So, to update this situation, it appears my 3.0 GHz (16x multiplier) processor is running at 802 MHz (4.0x multiplier) and is stuck there. I've disabled Cool 'n Quiet, cleared the CMOS, disabled CnQ (again), integrated/onboard graphics, and CE1 Power Management. Also confirmed by Power profile is High Performance, and everything in the Ati Catalyst is set to Performance. Nothing allows the processor to run faster. I did use ASUS' TurboV utility and managed to turn the clock speed up to 1.0 GHz, but shortly later it crashes (blue screen) and I think it's because I don't know what I'm doing there--not to mention the voltage and multiplier probably need to go up as well, though I don't know how much. Anyone have suggestions for getting my processor beyond 800 MHz? It is stuck and won't budge, and I believe causing all of my issues as it's running like four Pentium 1 processors instead. Should I update to the latest BIOS? Mine is 3 years old and I'm sure it would add functionality and optimization at least a little, what would you all recommend? CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0 GHz Quad-Core Processor GPU: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7870 2 GB 256-bit GDDR5 GPU Driver: 8.961.0.0 -- April 5, 2012 (AMD Catalyst 12.4) MB: ASUS M4A78-E (BIOS 0711 -- March 27,2009) RAM: 6 GB DDR2 OS: Windows 7 64-Bit, SP 1 DirectX: DX11