Concern about Cpu-z stats

[Svartalfar]

It says my core speed is at 1605.3MHZ...does that mean that my i5 2500k 3.3 GHZ is only running at 1.6GHZ??? if so what the heck can i do to make it...normal?

 

[Ben90]

Is your processor Running slower than you think it should be ? Or at a different multiplier than it should be ?

 

[ViRGE]

Your CPU is idling. Load it down with something (e.g. Prime 95) and check again.

 

[sm625]

I have noticed a bug with cpu-z and a 2600k where it reports the correct speed as I go from 0% load to 100% load to 50% load, etc. But then after a while it will stop working correctly. Restarting cpu-z fixes it... for a while.

 

[Svartalfar]

So I did some reading and 1.6 idle is fine, when i have 100% load from prime it says my core temps are in/around 45-48 C and my core temp is 60C, it maxes out at 3.7GHZ and my multiplier goes to x 37 my core voltage is 1.192.

How would I go about overclocking or what is a stable temperature to OC at? are mine already semi-hot to begin with while at 3.7GHZ? while idling the cores are at about 30-33C

 

[gmaster456]

I believe its called speedstep. It boosts your speed when you need the extra performance. When you don't, it idles at 1.6Ghz. My phenom goes down to 1.2Ghz when I'm not doing anything intensive.

 

[sangyup81]

look at CPU-Z while Prime95, OCCT or some other CPU stress program is running

 

[mmaestro]

Temperature is important, but voltage more so. You'll see temperature opinions that are all over the map, truth is that Intel's chips (assuming you don't turn the option off in the BIOS, and you shouldn't do that) will down clock themselves if they start overheating, so temperature shouldn't be a concern. That said, while Sandy Bridge (desktop) won't start down clocking itself 'til it hits 85C, I try to keep mine below 75C. Why? Because I'm paranoid, and I'd like a cushion because if I screw up, I don't have a spare $300 for a new processor.
Voltage is another area where you'll see differing opinions (scroll down on this forum and you'll see plenty discussion). The higher the voltage, the more likely your chip will burn out sooner. I try to keep mine below 1.35V, but you'll see opinions anywhere from 1.3V to 1.45V. Especially while you're learning about overclocking, I'd recommend erring on the lower side. Only break the most conservative rules once you understand why you're breaking those rules.
For conservative overclocks, you can probably simply increase the multiplier for turbo (how you OC Sandy Bridge) and let it run, using CPU-Z to keep an eye on the voltage and HWMonitor or similar to monitor coretemps. You're probably safe to do this up to 4.2Ghz or 4.3Ghz. More than that, and you're going to have to start tweaking voltages manually, and.. you should read more before you do that.