1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
7. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1700 MHz).
8. Go to Memory Timing Setting.
9. Change the following:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to 5
• tRCD to 5
• tRP to 5
• TRAS to 15
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to 2T
10. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
11. Open Overvoltage Configuration.
12. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
13. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v.
14. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to 2.0v or 2.2v; otherwise change Memory Voltage to 1.90v.
15. Change Northbridge/MPP to 1.40v (sometimes disabling virtualization will help make an overclock stable).
16. Ensure Chipset Voltage is set to Auto.
17. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default "Y".
18. It should then look like this (screen shot pending) in CPU-Z.
19. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Notes:

I was wondering if you could change the multiplier on an E8300? You hit a wall at 3.7GHz for stability--might be poor RAM.

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Disable SLI-Ready Memory.
7. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
8. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1700 MHz.
9. Change MEM (DDR), MHz to 850 MHz.
10. Go to Memory Timing Setting.
11. Change the following:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to 5
• tRCD to 5
• tRP to 5
• TRAS to 15
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to 2T
12. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
13. Open Overvoltage Configuration.
14. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
15. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v.
16. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to 2.1v; otherwise do not change this setting.
17. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default "Y".
18. It should then look like this in CPU-Z.
19. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Notes:

I have OCZ Reaper PC2 6400 CL4 memory, a CPU cooler, and a 92mm rear exhaust fan, so it might not work for you with stock Dell RAM, or it may run hot without good cooling.

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Disable SLI-Ready Memory.
7. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
8. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1688 MHz).
9. Change MEM (DDR), MHz to 800 (or manufacturer specified MHz).
10. Go to Memory Timing Setting.
11. Change the following:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to 5
• tRCD to 5
• tRP to 5
• TRAS to 18
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to 2T
12. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
13. Open Overvoltage Configuration.
14. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
15. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v (some chipsets may have to use 1.45v).
16. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to the manufacturer's specifications; otherwise change Memory Voltage to 1.90v.
17. Change Chipset Voltage to 1.40v (some chipsets may have to use 1.45v).
18. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default "Y".
19. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Change SLI-Ready Memory to Expert.
7. Change HT Speed to 5X.
8. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
9. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1450 MHz).
10. Change MEM (DDR), MHz to 1067 MHz.
11. Go to Memory Timing Setting.
12. Change the following:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to 5
• tRCD to 5
• tRP to 5
• TRAS to 15
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to 2T
• tRRD to 4
• tRC to 26
• tWR to 5
• tWTR to 10
• tREF to 7.8uS (these were set by the BIOS)
13. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
14. Open Overvoltage Configuration.
15. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
16. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v.
17. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to 2.2v; otherwise do not change this setting.
18. Change Chipset Voltage to 1.35v.
19. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default "Y".
20. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Notes:

I could probably back down on voltages, but I'm keeping them there and trying to increase overclock slightly until they need to be raised. I decided to do a conservative overclock, and went from 3.3GHz to 3.625GHz. I tested stable with OCCT 2.0.1 for one hour mix. The ESA Performance setting for my CPU fan was set at 40%. Temps never went above 67°C (my CPU generally idles in the low 40s range right now). I also used Arctic Silver 5 when installing the CPU, and I am using my Q6600 heatsink. The one that came with the E8600 didn't look as "capable".

Note: these instructions have been modified by My630i.com user beta630 from the original post for reliability and accuracy.

Step 1: Overclocking to 3.0GHz

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Press Esc to return to the main menu.
6. Go to Overclock Configuration.
7. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
8. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1333.
9. Do not change MEM (DDR), MHz.
10. Do not change CPU Multiplier (leave at 9.0, it also says 9.5, that is fine, do not change it).
11. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
12. Go to Overvoltage Configuration.
13. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
14. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v.
15. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to 2.2v--otherwise do not change this setting.
16. Ensure Chipset Voltage is set to Auto.
17. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default "Y".
18. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Step 2: Overclocking to 3.2GHz

1. From the Nvidia Control Panel (the Performance item), select Device Settings from the list on the left.
2. Click the CPU icon, and change the following:
• FSB to 356.
• CPU core Voltage to 1.388v.
• Vref boost to 0.959v under Core 1 (you can change the other cores as well, but it seems that changing Core 1 will apply to all. Cores 2-4 will revert to a much lower voltage reading after a restart, but I believe it's still applied to all four cores).
3. Click Apply at the bottom right to save your changes.
4. You should now be stable at 3.2GHz. Double check all settings from within the Nvidia Control Panel and change as needed.
5. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Notes:

The quality of your RAM may have a lot to do with whether or not you can successfully overclock (i.e. whether or not you're using the stock Dell RAM vs. better quality RAM), so these settings may not be appropriate for everyone, but they should work for most. Remember though that some processors may just not be overclockable as shipped from the factory; the only guarantee is the default CPU clock speed.

