Hello. So I've been having some issues. It seems my overclock, which I thought was stable, turns out isn't. I've messed with volts and all kinds of things to try to get my pc stable again at 1600mhz, but cannot seem to pull it off anymore. So now I come to you guys in hopes maybe we can get this sorted out.
Also I've tested my memory with Memtest for 12+ hours so I know the memory is good.
 
Currently Stable:
 
BIOS Version: P5b*
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 2.8 GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1333
CPU Multiplier: [8X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz:  [100]
PCle x16-3, MHz:  [100]
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz:  [200]
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP:   [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP:   [5X]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
**FSB & Memorv Config**
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [unlinked]
FSB - Memory Ratio:
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1400]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1400
x MEM (DDR),  MHz: 1600
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1600
P1: [Enabled]
P2: [Enabled]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [manual]
tCL (CAS Latency): 3435
tRCD: 3637
tRP: 3839
tRAS: 4041
Command Per Clock: [2T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto]
tRC: [Auto]
tWR: [Auto]
tWTR: [Auto]
tFAW: [Auto]
tREF: [Auto]
tRFC:
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [Auto] 1.30 
CPU FSB: [Auto] 1.30 
Memory: [1.8]
nForce SPP: [Auto] 1.30 
nForce MCP: [Auto] 1.50 
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto] 
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto] 
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto] 
**CPU Configuration**
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled
Intel Speedstep: Disabled
xPPM Mode: [Native]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]
Thanks in advance!

BIOS Version: P05b*
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 2.8 GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1333
CPU Multiplier: [ 8X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz:  [100]
PCle x16-3, MHz:  [100]
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz:  [200]
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP:   [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP:   [5X]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
**FSB & Memorv Config**
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [unlinked]
FSB - Memory Ratio:
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1400]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1400
x MEM (DDR),  MHz:  1600
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1600
P1: [Enabled]
P2: [Enabled]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [manual]
tCL (CAS Latency): 7
tRCD: 7
tRP: 7
tRAS: 20
Command Per Clock: [2T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto] 5
tRC: [Auto] 40     
tWR: [Auto] 12
tWTR: [Auto] 18
tFAW: [Auto] 25
tREF: [Auto] 7.7uS
tRFC:
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [Auto] 1.30 
CPU FSB: [Auto] 1.30 
Memory: [1.8]
nForce SPP: [Auto] 1.30 
nForce MCP: [Auto] 1.50 
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto] 
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto] 
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto] 
**CPU Configuration**
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled
Intel Speedstep: Disabled
xPPM Mode: [Native]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]

Sorry, not sure what happened there, added the other memory settings.. And set the voltages? Such as set them to what they want to be an auto?

Okay, I've updated BIOS to 10 and did all the other changes, Intel Burn Test fails after the second output. Also I noted that setting vcore in bios at 1.30v, gives 1.272 - 1.264 in windows, then under load gives 1.240 - 1.208.

BIOS Version: P10*
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 3.2 GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1333
CPU Multiplier: [ 8X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz:  [100]
PCle x16-3, MHz:  [100]
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz:  [200]
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP:   [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP:   [5X]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
**FSB & Memorv Config**
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [linked]
FSB - Memory Ratio: synced
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1600]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1600
x MEM (DDR),  MHz:  1600
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1600
P1: [Auto]
P2: [Auto]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [manual]
tCL (CAS Latency): 7
tRCD: 7
tRP: 7
tRAS: 20
Command Per Clock: [2T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto] 5
tRC: [Auto] 40     
tWR: [Auto] 12
tWTR: [Auto] 18
tFAW: [Auto] 25
tREF: [Auto] 7.7uS
tRFC: 100
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [1.30]
CPU FSB: [1.30]
Memory: [1.8]
nForce SPP: [1.30]
nForce MCP: [1.50]
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto] 
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto] 
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto] 
**CPU Configuration**
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled
Intel Speedstep: Disabled
xPPM Mode: [Native]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]

I've made the changes as mentioned above, Intel Burn Test fails after the second output. I'll post this info again, not sure how important the actual droop is, but at 1.35v in BIOS, 1.320-1.304 idle and 1.256-1.288 load.

