Right -

Downloaded Dual core patch and carried out the registry edit.. no effect.

Performed system restore - no effect

Booted with 2nd IDE hardrive (spare with base install XP) no effect, so this rules out any active software issue.

Would I not notice throlling effects on Freq if i keep CPUZ open??

Lestat - i will reload up powerDVD version 5 (gone after system restore) and i will look for that option you mentioned. It MAY have tampered with a bios setting that basically does not show up in Bios. Just might happen.

Larry - I will clear CMOS after the previous and see what happens.

Stealthy that Pent D in your sig is also a good piece of kit! At those speeds at least. I will DL throttelwatch and see what that tells me.

Thanks everybody. Updates i will bring.

Just to add also, I had swapped PCI cards (wireless and a TV tuner) then i swapped them back as they would require a reinstall of drivers for use.... I hardly think this is a IRQ resource issue after swapping the PCI cards around? Anyways... i will battle on.

Just to reiterate.... Back to F8i BIOS, RAM at Default speed timings, all voltages at default, PROC speed at default, ALL EIST etc etc disabled....
proc is watercooled with ZALMAN reserator with a 'custom' bracket. Northbridge stock heatsink cooled with a 80mm fan ran off the CPU fan header.
This baby is loved and cared for. for now that is