($350) Upgrade Update

Well Guys, a couple weeks ago I came here for advice regarding updating my system for around 350 bucks. I was doing this upgrade cheaply to get me by until Nehalem is released.

I was reusing my case, psu, dvd-rw, dvd-rom, and HD.

Went from: To:
CPU: P4 3.0GHz CPU: Intel E2200 (2.2 Ghz)(OCed to 3.0)
MB: Asus P4C800 Deluxe MB: Abit IP35-E
VC: 256 ATI X850 Pro VC: 512 Nvidia 9600GT

It cost me $389 shipped for all of it but after the rebates get back it will be $319.

So for $320 My 3Dmark06 score went from 1715 with my old system to 8727 at stock speeds. Last night I overclocked the Cpu to 3.0 GHz and got a 10063. I knwo this isnt real world testing but a good comparison if you ask me.

My real world test is only on COD4 right now and I went from playing at 1024 x 800 with nothing else on at 40 fps to 1280 x 1024 (my monitors Native res) with everything on (all setting on highest settings) at 90+ fps.

So I wanted to thank everyone that helped me make the decision to upgrade. I know some said to use my old computer but this was the best money I have ever spent and I know it will last me until Nehalem is out.

Ya i am using a 4 year old 19" lcd. I will be getting a new one but stuff for my new house comes first since it still works.

I am using my old Zalaman 9500 LED Heat Sink that I have had on my old P4 that last few years. I was suprised at the performance of the cooler. I bought the retail version (CPU) but it came with the half hieght cooler so I decided to go ahead and install the Zalaman with AS5. Max Temp I saw after 2+ hours of Blended was 52°C using Prime95.

I might Lower the OC to 2.8 so I can lower the voltage because I am still worried about the intel specs on http://processorfinder.intel.com/d [...] Spec=SLA8X.

It says max voltage of 1.312 but the lowest my MB shows is 1.325 and I am running it at 1.365. All other E2X00's are 1.5 Max so I am just worried. A couple people said that I am ok til 1.5 just wondering what is up with the intel spec page.

My SuperPi 1M was just at 20 sec, is that good?

I am using Core temp to check temps and well as the supplied hardware monitor that came with the MB. they both show the same temps I always have them both up. What is funny is even though I set the voltage to 1.365 it seems like the MB is controlling it on Auto. at idle it shows at 1.2 something but at load it goes up to 1.3 something. I think I understand Vdroop but man I thought it would stay closer to 1.365. no matter the load.

I also use CPUZ & included MB monitor to look at system setting.

Try downloading the Intel Thermal Analysis Tool. also called TAT. IT will give you the temp on each core. The core2's have 3 sensors. the Tcase and the Tcores. The Tcase temp is the one I think you are getting, not sure. The other two are on each core. I go by these.
http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/392/mirrors.php

I thought i disabled all that stuff but I guess I missed one. I dont mind it lowering the voltage/speed to save power I just dont want to mess up my brand new processor even though it was only 80 bucks.