http://www.computing.net/cpus/wwwboard/forum/12192.html Read that, please, I have (almost) the exact same problem as this guy. With the same motherboard. The difference, however, is that mine is not overclocked (my processor.. but it is faster) and that my cpu temp goes up as much as 20-25 degrees on full load. And, the other little details.. My bios says 38-41 even if I leave it on for long periods of times, but when I get to windows and load speedfan, it says 50-54.. is it normal for the computer to be 10-15 degrees higher idling in windows than idling in bios? When I play a game, or do CPU burn in and the CPU is at 100%, the temperatures goes 71+ degrees.. the other guys only went up to about 56 (I wish mine did) degrees (his is a 6 degree difference from idle to load, and mine is over 20 something) Also, I don't know if this is important, but the second it goes to full load the computer temp INSTANTLY jumps from 52 C to say, 63 C, and then to 68.. then it slowly (i mean in a couple minutes) climbs up from there. is it normal for it to instantly jump? And as soon as full load goes off, it INSTANTLY drops abouts 10 C again before it slowly goes back down to idle temp. Oh yeah, and sometimes my sensors just die in speedfan and all the temps will read the same thing (usually -68).. but the only reason I trust them is because if I play any intense games for even a little while the computer locks up (I assume this is from the heat, I'm sure it is)

What is your cooling setup like? Be specific and if you have any fan controllers in use, what are they hooked up to? My temps do increase while the computer is idle in windows. I have yet to figure this out, but it's no way near 70. And BIOS readings are known to be unreliable so it's mute to talk about it. I'd suggest you tried several programs to see if any two are in agreement and base your temps on that. Speedfan has had an unresolved glitch in it for some time with the second temp reading. Get temps from everest, speedfan and motherboard monitor and see if they all agree.

Well, everest and speedfan concur.. and motherboard monitor did not support my motherboard. But the two of them alone should be enough to trust. Yeah, mines not near 70 on idle, it's only about 50-54 on idle. Which, someone told me is kinda normal for the clawhammer. I don't know if it is, but if it didn't go so high on full load I wouldn't care. I guess my actual problem isn't my temperature as in, my idle temperature, but the fact that it goes so much higher while on full load (rendering me unable to do anything that is demanding on the CPU). Also, I am using arctic silver 5 as thermal paste, and this is my HS/Fan http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=T925-2062 I have tried installing it a couple different ways but I guess theres a slight chance I COULD be installing it wrong, but I don't see how. I found this fan on a couple websites they all gave it good reviews, people even with processers faster than mine. And it was an upgrade from the actual stock fan I had.

What about your motherboard/system temp? Have you verified the readings in the BIOS? How many case fans do you have & how are they arranged? Did you apply the thermal paste properly...just a dab about the size of a BB spread thinly & evenly over the core? Do you have the stock AMD HSF...if so, did you try it? http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions_big2.htm ASUS A7N8X-X Athlon XP 1800+ 8.5 x 200MHz 1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7 Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB WinME/WinXP Pro SP2

I followed those instructions perfectly.. I also tried turning the HS/Fan around and reinstalling the paste. Oh, and yeah, I also tried the stock one again. But temps were about the same, or maybe up a little bit. I have 2 case fans blowing out (both are on the back one on top of the other) since thats all my case can fit. I currently have the side of my case off for the whole time I've been trying to fix the problem.. p.s. i didn't check if the system temp in bios differed from the speedfan temp, but in speedfan it's about 37 C right now. 38 C ambient and 44 C Hard drive (and these temperatures are usually lower I think.. but right now it's very hot in my room for some reason)

"I have 2 case fans blowing out (both are on the back one on top of the other) since thats all my case can fit" That could be part of your problem. In effect, you have 3 exhaust fans...the 2 you mentioned, plus the power supply fan. I realize you're troubleshooting, but the case fans can't do their job unless the case is closed...plus you have NO intake fan(s)! Is there a place to install a fan in the lower/front of the case? If so, take the lower fan from the rear & move it to the front, blowing in. Scroll down to figure 1 for an airflow diagram: http://www.bluemax.net/techtips/ATXPowerSupplyWiring/ATXPowerSupplyWiring.htm Have you tried updating the BIOS? ASUS A7N8X-X Athlon XP 1800+ 8.5 x 200MHz 1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7 Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB WinME/WinXP Pro SP2

Well, when I put the case cover on the temperature goes up like 2 degrees. And the only spots for fans on my case are 2 in the back, and they are on top of each other. Someone told me I should put them blowing out (and it probably wouldn't make sense to put one in and one out since they are right next to each other). I did try them both blowing in but I think that was even hotter. =/ P.S. I've tried installing the paste simply by the dot (size of half a BB, roughly) in the center, and letting it spread itself. also tried by putting it and then spreading it with a tooth pick :/ -- So, has anyone ever heard of temperatures going from 50-70 on full load? And, also, when I open steam ( a program used to play Counter-Strike:Source incase you don't know) my computer will jump to 100% useage while it's loading and my temperature will instantly rise to 65 (via speedfan) and then it will finish loading and CPU useage will drop back down to idle and the CPU temp will instantly drop back down to the 50s. Which I find kind of weird how it can change temperatures so fast..