Will G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-4GBPIS PC3-17600 memory work with Intel Xeon X3440 CPU?

[kendrab]

I am gathering parts for a new PC build, and have an EVGA P55 Classified 200 motherboard, and just ordered this memory. Now I am ready to order the CPU, and was advised by a knowledgeable friend to get an Intel Xeon X3440 because it "overclocks better" than an Intel i7-860/870.

Would I get the same performance out of this motherboard/memory combination with an X3440 processor, or am I better off to stick with an i7-860/870?

[GSKILL TECH]

Xeon does have its small benefits with overclocking, but you will be limited as far as memory goes. The Xeon only allows a 10X memory multi, so your memory will only go as high as your BCLK. Hopefully you get a good CPU to reach DDR3-2000+. But if you don't even care about max memory performance, then the cheaper Xeon may be the best route.

Example:

200 x 10 = DDR3-2000

but with the i7 860/870, you have 12X,

so you can do 167 x 12 = DDR3-2000 to keep temps lower

If you want DDR3-2400+, then you surely need the 12X memory multiplier for BCLK 200 x 12. The Xeon can not do BCLK 240 x 10.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH