http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-hardware/103676-c2d-overclocking-guide-beginners.html (http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-hardware/103676-c2d-overclocking-guide-beginners.html)

http://www.overclock.net/intel-cpus/1567-intel-overclocking-guide.html (http://www.overclock.net/intel-cpus/1567-intel-overclocking-guide.html)

Overclocking the 680i:

http://pc.ign.com/articles/747/747606p1.html (http://pc.ign.com/articles/747/747606p1.html)

nVidia OC guide:
http://www.nvidia.com/docs/CP/45121/nforce_680i_sli_overclocking.pdf (http://www.nvidia.com/docs/CP/45121/nforce_680i_sli_overclocking.pdf)

http://www.overclock.net/intel-motherboards/229532-essentials-overclocking-680i-nvidia-reference-boards.html (http://www.overclock.net/intel-motherboards/229532-essentials-overclocking-680i-nvidia-reference-boards.html)



Overclocking with NB straps in mind:

http://www.overclock.net/intel-cpus/146820-intel-overclocking-redefined-guide-successful-overclocking.html (http://www.overclock.net/intel-cpus/146820-intel-overclocking-redefined-guide-successful-overclocking.html)

RealTemp is a critical application for 45nm CPU temp monitoring as well as temp diode testing (remember to set properly for your CPU type): http://www.techpowerup.com/realtemp (http://www.techpowerup.com/realtemp)

ORTHOS beta is a stress testing application used to load Dual core CPUs to 100% as well as stress the rest of system (depends on test type selected) which is critical in determining overclock stability, as well as system temperatures under load: http://sp2004.fre3.com/ (http://sp2004.fre3.com/)

Prime95 is similar to ORTHOS but better for QUadCore users as it will load all four cores of the CPU to 100% for stability testing and temperature monitoring.

Get it here: http://www.mersenneforum.org/showthread.php?t=2 (http://www.mersenneforum.org/showthread.php?t=2)

CPUZ and HWMonitor are hardware information applications that are useful for monitoring multiple system settings: http://www.cpuid.com/index.php (http://www.cpuid.com/index.php)

OCCT is a nice stress testing software that also monitors and plots system voltages, clock speeds, and temperatures so after a run you can look for any voltage ripple or other anomalies: http://www.ocbase.com/perestroika_en/index.php?Download (http://www.ocbase.com/perestroika_en/index.php?Download)

IntelBurnTest software is suitable as the final hurdle after the above software have been run since it will generate the highest CPU temps and is the ultimate CPU stress test: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=197835 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=197835)

OP updated with nVidia board info.