First Time - GA-P55A-UDP4, I7 860, 9800GT

[Jocelyn84]

The default memory speed is based on the memory modules SPD value for the current BCLK. So in my case the default memory speed for an i5-750 is 1066.

However in the BIOS I can change System Memory Multiplier from SPD to 10x BCLK so it can run at 1333. The maximum my memory can run without over clocking with this CPU.

I don't know what the BCLK is for a i7-860, but the maximum memory speed will be 10x BCLK.

I hope this is makes sense.

I'm in agreement with you about not needing 2200Mhz memory, but the i7 860 has a memory multiplier of 12, not 10 like the i5 750. For op to hit 2200 with the memory, they'd only need a BCLK of 183 with a 12 memory multiplier.

 

[carbine]

I checked in the BIOS (MIT) and it looks like BCLK is sitting at 133.3, so 12X that = 1600, so the max memory speed on an i7-860 without overclocking is 1600? Or does that BCLK change dynamically with turbo modes and SpeedStep?

 

[Jocelyn84]

I checked in the BIOS (MIT) and it looks like BCLK is sitting at 133.3, so 12X that = 1600, so the max memory speed on an i7-860 without overclocking is 1600? Or does that BCLK change dynamically with turbo modes and SpeedStep?

Yes that's correct and only the multiplier changes with turbo, while the BCLK stays the same.

 

[carbine]

Thanks! This is slowly starting to make sense.

 

[Jocelyn84]

Thanks! This is slowly starting to make sense.

Good! It initially seems complicated, but after you think about it for just a little, its merely simple multiplication and division.

 

[cakemonster]

Graphics = EVGA nVidia GeForce 9800GT 1 GB 2DVI/HDCP PCI-Express Video Card 01G-P3-N981-TR

While my brother has had no trouble with his EVGA 9800GT it seems a lot of people are experiencing strange noises:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1099
Just in case you have not seen that thread

It is not the 9800 GT, my GTX 285 does it too. It is nvidia cards on OpenGL (at least some of them). But it is very soft and I can only provoke it with VERY openGL dependent programs, or some screensavers. Lnx2mac is also playing with the DSDT and it is getting softer, although folks have heard this in Windows as well with all gigabyte MBs/nvidia cards.

The 9800 GT is a great compatible card, but bang for buck the 250GT might be a better call.

 

[Jocelyn84]

The 9800 GT is a great compatible card, but bang for buck the 250GT might be a better call.

This. I'd look for a deal on a GTS 250 or 9800GTX as they're the same card.

 

[MacManiac]

The 9800 GT is a great compatible card, but bang for buck the 250GT might be a better call.

This. I'd look for a deal on a GTS 250 or 9800GTX as they're the same card.

From what I understand, the GTS 250 is smaller, uses less power and thus in theory should be slightly cooler.

GeForce GTS 250 1GB (top) vs. GeForce 9800 GTX+ (bottom)

NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250: A Rebadged 9800 GTX+
http://www.anandtech.com/show/2731

 

[Jocelyn84]

Sure, MacManiac. I just mentioned the 9800GTX in case they found a deal on one instead of the 250. There was one on Newegg last week for around $60.

 

[MacManiac]

Sure, MacManiac. I just mentioned the 9800GTX in case they found a deal on one instead of the 250. There was one on Newegg last week for around $60.

60 bucks for a 9800GTX certainly sounds like a killer deal. The 250 I currently have picked out is 150 bucks on newegg (140 after rebate).