Core2Duo Overclocking Guides/Info & required software

[TX-EcoDragon]

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

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

Overclocking the 680i:

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.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

[TX-EcoDragon]

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

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/

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

CPUZ and HWMonitor are hardware information applications that are useful for monitoring multiple system settings: 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

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

[TX-EcoDragon]

OP updated with nVidia board info.