Future "Penryn + X38 + Overclocking" questions
 

I'm one of those who want to upgrade in January.

I want to buy cpu/mobo/ram (maybe a new gfx card if available too).

My main question is related to the cpu multiplier & the max fsb on x38.

The cpu that i want to pick is the "Q9450 2.66 GHz 12MB 1333 MHz FSB $316 January 2008" +-

If i'm right, that cpu should have a 2660 / (1333 / 4) = 8x multiplier (locked).

It means that i only can raise the FSB to oc it. Till here, all ok.

So, if i'm right, these are the speeds that i could try:

333 MHz * 8 = 2.66 GHz
400 MHz * 8 = 3.2 GHz
450 MHz * 8 = 3.5 GHz
500 MHz * 8 = 4 GHz

I've read some early reviews of the X38 mobos, & i've seen that the max FSB is around 470 MHz. So, prolly the max "daily working" fsb is around 450MHz.

It means that i'm going to be seriously bounded by the FSB speed.

Still 3.5 GHz is a nice speed, but, i was hoping more from a 45nm chip. You know.

About the ram, i think that i'll pick 4x1GB (those ocz reaper cas3 @ 800mhz). I'll need to run them in async mode, but, i guess that less latency gives more performance for gaming.

If you plan to upgrade like me, you're welcome to this thread. Comments about other options are welcome too. Thanks guys :)

Re: Future "Penryn + X38 + Overclocking" questions
 

With a 450Mhz FSB youll want RAM that will do double that @ 900+Mhz

I wouldnt be as worried about cas latency and spend more money on a faster ram.

EX: lets say you are running a 450FSB, so RAM @ 900. we'll say its 1066Mhz RAM with timings of 5-5-5-15. you can run that RAM @ 900 and then try to tighten up the timings, say 4-4-4-12. ect... instead of having to OC the 800Mhz ram and have to loosen the timings.

Re: Future "Penryn + X38 + Overclocking" questions
 

So, it's better to buy ram with CAS4 at 900-1000 MHz, than CAS3 at 800MHz, cause i'll lose the timings. I still dunno what's worse. Async mem/fsb or slower CAS.

About the multis on the 45nm CPUs, wouldn't be 8x the "higuest" multi for this cpu @ 2.66 GHz, for example ?

Re: Future "Penryn + X38 + Overclocking" questions
 

Another of my reasons for wanting to get the QX9650. The unlocked multiplier will be awesome on that chip.

Re: Future "Penryn + X38 + Overclocking" questions
 

Yes, the unlocked multi will be awesome on that chip, but the price too :)

Well, i think that i'll be happy with a 3.5 GHz oc +-. SSE4, bigger cache & faster SSE instructions should help too.

About the memory, i think that i'll get those ocz reaper 800mhz cas3, cause, faster memory with cas4 costs 2x times more. Also i've read about some issues with 4GB on X38 mobos (seems like they need higher timings with early bios versions).

I know that it's still early, but usually prices raise here around xmas, and i want to buy some parts this month, like the ram. And i must prepare my budget.

Re: Future "Penryn + X38 + Overclocking" questions
 

Found something interesting:

"Overclocking the FSB on a QX9650"
http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?op...1&limitstart=2

Seems like the max working FSB was around 455 MHz. They used a P35. So, this confirms my 'fears'. I doubt that a X38/48 will go higher.

Seems like 8x450=3.6GHz will be my final oc, prolly.

Re: Future "Penryn + X38 + Overclocking" questions
 

Yep, thats where that unlocked multiplier will be very welcome. However, if you are mainly concerned with gaming, your other choice is perfect. No reason to get a QX9650 unless you need true CPU power. I mentioned in other threads, my reason for getting one is the video rendering speeds it puts out and I seriously don't plan to upgrade CPU's again for 2-3 (maybe 4) years. Still, I doubt there will be any CPU bottlenecks with this CPU for ages.

Re: Future "Penryn + X38 + Overclocking" questions
 

My plan is to get two more sticks of DDR3 once the prices drop at least by half, then that will make 4GB. I may consider Vista 64 then as well.