I started out by running a ton of programs just to see what I could actually do!
Here is my list of stuff I ran:
iTunes (streaming music across the network from my musicserver)
Windows Media Player (running a dvd)
Skype
MSN Messenger
AIM
Folding@home (on one core only)
speedfan to monitor temps
cpu-z
Avast (doing a full system scan)
DVDFab HD Decrypter (backing up a personal dvd)
Remote Desktop (accessing my domain and file server)
World of Warcraft (logged in and playing)
If you don't believe me here is a screenshot of all this going on!

I never saw a single core hit 100%!! Truely amazing!! System was still completely responsive during all of this.

I also ran a Futuremark 3dMark 06 run in Vista but don't have another Vista score to compare it to. I'll do a run in XP later. However, I can tell you that my old score with the same system but a dual core E6600 in XP was 9277. While my score in Vista with my Q6600 was 9844.

The only thing I'm a little sad about is my temps are terribly great right now. The first time I put it in I had each core running around 52 which is bad on idle. So, after some research I found out that a Quad Core actually has a different method for applying AS5. So, I took it back off and put the AS5 on in the proper way stated on Artic Silver's website. This took me down to about 37 on idle and during the 3dMark run they maxed out at around 60. There is still more to be desired in my temps I know. I read some other forums and found out that a lot of people are having problems with the mounting bracket that holds the cpu down on the board being slightly warped and therefore causing the hsf to not fully hit the processor everywhere. They suggested taking it off and trying without it to see if it makes a difference. I also might try that thermal compound that MO had suggested to me awhile back (what was that again MO???). Finally, I might try lapping my water block to see if that helps. However, most people say if you lap the block you should also do the processor which I don't want to do for warranty reasons. If anyone has any other suggestions please let me know!!
Other then those few little problems it is running very very well!!! Great great great performance for the price!
