Upgrade opinions, please...

[Syrillian]

Greetings.

Take a look at my sig and advise me:

Should I get a faster processor or get better RAM (I am using ValueRam).

I can not take my CPU over 2500MHz and I think that it is the RAM, what do y'all think?

Max Multiplier is 10 (CPU = 10 x 250 / RAM = 227.3 DDR)

Please bear in mind that I want to stick to the current physical architecture.

Thanks for your time and input.

P.S. Will DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 500 (PC 4000) work with my hardware...?

 

[StylinGolfShoes]

id get better RAM

 

[bmxfreakrider]

its not a ram cap, its a mobo cap...the mobo wont overclock any more...so if you want more outta the processor, get a better mobo, and processor

 

[dario03]

its not a ram cap, its a mobo cap...the mobo wont overclock any more...so if you want more outta the processor, get a better mobo, and processor

You sure about that? My Asus A8NE can go up to 300fsb but the processor won't go past ~290.
I'm using some cheap ram and I got my amd64 3000+ @2.5ghz with the ram @~218.

Syrillian have you tried a different ram divider and voltage settings?
And what kind of temps are you seeing.

 

[Syrillian]

You sure about that? My Asus A8NE can go up to 300fsb but the processor won't go past ~290.
I'm using some cheap ram and I got my amd64 3000+ @2.5ghz with the ram @~218.

Syrillian have you tried a different ram divider and voltage settings?
And what kind of temps are you seeing.

I am fairly new to overclocking. I have not attempted using a RAM divider, I would want to have more of an understanding. Whats the low-down?

Vcore is @ 1.44V
CPU temp @ 39-41 idle / 47-49 load

x2 3800 stock is 2000MHz (10 x 200) @ 1.325V (thereabouts...)

 

[dario03]

The 3rd ones good for explaining ram ratio

Though on this site multiple people have told me that a ratio shouldn't be a bad thing for a amd64 for some reason. The only time I ever notice a slow down with my 5/4 ratio is when I play oblivion. But I'm not sure if thats the problem.

If your bios is like mine, it won't be displayed as a ratio but instead mhz rating 400 = 5/5, 333 = 5/4.
You would go to
Advanced>Cpu Configuration>DRAM Configuration>Max Memclock (mhz).

The guide on this site recommends the safe zone for a x2 at below 55*c though. So you might wanna just keep it how you have it now. Unless you've heard of a higher safe temp for your cpu from a reputable source.