XMP O'cing Help?

Pretty sure your temp problem is your stock intel HSF.
(note it is not uncommon for the temp to very while at idle - Normally do to background programs kicking in and out. Also under heavy load the individual cores may differ ( seen some post with as much as 5 C variance between cores - mine were with in 2 C).

(1) leave everything at stock untill temp issue is solved.

(2) Not sure what My BIOS version is, I normally upgrade to the latest (pretty sure its currently using F4, I see they cameout with a F6). I will not be home until 2 Jan to check my rig.

(3) With reference to intel stock HSF. I learned my lesson with my E6400 (OC @ 3.2 GHz). I did not even enstall it - I will always use a HSF with a backing plate and install it before installing the MB into the case. Many have a problem getting the 4 legs locked correctly so that they are all at the same tension. (you can do a search on intel HSF for current versions of Procs.

(4) Need to look at the temps in relationship to your ambient (room) temps, at idle there should not be a big diff. ie if room temp is 22 C, your idle temp should be approx 30 C (really Good HSF and case will only be a couple of degees above ambient). For stock at load look for about an 18 C delta (approx 50 C).