So, Nehalem is OK?

[SPUDLEY1977]

For those with interest:
Gigabyte EP35-DS4, bios ver F3
E8400 (2x 3.0G) , 2 Gig HyperX DDR2 Ram 1333,
BFG 8800 GT OC 512 Meg, 625/900/1560 default
(this default GT OC is already approx 5 %)
VSYNC on at 60 (Max)

Using Gigabyte Easy Tune Pro 5.0
to perform the overclocks, and confirmed with GPU-Z.

Il-2 2.04
Video Mode: ALL HIGHEST OPTIONS
Video Option: 1280 x 960 x 32

A couple FPS change is really meaningless as I did not run each 10 times and take an average. With multiple runs of same settings one might see two FPS change between the runs.

RESULTS FOR BLACK DEATH ( min:sec FPS )
1. ALL STOCK CPU and Vid Card
1:07 56 1:45 49

2. CPU @ 3.3 G:
1:07 54 1:45 49

3. CPU @ 3.3 + VID CARD 630 / 930
1:07 54 1:45 49

4. CPU @4.0 G + VID CARD 640 /950
1:07 52 1:45 49

CONCLUSION:
OC CPU 17% combined with total 7% OC of Vid Card (over non OC version) seems to have no benefit. I used GPU-Z to confirm the OC values. Undoubtedly there will be significant increases in heat buildup + reduced max theoretical life expectancy of the chip + increased energy consumption. Interestingly from the above metrics my FPS appears to drop when OC'ing.<< I certainly was not expecting that, was expecting either no change or a few frames of trending upward.

Note that I have another sys (old specs) which was AMD (one core) 2.2 G + 6800 Ultra. Stepping up to my current PC specs was significant in terms of visuals / smoothness / etc. THe MINIMUM FPS in IL-2 were significantly improved (perhaps 2x if my memory serves).

After reading the data on many of the new tech CPUs/VIDCARDS/MEMORY it is not of use nor value for me to spend any more money to improve my gaming. I am perfectly satisfied with my current rig gaming capacity. My min FPS are sufficiently close to 60 (LCD MAX CAPACITY).

All the I7 MOBOS have had significant problems as shipped to consumers. This new platform will need at least a year to mature to the point of being a viable / reliable / stable option. The technology on paper of the I7 shows a significant potential step up but in my opinion it is not ready for market nor my $$$ (this is pretty typical).

My testing for your benefit, no cost to you.
I also play LOCKON and BF2. Note that LOCKON is also a huge resource hog as is IL-2. I have OC'd before and recall similiar non benefits for LOCKON as were presented above for IL-2.

Now I will take the CPU and VID CARD back to their native settings. If I can just get my buddy SimDee to recover from his latest flight experiences with me on his 6 perhaps I will continue to home my pitiful flight skills.

Peace