Recommended fan settings are: CPU at 46%, Chassis (both fans) at 33%. Dell Liaison Chris Mixon recommends 45% for the Chassis fans, but this may be overkill, especially with a rear exhaust fan. Simply deselect Auto, drag both sliders to 33%, and click Apply at the bottom right of the screen. The numbers will then jump back down--ignore this. When set to Auto, they spin around 25%, so you will hear an increase. This should keep your idle temps in the mid 20s according to Core Temp (gaming = high 30s, stress = high 40s). If this sounds cold to you, and if you use Core Temp, be sure to read this. Tjunction offset can be set to -10°C in the settings of Core Temp to get a more accurate reading for the Q6600. As an example, a single GPU fan on a 9800GT can be set to 50% with RivaTuner by setting up a Windows startup registry key. There should be only a very slight increase in volume from that fan. It typically idles at 50°C and gets into the high 60s when gaming. I find these to be the best settings for me (My630i.com user 630beta)--the best cooling/noise ratio anyway.

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
7. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to whatever your frontside bus is rated for (should be 1333MHz).
8. Change MEM (DDR), MHz to whatever your RAM is rated for (mine is 800MHz).
9. Leave all voltages set to Auto because you can change them via the NVIDIA performance module.
10. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default "Y".
11. From the Nvidia Control Panel (the Performance item), select Device Settings from the list on the left.
12. Click the CPU icon, and change the following:
• CPU core Voltage to 1.388v (you shouldn't go any higher with this CPU).
• CPU GTL Vref boost to 0.959v for all cores.
13. Click Apply.
14. Now, start creeping your way up on the FSB clock (I crept by two).
15. Creep FSB clock, wait a minute or two to see if you freeze up, if not, creep again.
16. I made it to 365MHz on the FSB clock and froze at 366MHz.
17. Once you find a comfortable FSB, start creeping down your CPU core voltage one setting at a time (the lower the voltage, the lower the temperature of the CPU).
18. Once you find your setting, be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.
19. Monitor your temperatures and adjust CPU cooling. Mine are set to: CPU at 33%, Chassis (both fans) at 33%.
20. Save your profile and load at boot up.

Notes:

I attempted to load good settings via the BIOS, but for some reason it wouldn't boot for me--odd. Keep in mind that not all chips are the same, even from the same model/family. You may get worse or better results. Validated by CPU-Z.

Everything (and I mean everything) I've read about overclocking the Q9550 successfully over 3.2GHz details having much better RAM than the stock RAM in the Dell. All successful overclockers are using overclockable RAM, and of course, everyone is using better motherboards. I've seen results in the 4.2GHz range running stable on air cooling. Those are great overclocking results for this chip, but again, they are all using much better RAM and motherboards. I'd be happy approaching 3.5GHz. I'll attempt once I upgrade the RAM. From what I've seen, the Q9550 is a great overclocking chip if you have the appropriate motherboard and RAM.

Getting started

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Enable the CPU Clock Ratio Unlock.
4. Disable C1E.
5. Disable SpeedStep.

CPU screen (go to Advanced, and then CPU).

1. CPU Default Ratio:
2. CPU Clock Ratio Unlock:
3. CPU Clock Ratio:
4. C1E Function:
5. Execute Disable Bit:
6. Virtualization:
7. Speedstep:
8. Frequency Unlimit:

Overclock Configuration screen (go to Advanced, and then Overclock Configuration).

1. SLI-Ready Memory:
2. Current CPU Freq, MHz:
3. CPU Multiplier:
4. HT Speed:
5. FSB - Memory Clock Mode:
6. FSB - Memory Ratio:
7. FSB (QDR), MHz:
8. MEM (DDR), MHz:
9. PCIe Bus, Slot 1, MHz:
10. PCIe Bus, Slot 2, MHz:
11. Memory Timing Setting:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to ?
• tRCD to ?
• tRP to ?
• TRAS to ?
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to ?T
• tRRD to ?
• tRC to ??
• tWR to ?
• tWTR to ??
• tREF to ?uS

Overvoltage Configuration screen (go to Advanced, and then Overvoltage Configuration).

1. CPU Default Voltage:
2. CPU Core:
3. CPU FSB:
4. Memory Voltage:
5. Chipset Voltage:

Saving your settings and exiting the BIOS

1. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default "Y".

Nvidia Control Panel settings (go to Start -> Programs -> NVIDIA -> NVIDIA Control Panel).

1. CPU (Clock speeds)
2. FSB clock:
3. Cooling
4. CPU:
5. Voltages
6. CPU core:
7. CPU GTL Vref boost:

Notes:

Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.