Please dont hit me....

[ad005]

For being a noob but:

I have ordered an E8400 Core 2 Duo which has an FSB of 1333. My current memory is 4 sticks of 1Gb DDR2 533Mhz. (PC2-4200).

Is my RAM limiting my system? I read something about the E8400 being quad pumped so actual FSB is 333Mhz? Does that mean my RAM is more than good enough, or do I need to get some spanking DDR2 8000 RAM so that it matches the 1333FSB of the CPU?

I've read so many stickys and forums that I've well confused myself!

Cheers oh wise ones!

 

[sailer]

Your CPU wants DDR2 667, or even DDR2 800 to do its best. I don't include DDR2 1066 as often that is only DDR2 800 that has been overclocked along with a higher voltage. You might try overclocking the DDR2 533 and seeing if that brings it up. Check your mobo to verify what its capable of using.

As far as being quad pumped, that would relate to a DDR specification, not to DDR2, which is double pumped in its standard form. So relating the FSB to DDR2, simply divide the 1333 FSB of the CPU in half, thus getting the DDR2 667 spec. DDR2 800 would provide nice overclocking room and since it is so cheap at the moment, it may make the best sense to buy as you can get a 2x2 gig set of 800 ram for around $80-$90. But again, check the mobo's manual and find out what its capable of supporting.

 

[Andrius]

It depends on your motherboard.

If it is capable of FSB 333x4 = 1333MHz (quad pumped) then your RAM is the limiting factor.

RAM works in dual channel mode. 533MHz x 2 = 1066MHz.
At that FSB frequency your E8400 will work at 2.400GHz not 3.000GHz.

Aside from that there should be no issues.

 

[ad005]

Great, thanks guys. My mobo is an Asus P5N-E SLI 650i. The manual says it's capable of 1333FSB.

I guess I better put an order in for 2 x 2Gb sticks of DDR2 800 sweetness!

 

[jeremyrailton]

if your 533 won't oc to 667, you'll have to underclock your processor for it to run, if you can even get it to POST. If, however, your mobo has an option to run the RAM independent of FSB, you might have a chance.

dude, RAM is so cheap these days. just look for a good deal on 2 gigs of DDR2 800. I picked up some Crucial Ballistix Tracer modules for $25 after rebate, and they are the sheezneez. And to think, about a year and a half ago, i put down $200 for the same 2 gigs.

With good DDR2 800, you can oc that e8400 to the moon and then rest easy with the satisfaction of a job well done