System seems to be underperforming -- how do I optimize?

[kyotousa]

uh....y don't u just calculate the correct multiplier & BCLK instead of messing around with the voltage.
Seriously, there's no way i7 D0 is "destined" to not pass 3.0ghz

I did 3.6ghz in like 30min. without even messing with the ram timing.

 

[NA1NSXR]

Spend time overclocking. You can easily operate in the mid-3Ghz range well within stock voltages for everything. Also on the software side, msconfig is your friend.

 

[Ben90]

omg, another i7 user using HWMonitor!

Ive written a more detailed response about a dozen times to other people, but HWMONITOR IS WRONG

Use Realtemp or something better then HWMonitor
(i also suggest not using temperatures per say, but Distance To TJMax, (a much more accurate method) but that looks like it might be more information then you are looking for)

oh yea, don't use HWMonitor its wrong