BIOS Version: P10*
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 3.2 GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1333
CPU Multiplier: [ 8X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz:  [100]
PCle x16-3, MHz:  [100]
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz:  [200]
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP:   [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP:   [5X]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
**FSB & Memorv Config**
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [linked]
FSB - Memory Ratio: synced
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1600]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1600
x MEM (DDR),  MHz:  1600
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1600
P1: [Auto]
P2: [Auto]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [manual]
tCL (CAS Latency): 7
tRCD: 7
tRP: 7
tRAS: 20
Command Per Clock: [2T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto] 5
tRC: [Auto] 40     
tWR: [Auto] 12
tWTR: [Auto] 18
tFAW: [Auto] 25
tREF: [ 7.8uS] 
tRFC: 100
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [1.35]
CPU FSB: [1.30]
Memory: [1.8]
nForce SPP: [1.30]
nForce MCP: [1.50]
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto] 
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto] 
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto] 
**CPU Configuration**
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled
Intel Speedstep: Disabled
xPPM Mode: [Native]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]

'IntelBurnTest - Critical Error'

WARNING! Your system was found to be unstable..''

Results file gave
"----------------------------
IntelBurnTest v2.50
Created by AgentGOD
----------------------------

Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad  CPU   Q9450  @ 2.66GHz
Clock Speed: 3.20 GHz
Active Physical Cores: 4
Total System Memory: 2046 MB

Stress Level: Maximum (1157 MB)
Testing started on 9/12/2010 7:48:50 PM
Time (s)        Speed (GFlops)        Result
[19:49:24] 26.349    41.1077            4.873917e+002
[19:49:58] 26.147    41.4261            2.437074e+002
Testing ended on 9/12/2010 7:49:58 PM
Test Result: Failure.
----------------------------"

Same deal again, IBT fails at second output.

Set vcore at 1.4v in bios, got 1.368-1.352 idle, 1.336- 1.304 load.

I see that you are running 1GB sticks of RAM, how many are you using 2 or 4?

or would that be 0 and 2 from left to right..

diagram lol..

stick-no stick-stick-no stick.

churchofvirus
or would that be 0 and 2 from left to right..
diagram lol.
stick-no stick-stick-no stick.

Place your RAM in the black slots.

Please try the following changes:
P1: [Auto] (enabled)
P2: [Auto] (enabled)
Should you still have the same problem, I suggest that you test your RAM with a bootable CD version of Memtest.  Test each stick  individually in the first slot (closest to the CPU) for 8 hours each.

Good luck. 

Thanks for the info, will definately keep this all in mind in the future.

One thing though, at the settings I originally had, basically cpu at 2.8(1400mhz) and memory settings(7-7-7-20) 1600mhz I can pass IBT . I tested the memory a few months ago with Memtest and had no issues.

Also, a bit maybe unrelated, I was thinking about spending 2 to 300 on upgrading my pc, what do you think would be most worthwhile? Getting a new cpu? Or would getting more memory like 2x2 or 4x2 be most effective and giving my pc some more speed/life? Or is there a happy medium of both? Just asking for quick input regarding.

Could my board be faulty? I have the prepaid rma cross-ship deal if I need it. How would I tell if it's my cpu or board?

Also thanks again for all the help. Sorry for the extra questions and what-ifs, but I had to ask.

+1...for sure.

I find it a little troubling that you can't run the RAM at 7-7-7-20 @ 1.8v.  You shouldn't have to run 8-8-8-22, and bump the voltage to 1.85 to pass Memtest.  Please try the below settings.
BIOS Version: P10*
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 3.2 GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1333
CPU Multiplier: [ 8X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz:  [100]
PCle x16-3, MHz:  [100]
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz:  [200]
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP:   [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP:   [5X]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
**FSB & Memorv Config**
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [linked]
FSB - Memory Ratio: synced
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1600]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1600
x MEM (DDR),  MHz:  1600
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1600
P1: [Auto] (Enabled)
P2: [Auto] (Enabled)
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [manual]
tCL (CAS Latency): 8 (7)
tRCD: 8 (7)
tRP:  8 (7)
tRAS: 22  (20)
Command Per Clock: [2T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto] 5
tRC: [Auto] 40     
tWR: [Auto] 12
tWTR: [Auto] 18
tFAW: [Auto] 25
tREF: [ 7.8uS] 
tRFC: 100 (auto)
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [1.35]
CPU FSB: [1.30] 
Memory: [1.8]
nForce SPP: [1.35] (1.45v)
nForce MCP: [1.55]
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto]  -50mv
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto] -50mv
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto]  +00mv
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto]  +00mv
**CPU Configuration**
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled
Intel Speedstep: Disabled
xPPM Mode: [Native]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]