noob multiplier question E8500

Easy answer. The higher multiplier means pushing the FSB less to achieve a similar overclock between the lower multiplier E8400.

Basically all NON-Extreme C2D or C2Q have their stock multi locked. Or in other words the Extreme version, you can change the multi higher then its stock multi.

When you totally disable speed step (C1E/EIST) you will be able to adjust the multi to a lower one, but you can't adjust it higher then its stock multi. So the reason that you may see a multi setting is only there for speedstep. It could not adjust the speed if it was totally locked down.

Also I agree with pausert20.

So for an example on numbers (comparison for like E8400 and E8500):
Lets just say this would be its stock (1066 rated FSB):

266x9=2394 or 2.4ghz
266x10=2660 or 2.66ghz

Now to OC

325x9=2925 or 2.9
325x10=3250 or 3.2ghz

So the higher multi gives you more boost at the same FSB speed.

I can set my multi in my BIOS without disabling the power saving options   but I am special.

Yup Grimmy is right. I would love to have a C2QX but unfortunately my wallet died when I saw the price. May it RIP.  

got it thanks