I've just built my new pc (MB GA-7VRXP) with an ATHLON XP 1800+ with its AMD original fan cooler. The CPU it's always at 60 C (55 C with the case open) and the system temperature is at 50 C. Isn't that too high? wich is the temp. that the CPU should be (i never use more than 2 programs at the same time)? and wich is the highest temp. for an AThlon XP? I wanted to overclock the CPU (a little bit: FSB 136 instead of 133) is that a risk or is almost the same? thanks a lot.

its alright make sure u dont get it above 70. amd cpus are known for there high temps. if you want you can get another fan but i think for now its not needed.

Get some case fans! Take a look at my post in the Win9X forum. I strongly reccommend case fans blowing air in with just the Power supply exhausting hot air.

JIM

lol and jump through a couple of hoops while your at it, i could'nt be bothered with all that hassle, buy yourself an intel m8, and you wont have to worry about temps ....

Regards

no doubt!! I have a basic preinstalled cooling system for my P4 (two fans, 1 in side and 1 in rear) and the system operates in the mid 30's under a heavy load. These AMD's sound like a chip waiting to burst into flames :o!!! But seriously, intake air from the front and out the rear and you really shouldn't have any cooling problems as long as you stay away from overclocking. o/c'ing requires much cooling measures with the AMD chips. Good Luck :)

High temps is the only set back for buying a chip that is 1/4 the price of an intel chip that runs at the same speed ;)

XP 1800+ is much cheaper than a Pentium 4 comparision. Still runs great. Remember way back then when you had paid too much for your old Pentium II? Higher price do not mean that this higher price is of better quality of that it will help you more. Remember back when you had paid too much for a Pentium Classic? Again higher price.
A little bit of patience in searching and learning about how the thermal grease functions and what it is for, and about how to properly and correctly install the heatsink assembly, and how to, in case of heatsink assembly removal for cleaning, to clean thoroughly the two contacting surfaces and how to keep these newly cleaned surfaces perfectly clean, and how to apply a thin and even layer of grease to the heatsink, and patience to read more to learn, is the key to lowering the CPU temperature. My next purchase is still the AMD Athlon duely to its lower price as compared to Pentium 4.

My XP 1800+ with its original heatsink+fan (one that comes with the retail box) and regular grease ( not the white silicone stuff) averages at 41 C at idle at NIGHT time, and averages at 49-53 C at full load (100% cpu usage) for continuously five hours of running, both of these numbers are computer run with the left panel OPENED and only one case fan set at 45 degree (at bottom) to blow air from the bottom up through all add-on cards toward the cpu area. Other fans being turned all off due to no need when left panel is opened. With Volanco 7 and Artic silver 3 I believe that the temperature will be a bit lower. ( I have not tried this Volcano 7 yet). If I turn off this only fan ( the one I said above) the temperature is up like 3C to 4C. This fan makes a different.