Okay, just got the "Meat and Potatoes" of my Q9450 system from UPS.

Built the system and everything seems to run great! However, I now need advice on two things.

FIRST =====> I want to get a couple utilities that will help me test / monitor / manage the performance of individual pieces of my PC.

For Example, I would like to test the speed capability of my Hard Drive and verify that the SATA is actually at 3.0 G/Sec... I'd like to know the temp of my CPU or even the individual cores on my Quad without having to look inside bios. (I'd like to know if any of my CPU's temp sensors are stuck. This is common with Q9450 apparently)

SECOND =====> In about 2 or 3 weeks, my next part order will be made. This order will include a Zalman CPU cooler, Arctic Cool 5 Thermal Paste, Ram Chip Cooler, etc, etc...

I need software that will help me overclock.

And as a total overclocking noob, I need the knowledge to perform the overclocking itself. I'd like to get the most out of this system without damaging it. Where should I turn to learn that information??

Thanks in advance! You guys rule!

- Witt

There are no softwares to help you overclock. You have to do it by your self through the BIOS, unless you've got an Asus mobo with ocing software. Anyway, it seems to be not as effective as doing it by yourself.
I'd say you're too ambitious considering you lack of experience; RAM chip coolers? Are you sure you need that?
On softwares, get cpuz , gpuz, sandra (memory diagnosis), prime (stress teste for oced systems). Never ran SATA utilities, but you can find one just googlin it.

First, run memtest86+ to verify that your memory is solid.
Install speedfan to give you a constant readout of temps.
Prime95 will test your cpu stability.
CPU-Z will show you if speedstep is working, and what your memory configuration actually is.
Run the windows task manager performance monitor, and see how loaded you are when running your workload.
------------all these are free------------------
How heavy is your cpu usage? If you are not at least 50% busy, then you will not get much value out of overclocking. Any overclocking includes an element of risk and voiding your warranty. Just how much, and how likely is debateable.

HDtune for the HDD. Does speed tests and looks for errors and stuff. Dont remember if it stores S.M.A.R.T. logs.

A simple google search brings up this for OC'ing:

http://www.wikihow.com/Overclock-a-PC

As for the HD tests, a good utility is HD Tach, you can get a free version that offers good functionality.

And don't sweat about the sata speeds, even if your drive is at sata I it'll have more than enough bandwidth.

Also, you'll need RealTemp and orthos for CPU testing, don't use speedfan as it may give incorrect readings (as for Q6600, and the infamous 15ºC offset).

I'm starting to love these people who buy the Q6600, and then ask how to overclock it...Thats why I brought the 9750

UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR!

Yeah... I got the Q9450 for two reasons... First, it's the best processor for the money IMHO. It has features the Q6600 does not ( 45mn Arch, larger cache, etc), but it's still in the same price range. (No where near as expensive as the extreme line of CPU's)

Second, I heard that the Q9450 was the easiest Core 2 Quad to over-clock, after the Q6600 of course. Cuz of it's 45mn architecture it runs cool. (Appears to be 29C in my case... For now.)

- Witt

I do run with Asus By the way... I have an Asus P5E Deluxe Motherboard. It's basically a rampage with 1 fewer RJ-45 connector on it.

- Witt