dkt,
I hate became worst than appear anything, but would like to coment that there is at least one cruncher (is UL1) among many that participate in the foruns, who have had conquested since few days ago the badge level (after around 6700 results processed).

I really hope that you and many crunchers which are waiting and looking for it, get soon WU's enough to conquest badges, and mainly to participate in this project (once I think that probably is the main desire of all).

BTW, I really would like to see you in the Club4² soon too, to join us and maybe share your expertise and thoughts about the long path since your begining until there (we will be honnored to have your colaboration anytime, take a look at: http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/forums/wcg/viewthread_thread,28600 )

The last but not least, I would like to say that today I got few very small type C WU's (repair jobs only, with 28 minutes of duration), and saw that someone got Type A WU... so it is running at slow frustating pace, but live... keep the hope and patience high, keep crunch on ! Good luck !

XS_fallwind ,
What type of computer system are you running that you garner so many points per hour of run time. I have the lastest and greatest 3.33 i7 and your combined computers from 2005 kill my points per hour?

XS_fallwind,
Thanks. I have flirted with overclocking but the heat for me is the issue and my machines are not set up to handle it. I guess you can retrofit them. Will more seriously look into it now. Thanks again!

judson,
Yes, heat is your main enemy when overclocking. But there are many options available to help you combat it including aftermarket air coolers and water cooling systems. The latter is expenive to get started but it is generally a one time investment. You can usually transfer it from one system to another by just changing the mounting hardware for the water blocks.

dkt,
The 980x just became available at retail a couple weeks ago. It is as you described: 3.33GHz, 6 cores, 12 threads, 32nm, socket 1366, unlocked multiplier (Extreme Edition).

My Gulftown is essentially the same thing except it is an engineering sample (ES) from Intel. So it doesn't have a fancy model name, it's simply designated "Q3QP'.

The Westmere is also an engineering sample (Q2WV) and essentially the same as above. The difference being it has 2 QPI links so it can be used in dual socket server type motherboards. But it will run in single socket desktop boards just fine as long as the BIOS supports it.

These new 32nm CPU's are simply amazing. They will overclock to the moon and back and still run relatively cool compared to 45nm. My 980X will idle at under 30c and run 50-55c running WCG. 4.4 is likey not achievable though with air cooling, heat increases exponentially beyond 4GHz. 3.8-4.0GHz would be more reasonable with a high end air cooler.

The H50 is equivalent or perhaps slightly better than the best air coolers. It's limiting factor is the small radiator. I agree it's a good way to get your feet wet in water cooling, figuratively speeking of course! :P The downside is it is not upgradeable, atleast not without voiding the warranty and such.

Leaks are always a worry and I'm sure most everyone in the hobby has a story of how they lost components due to carelessness or accidents. But there are steps to minimize the risk. Buy quality components, benchtest the loop before installing it and then test the loop again for 24 hours after it is installed by powing up the pump with the computer disconnected from the wall socket. Clamps should be checked regularely but I refer to use compressions fittings.