advance for helping me out with this. I would really appreciate some input.

Cheers!

 

[grieve]

What stepping do you have on the Q6600?

 

[HeyTad]

Unfortunately, I don't know. That is, I have not purchased the Q6600. This is occurring tomorrow.

I assume this will influence how far I can overclock. Is that correct?

Are there steppings that are preferred or to be avoided?

 

[Scotteq]

What's your target overclock?? Work out the Front Side Buss speed (i.e. 450 * 9 = 4Ghz, or 400 * 8 = 3.2Ghz, etc etc...), then buy whichever RAM will handle that.

 

[grieve]

You will get the GO stepping most likely, runs a little cooler and more efficient then the old Q6600 (b3 stepping)

Yes you need to have a target as Scotteq suggested; with the GO stepping and Scythe Ninja Plus CPU cooler I would think 3.4 GHZ is obtainable.

 

[HeyTad]

Thanks, grieve and Scotteq. While waiting a response I did some research which echoed your comments.

So if I were shooting for a 3.4 GHz, that would seem to suggest that I could go with the tighter latency PC2-6400?

(i.e. 800 MHz / 2 = 400 MHz which exceed my requirement for a speed of ~378 MHz -- 3400 / 9).

But if I wanted to go with an overclock of greater than 3.6 GHz I would need the PC2-8000 RAM.

Would you guys agree with this?

 

[badgtx1969]

Why OCZ? Those 2x2GB from them use Powerchip modules, I suggest finding a set with Micron D9s. See the DDR2 ramlist http://ramlist.ath.cx/ddr2/

The Micron D9s overclock the best for DDR2, and can take a lot of voltage.

If you are going 2x2GB I suggest something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146726

 

[railroaderron]

The g skill hz series is my first choice but can`t find in stock. For the highest overclock, 1t timing, and micron d9 chip, what is your next recommendation? (hoping for a link here) Thanks