Yeh that does sound strange to me check the chip in another mobo just incase (yes i realise your using a q6600 fine but its worth it given the price of that chip).
I've fried a few boards messing about without any care trying to fry boards when they have benn chucked and never has a chip gone. Mobo sizzles on some occasions but never the chip.
I have just got one of these, no idea what I am doing compared to my Q6600, all I know is that it is stable at 3.6Ghz 9*400Mhz, if anyone is interested in helping me out that would be great