ASUS P5B-E memory question

[Sound Mind]

So, I'm planning a build with this motherboard, the P5B-E, with overclocking an E6600 in mind. I've read plenty about it only recognizing 1.8V memory without a BIOS update, so I'm grabbing a 256MB stick of Kingston that's on the QVL list, specifically for the purpose of just getting it to post so I can flash the BIOS and use the real stuff. But the real stuff is where my question comes in.

I'm getting the impression that it's pretty picky about RAM, so I wanted to check with you fine folks here first before I dropped the $200 on memory that didn't work.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227123
Granted I'm getting two in a dual-channel configuration, will that stuff work fine? I'd consider 2.4V memory, but according to the reviews, getting a version of the board that supports it is rare. 2.1V seems to be most likely after a BIOS flash. Plus for a beginning OC'er, I'm sure it's just fine.

Anyhow, would that memory and that board make a good pair?

Also, right now, I'm very budget-conscious. So if good substitutes come to mind, please bear that in mind, as well.

Thanks!

[glc]

You can use Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 CAS 5 ram with no bios update - it will just work and you can overclock very nicely with it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590

[Sound Mind]

Well, that sounds good. It's $20 more, but I save $20 by not having to buy the Kingston temp-memory.

So, given that motherboard, that memory, and an E6600 with the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, do you think I could get into the 3.2-3.4gHz range? That's my goal.

[flanzig1]

That OC should be attainable. But, remember each combination of parts in a PC will determine what STABLE OC you will get. Your mileage will vary from other PCs.

[Sound Mind]

Yeah. After I get to or near 3.4gHz with a stable boot-up, I plan to run a 12- or 24-hour stress test. See what goes on. If I get it to 3.4, I can't imagine there being much more room left for improvement, so I'll probably stop there.

I was trying to find a 975X-based board for my next build, but they're pretty pricey still, and I can't really find one that suits my needs. Is the difference between the 975s and the 965s really worth that much? Why?

[glc]

The 975's have 2 video card slots for Crossfire. Good 965's overclock just as well and are cheaper.