I have an athlon 64 3200+ in a MSI k8n neo platinum. I started off with an Artic Cooling hsf, but at idle, my cpu temp was 68 c - way hotter than i wanted. I sent it back and got a Thermaltake Venus 12 instead. With the rpm at 3000, the temp is about 55 at idle. I have an antec case with excellent ventilation in it. I've read a lot of other comments from people saying their temps are like 30 or 40. I think that would be a lot for my bios temp to be off, but who knows. I was just wondering if that is a decent temp or if maybe something isn't right with it. Thanks for any input.

Get your system up to temp, shutdown, pull the plug, open the case, & touch the heatsink...that'll give you a general idea if it's hot or just warm. Usually, a BIOS update will correct temp reporting errors, if there's one available. The "case temp" for your CPU is 70C...here's what AMD says about temps for the A64: "Note: The operating temperature of a processor is highly dependent on the induced workload, ambient temperature, and the efficiency of the cooling sub-system. However, the operating temperature should never exceed the processor's specified maximum operating temperature rating. For optimal performance, use a heatsink solution evaluated and recommended by AMD." http://139.95.253.213/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=32,E=0000000000168383425,K=167,Sxi=4,Case=obj(4271)

I dunno i might be wrong... but how many fans do u have on ur case.. and how are they set up (EX.: 2 fans in back, BLOWIN AIR OUT, 1 side fan intakin air) cause i have a AMD 64 2800+ with tha ASUS K8V SE DELUXE.. and i got a retail heatsink and fan with tha cpu.. I used to have cpu temps at 55c with 1 fan in back workin as intake side fan workin as outtake and front fan as out take... but I rearranged tha fans after readin an article.... and i rearranged them like this: Back fan lettin air out.. which my psu also helps with cause it lets air out, SIDE fan air in... and front fan air in.. My cpu temp went down to 38c which is a huge difference for such little work.. U should try that.!!! Asus K8V Deluxe SE AMD 64 2800+ 512MB PC3200 XFX FX 5700LE CASE: Enermax