I have a 3.0 GHz processor and a Thermaltake fan (can't remember the model). I also have thermaltake fans at the front and back of my case. The fan that came with my processor always left it overheating, so I bought the Thermaltake fan. It hadn't overheated for almost half a year after, but for the last two months it keeps overheating even with the case off. The only way to keep it from overheating right now short of buying a new fan is to keep the case open and actually put a fan outside my case, at least as far as I know. I even dusted my whole case out a few days ago. Should I buy a new fan? Is there anything I can get to keep the temperature down inside of my case? Keep in mind I have a small budget, so I'd like the best solution under 50 dollars, or better yet that's free. (BTW - I use it for gaming alot and that's when it overheats. I have a program that warns me - but it bugs the hell out of me if it pops up while I'm playing.)

What are your case (closed) and CPU temperatures?

Running windows (closed case): 42 C, CPU and 34 C, Case w/ internet explorer 43 C, CPU 35 C, Case

Well I just read another post that using compressed air isn't the way to clean your fans. Maybe I'll power down and try cleaning them off by hand/rag or something. (Do I really need to? I hate taking the fan off the CPU.)

That isn't overheating.

You're temps are normal...not even close to overheating! Asus A7N8X-X 1800+ @8x210mhz 512mb PC3200 Ti4200/8X 128mb WDC 60GB

Yeah I know but it kept overheating whenever I played a game. It happened while I was playing Counter Strike: Source. In any case I took out my CPU fan and cleaned out a ton of dust on the heat sink - I was amazed the heat sink could even soak up that much dust. Now it's running alot cooler and I haven't had any more problems :)