durch

Synced with the RAM? Lowering CPU speed = loss in performance, always. I'm not sure what you mean by synced with the RAM but whatever you think is going on, it's bologna lol. Kick it back up to 3.0GHz if you want the most out of your system. CPU speed is far more important than RAM speed so long as your RAM is running over 400MHz (DDR2 800 speeds). CPU speed usually more important than RAM speeds even if your RAM is running under 400MHz. Never take a hit in CPU speed for more RAM speed. And 125*F is only 51*C. My X2 4200+ use to run at 58*C during load with the stock cooler and worked flawlessly. X2 Windsors (what you have) can take up to 60*C for 24/7 use safely, your temps are fine if 125*F is as hot as it gets.

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goodolsen

Yeah, I didn't think it made a lot of sense, but after a long weekend and not much sleep it sounded good. LOL I'll bump it back up tonight, I'm also looking into getting some new RAM. How would the Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2GB with 4-4-4-12-2t timings help? I'm looking at getting 2 sticks, since 2 separate 2GB are cheaper than a 2x2GB pack...go figure.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148215

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durch

There's nothing special about the 2GB Ballistix modules. It was their 1GB modules (2x1GB sets) that had Micron D9GMH IC's and overclocked to around 1100-1200MHz on average for a VERY reasonable price. They were extremely popular on this site about 1.5-2 years ago. I wouldn't dish out $58 for 4GB of Ballistix Tracers when these OCZ Blade's are just as good for $37 shipped after a $10 MIR. Again, older AMD X2's don't see enough benefit from higher RAM clocks to justify buying expensive RAM or 1066 sets. Plus, those OCZ Blades will likely overclock to 1066 speeds if you loosen the timings to 5-5-5-18. But the performance loss from the higher timings often eliminates (or at least makes negligible) any performance gained from the higher RAM speed. AMD X2's just aren't very sensitive to RAM speeds over 400MHz (800 effective). But whats wrong with your current RAM?

EDIT: If you're looking for more performance out of your system, the memory is the least of your concerns. If you game, you'll see the most benefit from a new video card. Here's some options:

$35 - ASUS 9600GSO (after $20 MIR, FREE shipping, comes with CoD 5!)
$80 - Sapphire HD4830 (FREE shipping, very happy with mine)

If you're not gaming then the 8400 is fine, and you'll want to invest in a CPU/board upgrade. If you do game, start with the GPU, that will give you the biggest improvement, and if you can afford more upgrades go to the CPU/board. Your RAM is fine, not amazing RAM but 4GB is 4GB, speed isn't that important for RAM as long as it's DDR2 800 or better. Here's some CPU/board combos:

$210 - AMD Phenom II X4 940BE with Biostar 790GX board (after $80 instant combo savings)
$195 - AMD X3 720BE with ASUS 790GX (after $54 instant combo savings)

The deal on the X3 720BE is good, the deal on the Phenom II X4 940BE is amazing!!! If you have the money, jump on that deal, you'll see huge improvements in overclocking potential and it will be a good amount faster clock for clock (meaning a PhII at 3.0GHz will run faster than your X2 at 3.0GHz). Plus, it's a quad core versus your dual core. It would be an amazing upgrade for your system.

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goodolsen

Nothing wrong with the current RAM, but ive got 5 80mm case fans with red LED's and thought some flashing red LED RAM would look good with it. It would be more for aesthetics than problem resolution. Although my comp is over a year old and it was my first build, so I didn't know nearly as much then as I do now, and I'm learning more every day.

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durch

Yea, an AMD X2 4200+ was my first build too about 3 years ago. Good systems to start on I think, fairly easy to overclock (though they don't go very high haha).

If you want some more performance for games, I'd at least get the 9600GSO (see edit to previous post). It's a good midrange card that will play most games on medium settings, some on high, and for $35 it's so cheap to upgrade. And of course a new PhII and 790GX board will give you all around better performance in everything. But again, for games, always upgrade the video card before you consider upgrading the CPU/board.

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goodolsen

The 8400GS was my upgraded video card, just a few weeks ago. I wanted something a little faster than onboard, and since I don't really game it worked out well. But now that I'm folding a GPU that does well on that might be my next option. The 8400GS doesn't do so well on folding.

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durch

Just shot you a PM but basically the 9600GSO is THE card for folders. It's the card people most often purchase for a folding rig as it's inexpensive but still folds well. And $35 is incredibly cheap for a 9600GSO.

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goodolsen

Alright, so I bumped the CPU back up to 3.01GHz and the RAM is running at 860. So far so good. Still working on getting approval from the 'boss' for the 9600GSO.

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adoit90

What's the difference between HTT and reference clock?

highoc

Thanks !

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