Hi there. I'm wanting to get my Q9550 to 3.4 GHz (or better) but I can't seem to get everything stable. My FSB is set to 1600 with my ram http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220344 synced and linked with 7-7-7-20 timings at 1.7v. Basically with these setting (I've tried other timings) my system slows to a crawl when I'm gaming. I have a Zalman http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118003 cooler for my cpu and temps seem to be fine with Speedfan running. Outside of gaming my system is very stable and if I reset both my ram and cpu back to stock 1333 everything works fine. Any tips?
 
System:
Q9550 (E0)
EVGA 790i Ultra Sli(latest bios)
Patriot Viper 2 x 2GBs RAM
Antec 1200 Case with good air flow
GTX 480 Superclocked GPU
Coolmax 1200 watt ZPG-1200B PSU
 
Edit: Also could someone tell me whether EPP2.0 is worth using on this board? With it turned on my ram is set at its highest settings (9-9-9-24 2000mhz) but isn't linked to my CPU that's at 1333mhz by default. Everything is stable with EPP 2.0 enabled though. Can I unlink/sync my CPU w/o any problems? Could my problem be that 1.20 volts just isn't enough for a stable overclock on my Q9550? I'm reluctant to go much higher. Thanks.

My current machine:
CPU-Intel QX6850 @3.8GHz
MOBO-evga 790i SLI
Ram-Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3@1700MHz]DDR3@1700MHz
GPU-evga GTX275
Look at my settings and see if there is anything that may help.  My memory: http://www.newegg.com/Pro...x?Item=N82E16820104277 
http://www.imageno.com/wnoukc545noqpic.html
BIOS Version: sz16
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 3.825 GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1700
CPU Multiplier: [9X]
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: [1700]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1700
x MEM (DDR), MHz: 1700
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1700
P1: [AUTO]
P2: [AUTO]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [Expert]
tCL (CAS Latency): * 9
tRCD: * 9
tRP: * 9
tRAS: * 24
Command Per Clock: [2T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto]
tRC: [Auto]
tWR: [Auto]
tWTR: [Auto]
tFAW: [Auto]
tREF: [Auto]
tRFC:
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [1.41250]
CPU FSB: [auto=1.5]
Memory: [1.7]
nForce SPP: [auto]
nForce MCP: [auto]
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]

The main problem is the voltage you it running is wrong take a look at the specs it says 2.0 v  and you say you are running at 1.7v...set voltage proper settings then try OCing memory....I have the same memory in my other system on a 790 SLI with a Q 9450 at 3.6 for over 6 years solid memory solid board for me but every ones set up different..

The voltage is right. There were two versions of that RAM released and the newer version is set to 1.7v (the one I have). After not being able to get a solid OC I decided to revert all my settings to what they were before so i could at least game a little bit but now my games are freezing from time to time causing me to do a hard reboot. Take a look at my settings and tell me if you see something odd.
 
BIOS Version: P10 (I believe - I forgot to check)
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 2833.3MHz
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1333.3
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: [1333]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1333.3
x MEM (DDR), MHz: 1333.3
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1333.3
P1: [AUTO]
P2: [AUTO]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [Expert]
tCL (CAS Latency): * 9
tRCD: * 9
tRP: * 9
tRAS: * 24
Command Per Clock: [2T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto]
tRC: [Auto]
tWR: [Auto]
tWTR: [Auto]
tFAW: [Auto]
tREF: [Auto]
tRFC: [Auto]
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [1.2]
CPU FSB: [1.25]
Memory: [1.7]
nForce SPP: [1.5]
nForce MCP: [1.55]
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]

Is your multiplier set at 8.5?  1333/4=333.25*8=2.666
At a multi of 8.5 you would have 2.83
Is the cpu voltage set on auto? Have you tried to run it unlinked.unsynched? This link: http://www.evga.com/forumsarchive/tm.asp?m=499530&mpage=1&key=%F1%B9%BD%8A   helped me a lot.
 
Have you tested the memory to make sure there is no issue there.  Also, are you running the ram in the black slots?

first off the link to the memory says 2.0v that's why I said that and secondly I have the older memory..my PCIe I left at auto
sppc- mcp ref   auto
nforce spp   auto
nforce ssp   auto
ht spread  spect  auto
pci e spread spect  MCP   auto
epp  2.0 mem   diable
fsb qdr mhz   1800
tref    7.8
CPU config
cupid max val    disable
intel speed step   disable
therm  control     disable
C1E ex. halt state   disable
excut disable BTT   disable
virtual tech         disable
CPU core 0-1-2-3-   enable
system volts
cpu core 1.4
cpu fsb   1.35
mem       2.0
nforce spp   1.45
nforce mcp   1.65
gtl vref lane 0-1-2-3   auto
these are the difference your settings and mine so all I can say these settings have and are still working for me also cooling is a real big problem keeping the 790 set up cool is a real task ...don't know if this helps any but remember OCing is always a risk....

