Anyone know the norm temps for this CPU, I am running at 40C idle, have not chad time to check load temps. My buddy is running the same setup as me, and is getting 60C on load, I think the HSF is on wrong, but he is sure he put it on right. We both run Volcano 9s.

40c is a great temp for that cpu and as far as load temp goes anywhere around 45-60 c is fine.it all depends on your computer location ie: what is your room temp? and what kind of case and fan setup you have.also your thermal paste is very important i use artic silver3 and it is a great product.themal pads are not (in my opinion any good at all)a very thin layer such as the thickness of paper is more than enough,making sure you don't just put a drop in the center of the die but spreading it to cover the full surface of the die as even as possible.also exhaust and intake fans are a must for amd/athlon processors because of the fact they do run somewhat hotter than intel but anyone one who has amd will agree the temps can be controlled by setting up good case vent.and a good heatsink (which you have)your temps are fine but i think that your load temp can maybe come down 5c if you work at it.also it takes time for thermal paste to come to its peak which i hear is anywhere from 72 to 200 hrs of operation of your cpu this means the temps might drop anywhere from 2 to 5 degrees c.hope this helps ya.

If your computer idles at 40C, under load it probably won't even hit 50C. I have an XP 2000+ Palamino, when i had the V9 on, it would idle at 44C and when fully loaded 48. Your cpu should run cooler than mine, so i think your load temps will be fine. You have a good HSF, theres really no reason to purchase a different one, except if the V9's noise gets to you, which it did for me. YOu could always swap the fan for a different one. AS3 is great, it lowered my load temps by 3C, others have experienced better results than this. Guess it depends on how you apply it.