[combatant3219]

Hi,

I'm just looking for some advice on the number of RAM sticks for my Sandybridge overclock. I can't test myself right now as I have Prime95 running a stress test @ 4.9Ghz on my 2600K.

My query is, I currently have 4x4GB sticks in my rig so all my RAM slots are full.
I can get 4.8Ghz stable both with HT on or off, but obviously temps are lower with HT off. As far as the overclock goes, what impact if any would removing 2 sticks and staying at 8GB (or buying 2 sticks of 8GB for a total of 16GB) have on overclocking?

Is it likely to drop temps because the memory controller is not working hard? Is it likely to let me overclock higher?

I know the number of RAM sticks had implications for stability on older hardware but not sure about Sandybridge.

Thanks.

[Evilsizer]

still the same the more ram that is populated the harder the memory controller has to work. even though it is on the cpu it still has to work just as hard as if it was with the chipset. really up to you but i dont see why you need a cpu at near 5ghz anyway. maybe just for bragging rights and for games at 4ghz. you pretty much made sure the gpu doesnt have to wait on the cpu for data to be processed. i would be happy with the 4.8ghz stable you have now.

maybe going to 8gigx2 setup might help with getting 5ghz but then going to watercooling might also help as well.

[combatant3219]

Thanks Evilsizer!

[txus.palacios]

If you are benching, most of the times you don't need such an amount of RAM, remove two sticks.

If you are gaming, nowhere near 5GHz is needed. Actually, the only reason for me not to run stock () is that I fold.

[combatant3219]

Thanks, Yer I know that in general games don't really need anywhere near 5Ghz, but one of the main games I'll be using is extremely CPU bound and so the high clock speeds significantly help out with performance.

I've decided to stop shooting for 5Ghz though and will stick with either 4.8 or 4.9 which I'm really happy with for my first overclock.