Low 3dmark with 9800gtx

[evolve60]

I'm getting around 9-10k running 3dmark06, i usually see others running with the same or lesser spec computers score around 13k+, wondering what could be causing the problem

Spec are:

Qx9650 @3.0 Ghz (got this for less then half price from Intel)
780i - P04Bios
8gb corsair ram @ 800mhz
XFX 9800gtx
Creative soundcard
HX1000 watt corsair psu
Seagate 250Gb 16mb cache HDD Primary
Samsung 1TB HDD 32mb cache
24" Samsung T240 1920x1200 res

3dmark06 is installed on my secondary drive. I'd OC my proc if I knew a bit more about ocing.
Thanks in advance

 

[Lavarin]

Something might be running hot? Could you list your specs?

 

[daship]

Probably not far off since your running 3.0.

 

[evolve60]

Something might be running hot? Could you list your specs?

I've already listed my specs, Heat isn't an issue, my cpu load temps never go above 57C and my gpu only hits 68C, 75C max.

My cpu is being cooled by the Zalman cpns9700 cpu cooler, I use Evga precision and have my fan speed set to 47%-85% depending on what I'm running.

 

[evolve60]

Probably not far off since your running 3.0.

Should I OC? I do realize running a 9800gtx on a 24" moniter is pushing it, if not its just able to run games on it just breaking 30fps, so would OCing both my proc and gpu bring my 3dmark score anywhere closer to what others are getting?

 

[Mousemonkey]

Are you running 3d mark at the default setting or at your monitors native?

 

[evolve60]

Are you running 3d mark at the default setting or at your monitors native?

I'm running 3dmark at its default, and yes, my monitor is running at its native res, I have it set to display as aspect ratio so nothing is stretched out when im running the benchmark.

 

[pat mcgroin]

OC the GPU through Precision.
XFX is a pretty decent card so I would move the core clock up 25 and make sure that the link button next to it is checked so the shader clock goes up with it.
Leave the memory clock alone.
That should boost your scores a bit.
You should be able to go higher than that just watch your temps.
Once you get it how you want you can check the apply at windows startup on the left.

 

[Mousemonkey]

I would try running with only 2GB of RAM first and set the monitor res to 1280 x 1024 but TBH 3D '06 is more CPU bound than Vantage, have you tried that yet?