Need help with VMWare build, Q6600 OC

[kenlee514]

Need help with VMWare build, Q6600 OC

My goal is the run this processor at 3.2GHz to 3.4GHz, 24/7, and as stable as possible. I want to be able to run 8Gigs of memory. I’m trying to find the best CPU / MOBO / MEM combo to achieve this goal.

I’ve done some research and I feel the following meets my need the most. Any comments and suggestion or changes I need to make would be appreciated.

FOUND ON NEWEGG.COM
1x CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 Kentsfield 775 $279.99

This seems to be the most popular OC CPU at the moment and the price is fair. My goal is the run this processor at 3.2 to 3.4.

1x Motherboard ABIT LGA 775 Intel P35 $179.99 IP35 Pro

This seems to be the most popular motherboard at the moment and the price is fair. I read that it’s good for OC.
Anyone have used this particular CPU / MOBO / MEM combo and what configuration recommendations can you give me?

2x Memory A-DATA 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $289.98 F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ

A-Data seems to be one of the bigger memory manufacturer but is very new in the US. I’ve decided to use this because I’m getting 8 Gigs and my budget is limited. I’m not sure how well these will OC but I need to max out on memory optimally. Timing 5-5-5-18 Voltage 1.8V I don’t feel I understand enough about timing and voltage, but I read it’s best not to over volt the memory because it can burn out

I understand 8 gigs is very difficult to OC, if it doesn’t make any sense, please let me know.

I have no idea why I’m picking this, other than reviewers stated it uses low voltage and it’s fast?

Anyone have other recommendations for an 8Gig memory alternative? And what settings did you use?

1x DVD-RW LG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model $26.99 GSA-H54NK

2x Hard Drive HITACHI Deskstar T7K500 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s $137.98 HDT725032VLA360

I will use this for RAID 1. I will add additional RAID 1s in the future when price drops.

1x Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar SE16 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s $189.99 WD7500AAKS

1x Video Card MSI GeForce 7300LE 128MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express
x16 $15.99 NX7300LE-TD128EH

I got the cheapest one I can find with decent review. I will be remotely accessing my system so good graphics is not necessary.

1x Case ENERMAX Chakra Black SECC ATX $69.99 ECA3052B
Looks promising to keep the case cool.

1x Thermal Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound $5.99 ARCTIC SILVER 5

1x CPU Fan Rosewill 92mm 2 Ball PWM CPU Cooler $49.99 RCX-Z775-EX

A little high than what I want to spend but I hope this Air cooling solution will keep the cpu cool at 3.2-3.4

FOUND ON TIGERDIRECT.COM

1x Power Ultra / X-Finity / 500-Watt / ATX / 120mm Fan $59.99 ULT31846 K

Enough SATA for my needs. Seems quiet and modular to keep the case clean from wires.


Thanks for your help in advance!

[JamesXP]

I'd skip the ultra PSI and get a Corsair HX520 or other 500W from seasonic/FSP.



Skip the rosewill CPU cooler get an ultra 120.

7300LE? I hope you nor gaming =/


Well you can get 3.6 with DDR800 @ stock so memory is fine.

[kenlee514]

yea, definite not going to be playing games, going to use this system to host hosting multiple windows OS, 24x7

the only image i'll see are from the remote desktops softwares.

[satandole666]

Do you truly need 8gb of RAM or would 4gb work?

You'll save a ton of money if you can capitalize on some awesome deals on ram, but it will limit you to 4gb.

If you get DDR2 800, set the FSB to 400mhz, and change the multi to 8x, you should have a fairly easily overclock that requires little to no voltage increases at all.

In fact, you might be able to save a couple pennies getting the X3210 (8x Q6600 Xeon) if you really think you won't care about going above 3.2ghz.

[kenlee514]

Yea, I really need the 8GB, I would pick 8gb over the 3.2 OC.

The whole reason I am OC is because server idle cpu utilization is only at 5-15%.

so i'm trying to leverage multiple OS with as much memory as possible since each OS will be allocated 1-2GB.

[satandole666]

Yea, I really need the 8GB, I would pick 8gb over the 3.2 OC.

The whole reason I am OC is because server idle cpu utilization is only at 5-15%.

so i'm trying to leverage multiple OS with as much memory as possible since each OS will be allocated 1-2GB.

Ahh, I was just trying to save you money...not increase your OC.

As long as you stick with DDR2 800 you won't be overclocking your memory. I'm a little uncomfortable about the A-Data ram, I'll see if I can find any cheap name brand stuff, maybe on sale or something.

[kenlee514]

Ahh, I was just trying to save you money...not increase your OC.

As long as you stick with DDR2 800 you won't be overclocking your memory. I'm a little uncomfortable about the A-Data ram, I'll see if I can find any cheap name brand stuff, maybe on sale or something.

I've noticed you used g.skills, that's one of the alt member I've considered:

DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145

would any of those be a better option?

[satandole666]

I've noticed you used g.skills, that's one of the alt member I've considered:

DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145

would any of those be a better option?

I was looking at the DDR2 800 kits. If you don't mind the increase in price I'd say go with those. I think the 3rd or 4th comment in the comment section mentions them having minor issues (with auto settings) that are completely fixed by setting it manually with the motherboard you want to buy. That's a +1 for ram working with your mobo.

I've used G.Skill for a while now and never had a problem. I'd recommend then but everyone is different.

EDIT: Whats the deal with that HSF for the quad? I haven't been in the air cooling market for a while, but you probably can find something better for $50. With a top of the line cooler you should be able to do 3600 on a G0 stepping with a little extra juice.

[kenlee514]

I was looking at the DDR2 800 kits. If you don't mind the increase in price I'd say go with those. I think the 3rd or 4th comment in the comment section mentions them having minor issues (with auto settings) that are completely fixed by setting it manually with the motherboard you want to buy. That's a +1 for ram working with your mobo.

I've used G.Skill for a while now and never had a problem. I'd recommend then but everyone is different.

EDIT: Whats the deal with that HSF for the quad? I haven't been in the air cooling market for a while, but you probably can find something better for $50. With a top of the line cooler you should be able to do 3600 on a G0 stepping with a little extra juice.


what's the difference between the:
gskill's DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) vs. DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000)?

in my situation, i'm aiming for 3.4GHz OC, would 800 or 1000 be the best choice? any suggestion on the setting?

i heard gskills get pretty hot.


Regarding to the HSF, I just did a search and found this, would this be a better choice?
ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118003

Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=Ultra+120&x=20&y=33

what is something people look for when picking a HSF?

[jason4207]

Get DDR2-800. You'd only need the DDR2-1000 if you planned on getting your FSB up to 500, and 400 will give you 3.6GHz. Run the RAM 1:1, and just try to tighten the timings as best as you can.

I don't know much about the 2GB sticks, but the D9 based 1GB RAM chips OC like crazy anyway, so anything over DDR2-800 is more for bragging rights.

HSF - ThermalRight Ultra-120-Extreme & 115CFM+ 120mm fan.