[Crap]

Howdy. I'm in the process of getting a new computer and im curious to see what you guys have to say about this issue. I'm considering either a 2.6c or a 3.0c. I have read tons of info on both, but im not really sure about which one I should purchase. I hear that the 2.6 gets insane overclocks (around 3.5 on stock cooling), but I haven't heard much about the 3.0's overclocking abilities. I don't want to spend an extra $160 if the 3.0 and 2.6 overclock about the same. Thanks.

[ChazFx]

Well, ive not seen many impressive OC's with the 3.0 (well not with out vapo chill...)

The 3.0 would probably not clock thaaaat much more than the 2.6( with out vapo chill). But the 2.6 would have a much higher FSB at that speed.

I had the choice of a 2.4b or a 2.66b, and i chose the 2.4b due to its simaler OC rate, but the higher fsb.

IMO, get the 2.6, and spend that $160 on some high quality ram/cooling.


Hope that helps.

[Perre]

Definatly go with the 2.6C...

[batboy]

Not sure where you heard about 2.6C overclocking to 3.5 gig on stock cooling. This certainly is NOT typical. Probably more like 3.2 to 3.3 gig on stock cooling. Just didn't want you to get disappointed. That said, if the choice was between the 2.6C and the 3.0C, the 2.6C still wins the contest. The higher FSB of the 2.6C really boosts performance. The added bonus is the 2.6C is a lot cheaper too.

[unreal]

yeah id go with 2.6

[Crap]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I will go with the 2.6. Now I have enough dough for a gig or ram instead of 512. I know this is kinda off topic, but if I go with the 2.6 won't I need memory that can handle the overclocking? I was going to get OCZ pc3200. Will I need something like pc3500 or pc3700 with the 2.6? I plan on overclocking it to 3.0 as soon as I get it.

[canislupy]

You should get some fast PC3700 in order to get to 3.0GHz. Depending on the brand you might be able to push the 2.6C to 3.25 (250 FSB or PC4000 equiv.). Or, you could just outright buy PC4000. I would think you'd have no problems OC'ing the 2.6C to 3.25GHz with a Zalman 7000 hetsink.

[Perre]

NOTE that you'll only need PC3700+ memory if you're going to run it with the divider 1:1. If you on the contrary run it by 5:4 you will be fine with pc3200-pc3500. (ofcourse it depends on how much you'll be able to oc your system)

You choice of memory will affect you alot, please read about some more before you decide what memory to buy. There are lots and lots of threads in this forum which can give a couple of hints on what to buy.

[N803]

Also note that depending on your system you might be better off with 5:4 PC3500 and memory with faster timings than with 1:1 PC4000 and their current less than optimal timings. As Perre suggested, please check over at the memory section for further info. Check this thread for a start.

[batboy]

With the 2.6C, PC3200 will be a good match using the 5:4 ratio up to 250 FSB (3.25 gig). I'd recommend finding some good RAM that uses the BH-6 chips. If you're going after max overclock with the 5:4 ratio and high FSB, you might consider good PC3500 or RAM that will run that speed. If you have no desire to go above 3 gig and want to use the 1:1 ratio, you need at least PC3700 speed RAM.

[Crap]

I've heard a lot about Buffalo pc3700. How would that work? What about BH-5 HyperX3200?

Here is my planned setup

P4 2.6c
Abit IS7
MSI Ti4200 8x
420 watt Thermaltake PS

[Overclocker456]

The 3.0C is definatly the Best choice. Why? Simple Most motherboard have a hard time hitting the High Bus Speed setting that the 2.6C needs to get to 3.5GHz. The 3.0C just needs 233MHz bus speed, the 2.6C needs 270MHz bus speed. Also keep in mind that running 233MHz 1:1 with 2/2/2/5 timings is better than those of higher speed with 3/4/4/8 or something like that.

I did get a 2.6C it only hit 3.3GHz with watercooling 100% stable, a far cry from 3.5GHz, not to mention I tried up to 1.85v. My 2.8B hits 3.6GHz with 1.85v. I sold the 2.6C kept the 2.8B. Not to mention that the 2.8B kicked the crap out of the 2.6C.

[batboy]

Not sure how you're justifying buying the 3.0C since it'll have a lower FSB and will cost much more. You make it sound like "only" 3.3 gig from a 2.6C was a crime. That was a good overclock.