I just finished building my new system (using ASUS P5GD1 mobo, Thermaltake SViking case) and I've been setting up Windows etc. This is my first attempt at building, so I don't really know what to look for. It works fine, but the CPU temp doesn't ever go below 74 C, and its usually around 80 C. I haven't tried any intense processing like gaming yet. The case temp is always between 32 C and 34 C, and the mobo temp hovers around 40 C. I know the case and mobo temps are about normal, but I'm a bit worried about the CPU. I've seen people say that 57 C is a normal temp for the P4 3.0. I'm using the Intel HSF that came with the CPU. I did have a little trouble installing it, one of the pegs wouldn't lock in the mobo, so I had to take it off and rotate it, and then it works. The thermal compound on the bottom of the heat sink was a tad smudged, but it wasn't missing in places or anything like that. Could this pose a problem? If not, any idea why my CPU temp might be so high?

Yeah, the temp is too high. The thermal pad was smudged? Does that mean you tried running it before and part of it melted, or that you messed the pad up a little? You'd be better off buying arctic silver ceramique, and replacing that pad with it. (be sure to buy their arctic cleaner kit to clean the old gunk off).

I messed up the pad a little putting the HSF on. Now I have to run my fans at full speed (ridiculously loud...) to keep the CPU below 70 C. Should I stop running it right away? Or should I just avoid gaming and processing-intensive applications until I get a solution? I'll try to find some arctic silver.

Well, intel cpu's throttle themselves down when they overheat, although I probably wouldn't want to push it. Heat puts stress on electronics, thus lessening its life. You might want to look into aftermarket heatsink/fan units (not necessary, but they're usually quieter). Like the XP-90C, XP-120, or the zalman 7700. I have the XP-120, and chose a quiet fan...it doesn't run at full speed (so it's quiet), and my cpu doesn't go 10C above idle under full load (even with all the case fans at low speed)

You damaged the thermal pad...remove it & replace with paste http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm Asus A7N8X-X 1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz 512MB PC3200 Asus Ti4800SE 128MB WinME/WinXP Pro

I have the same type of CPU, Motherboard brand and case brand as you thirdeye187. I have built 2 of these types of PC's with virtually identical parts and have ridden out a hot Australian summer with all day heavy use in a room with no A/C. I know a lot of tips you to control thermal issues with the LGA775 500 series CPU's. Firstly, how are you measuring the temperature? different techniques bring different results. Secondly, when putting on thermal paste its better too put too little than too much, but you should be realistic about it.Thirdly, improve your case ventilation as much as possible, there's quite a bit you can do hear and it might be better to contact me with a private message about this. I run heavey CPU intensive stuff 24/7 on my 2nd PC with the LGA775 chip 7% O/C on stock HSF and its a great performer. Like I said before, PM me if you need more help. Cheers. P4 LGA775 560@3.8Ghz2Gb DDR2@560MhzASUS P5AD2 MoBoMaxtor 160Gb SATA Raid 0Antec 550W TruPSUATI X800XT VcardThermaltake Shark Case

Alright, I bought a 3.5g tube of Arctic Silver 5. Tomorrow I will remove the HSF, clean it and the CPU with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth (or cotton swabs? someone else suggested this), and apply the AS5. Now... I've been wondering exactly how much AS5 to use. I know that it should be a pretty thin layer...but how thin? I'm assuming I shouldn't be able to see any metal from the processor through the layer of AS5. Should I spread it out with the edge of my drivers license (cleaned off with isopropanol as well)? And do I take the CPU out to do this (to both clean and apply the AS5)? It would be difficult to hold it and apply the stuff with out damaging the CPU itself, but the socket only shows a portion of the CPU and it will be difficult to access the surface through the top of the socket. All help is appreciated. I accidentally turned the comp on yesterday because I forgot I had set the BIOS to turn the computer on with a keystroke. While changing the setting back to normal, I checked the CPU temp. It reported a temp of 87.5 C. I quickly shut the computer off. Could this have already damaged the CPU? In addition, I was running for about a day between 60 and 80 before I decided to be SMART and check the CPU temp. Expensive thing to be stupid about. ASUS P5GD1 Pro Intel P4 LGA775 530 @ 3.0GHz 2x 512MB Kingmax DDR400 SDRAM ASUS EN6600/TD GeForce6600 256MB 80GB Seagate SATA 150 OS/programs 200GB Maxtor SATA 150 data LG 16x DVD+/-R