My computer recently started overheating and I realised that it was probably down to the cpu doing only 2900rpm, and the heatsink being full of dust. So I bought a new heatsink and fan (capable of 5000rpm) and fitted it. I took out the old heatsink, scrapped off the old thermal conductive stuff, and added new thermal compound. I then added the new heatsink and fan on top and turned it on. At first my CPU was quoting 72 degrees c, which was worse than before (54 degrees c.) So I took it off again and added more compound to the components. I only added it to the ones sticking up on the processor etc. It now quotes 64 degrees c. I may as well of not bought a new heatsink and fan because it is still overheating, what should I do? This has to be something to do with the compound. I know some people use the thermal pads instead so don't bother suggesting that. But as a side note, do you think that would fix the problem?

p.s. I meant the cpu fan in the second sentence.

There is more to a HSF than fan RPM. What HSF did you have and what did you replace it with?

The old fan is simply called a coolmaster cm12v. I know that the new heatsink and fan are correct for my processor because it says on the box. The new one is called a "fanathlon 6x8cm AMD athlon xp cpu." The only noticable difference between the two is that the old one has a big block of copper on the back, whereas the new one doesn't.

you may just hae poor airflow in the case. Make sure you are creating a vaccum pulling in from the front and out through the back w/your fans. If you have cables or anyhting else obstructing the flow it will not matter what hsf you install. Also dont use TOO much compound as it can cause it to run even hotter. What is your ambient room temp?

If the old one has a copper base & the new one doesn't, I'd be willing to bet the old one is better...it probably just needed to be cleaned. Fan RPMs isn't always the most important thing...a decent heatsink with 2900rpm fan is better than a crappy one with 5000rpm fan. Anyhow, make sure you're not installing the heatsink backwards & when you apply paste, put a dab on the core about the size of a grain of rice, then spread it as thinly & evenly as possible. Follow these instructions: http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions_small.htm ASUS A7N8X-X Athlon XP 1800+ 8.5 x 200MHz 1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7 Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB WinME/WinXP Pro SP2

Have you ever looked at cooking utencils? The really expensive pots and pans have a copper base. The reason for this is that copper is not only a good heat conductor, but it also conducts more evenly. Up grade the fan if you wish but if your old sink has a copper base, then I would put it back on.