I wanted to know... is my XP 3200+ too hot? Idle: between 48-54C Full Load: between 60-68C The highest temp i got was about 74C. I know that's super hot, but I also know that 3200+'s run hot. So yeah, are my temps good? BTW, my chipset idle is about 39C and on full load it's about 43C. Thanks

If your chipset run at 43C in full load mode, seems like you have insufficent air flow in your case. 68C for ur XP3200+ is higher but not too high. Max operation temp for ur XP3200 is 80-85C.. But as far as the longegity, try to keep it under 65C under full load... Things to consider 1. Where you get that temp reading from? BIOS or software? Software might be inaccurate so BIOS is the best place to check.. 2. Did you apply thermal paste to ur CPU when u install Heatsink? 3. Was that heatsink cerfified for 3200+? 4. Is your case fan and CPU fan working? TMP-Man Asus A7V classic rev 1.05 Athlon XP 2100+ @ 129x17 = 2195Mhz 1.81v 768MB PC133 RAM @ 129Mhz 2-2-2 40GB 540RPM + 120GB 7200RPM HD 128MB Geforce FX5200 128bit 276/515

I currently have SpeedFan on my computer along with Motherboard Monitor 5. They both tell me the same tempatures. I went to my bios a few days ago, and it said that my CPU temp (when it was on for about 2 hours or so) was 61C. Yes, I applied thermal paste that came with the heatsink that I bought. This is the one I have right now: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835150023 The thermal paste was on there already, but I took off the heatsink and took off some thermal paste and put it on the processor. Yes, my case fan and cpu fan are both working.

Personally, I use the pad for the initial installation. If I find the temps are too high or if for some reason I have to remove the HSF, THEN I switch to paste. When you applied the paste, did you use a small dab about the size of a grain of rice & spread it out thinly & evenly over the core? Did you rub a small amount into the bottom of the heatsink, then wipe it off with a lint-free cloth or paper towel? What about the system temp? Or is that the same as chipset temp? If so, 39C seems a bit high. I just looked at mine & it's 22C with a room temp of 19.5C. How many case cooling fans do you have & how are the arranged? This space for rent

Basically what I did was speared the paste all over the core. LoL. Guess i wasn't supposed to do that. I took off all of the paste off of the heatsink. I have one 80MM fan in the back of my computer. My idle temp is about 50C btw. I guess that's WAY too high... What can I do to bring the temp down??

These instructions will show you how to apply the paste: http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm As for the case cooling...the PSU also helps to draw warm air out of the case, so in effect, your setup has 2 exhaust fans but no intake. Depending on what your case allows for, you should have a fan in the lower front bringing in fresh air & if the side panel accepts a fan, that should be an intake as well.... This space for rent