I7 920 help (bought underclocked??)

I recently bought an i7 920, and I think it was bought underclocked. Note that I don't actually know that much about computers, but judging from this screenshot, my processor is only running at 1.6ghz rather than stock speed of 2.6ghz. Is this because I only have a multiplier of x12? Am I right or am I reading the wrong values?

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/6443/14086749d.jpg

If my clock IS running slower than stock speed, then how would I go about increasing the multiplier? Did my motherboard (ASUS P6T) automatically set the the multiplier at x12 (e.g. maybe inadequate cooling or power)? If that is the case, then is it even safe for me to increase it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Just did some experimenting in the BIOS, and I decided to disable "Intel Speedstep Tech" and this got me my x20 multiplier. Is it safe for me to do this, and what exactly is the purpose of this setting?

It's safe, but it serves no purpose in your case.

With speedstep enabled, the processor will automatically scale down the speed when there is nothing for it to do anyway, to save power and heat when idle. That's why you see the x12 multiplier, it will scale up again if you put load on the processor.

AFAIK, the setting is primarily because some overclockers prefer to turn it off. I think disabling it is supposed to help with stability at heavy overclocks.

for some reason I couldnt edit me message.

My heatsink is an Akasa Nero. I do remember having a few problems trying to mount it (one of the pins wouldnt go in properly which meant I lifted it from the processor several times....). I think it may need reseating

Stop... dont even use pc at 90c.I hope that temp is under a load not idle.
Somthing is wrong with heat sink or thermal goo.
Try real temp to confirm those temps.

Reset your bios settings to default *leaving speed step on*
save and exit bios and go back into it and check your temps in the bios

speedstep is a power saving function - best left on

did you build the PC your self?

oh and thats 90ºc or f?

did you attach the HSF to the motherboard outside the case, or after you already mounted the motherboard?

I think your temps are too high. Most likely, the cooler is not mounted correctly. Don't worry too much because the cpu will throttle itself if it gets too hot.

Push pin coolers can be tricky to install.
A bad installation can lead to higher temperatures, and even cpu throttling.
With the pc powered down, gently rock the cooler to see if it is on solid, or if it wobbles a bit.
Push pin coolers are best installed while the motherboard is outside of the case.
You need to be able to look at the back of the board to verify that
all 4 pins are completely through and locked.
Play with the pins on the cooler first, so you can see exactly how they work.
Read the Intel instructions that came with your retail cpu.
__________________________When pushing down on the pins, do a diagonal pair first.________________________
If you don't, it is hard to get the last pin in.
Don't forget to clean the parts and reapply fresh thermal compound every time.
Don't try to reuse the TIM.
Rubbing alcohol is OK as a cleaner.
I use a paper coffee filter to clean with because it is lint free.
Any name brand TIM should be OK(as-5, Mx-2, etc.)
When applying the TIM, don't use too much, because it can act as an insulator.
Don't apply too little, either, because it won't spread and fill the microscopic
imperfections in the surfaces. For the i7, there is a picture on the arctic silver web site that shows how to apply it. You put down a very thin line along the longer axis of the cpu die.

---good luck---