Looking at the hardware that you are running, IMHO, I think that you are overvolting your board a little.  I also recommend that you try a different temperature monitoring program.  A lot of folks use AID64. http://www.aida64.com/downloads  With your RAM in the black slots, Please try the below settings:
BIOS Version: P10 (I believe - I forgot to check)
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 2833.3MHz
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1333.3 (1600Mhz)
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: [1600Mhz]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: (1600Mhz)
x MEM (DDR), MHz: (1600Mhz)
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: (1600Mhz)
P1: [AUTO]
P2: [AUTO]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [Expert]
tCL (CAS Latency): * 9
tRCD: * 9
tRP: * 9
tRAS: * 24
Command Per Clock: [2T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto]
tRC: [Auto]
tWR: [Auto]
tWTR: [Auto]
tFAW: [Auto]
tREF: [Auto] (7.8uS)
tRFC: [Auto] (100)
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [1.35v for now)
CPU FSB: [1.30v]
Memory: [1.70v]
nForce SPP: [1.30v]
nForce MCP: [1.50v]
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] (Disabled)
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]

The RAM is in the black slots and with those settings the PC is very sluggish and freezes often. What settings would you recommend to run at 1333MHz? I want to see if I can get the system/CPU stable at stock first. It ran great for years at stock but I wanted a bit more speed for the upcoming Guild Wars 2 release. What's next?

Have you tested the memory to make sure there is no issue there?

Reignfire

The RAM is in the black slots and with those settings the PC is very sluggish and freezes often. What settings would you recommend to run at 1333MHz? I want to see if I can get the system/CPU stable at stock first. It ran great for years at stock but I wanted a bit more speed for the upcoming Guild Wars 2 release. What's next?

Try running the RAM in the gray slots with the settings in post #7.
As rscott521 suggested, you should also test the RAM.  Use Memtest86 and test each stick individually for 8 hours in the slot closest to the CPU (slot 0).  http://www.memtest86.com/  To run at 1333Mhz the following changes would apply to the settings in post #7:
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1333.3 (1333.3Mhz)
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [linked]
FSB - Memory Ratio: Synced
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1333.3Mhz]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: (1333.3Mhz)
x MEM (DDR), MHz: (1333.3Mhz)
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: (1333.3Mhz)
Command Per Clock: [1T]
CPU Core: [1.25v)
I would leave the RAM timings at 9-9-9-24 @ 1.70v, and if stable, lower the timings incrementally until unstable, then go up one to the last stable setting.  You should be able to run 7-7-7-18 @ 1.65v if you are using a 1333Mhz memory and FSB frequency.
Normally, freezing is either a memory or GPU issue....but it could be something else.

I'll run memtest tonight and tomorrow morning. I placed the ram in the gray slots but that didn't change anything. I still get a lot of stuttering when opening/navigating basic programs like IE and freezing when playing any game or watching videos. I'm also about to take out my GTX 480 SC and put in an old 7900 GT I have lying around to see if it's the video card. I ran some stress tests earlier at 1333 linked/synced (Furmark and prime95) but they worked perfectly with no errors even though I freeze in anything graphic intensive.
 
Edit: I also tested some other DDR3 ram I had (with proper voltage and timings) and it still did the same thing. OCZ3P13332GK
 
Edit 2: For some reason the 7900GT card wouldn't work in my system (I uninstalled the old drivers beforehand). It'd give me BSODs right after the windows log in screen. Also after reinstalling my GTX 480 SC and uninstalling all of my nvidia drivers (nforce and geforce) then reinstalling them (minus the ones I don't need like 3d vision) the system seems pretty stable at 1600 (CPU @ 3.4 GHz). I played like 30 minutes in GW2 with no stuttering or slow downs of any kind. I'm going to continue to game tonight and run memtest just before bed to check the stability. If all goes well I'll reinstall Windows 7 (it's that time of year anyway). I'll let you know what happens but it looks like it was my graphic drivers.

I am glad the stuttering and freezing seems to be resolved. In most cases, as previously stated, those two issues are either RAM or GPU related.

I'm running darn near the same set up you have with a stable overclock as noted in my sig. The only thing i can see is your mem voltage... the board itself is picky with RAM as im sure you know but the patriot ram you're using is awesome. try upping your memory to 1.8-2.0. I'm not at home right now but when i get there i'll post my bios for you.
 
EDIT: Just read your last post. disregard previous statement. i will post my bios for you if you'd like though.

Sure I'd love to take a look at your bios. There were no problems with memtest. Games are running really fast and stable so far. The only issue I've had was sometimes on a restart the PC hangs instead of coming back on. I have to do a hard reset and then confirm my settings in the bios. I never got this when first starting the PC only from a restart. I was messing with some memory timings and settings so now it seems to be better. I'll post my bios in the morning. Also note that I reinstalled Windows 7 yesterday.
 
Edit: Also my ram is hard to find. I was hoping to pick up another set so I can max out the motherboard but there's not any even on ebay. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220344 If anyone sees a pair keep me in mind haha.