CPU Temp too high?

[BobbyD1120]

Hello all, I just finished my first build. I have a P4 3.6 on a ASUS P5AD-E Premium mobo. Using the ASUS Probe 2 utility it states the CPU temp is 55 - 58 degrees under idle! Is this too HIGH? I want to use the system for video editing and stuff. I am afraid that with these temps under idle the temp will be too high when I am actually working on stuff.

What should the CPU temp be? I have not overclocked or anything and am using the retail cpu fan that came with the processor.

There is one thing to note. When I first put the processor on the mobo and installed the cpu fan I did take it off once. I noticed the thermal pad was a little on the processor and a little on the heatsink. I guess it kind of melted and then I took it off. Would this have caused a problem? This is my first build and I am not sure what to do from here.

Should I buy new thermal pads and reapply to the processor and heatsink? If so are any ones better then others? Do I need a bigger fan and heatsink than the one that came with the P4? What do I do? THANKS!!!!!

[Cricket]

How many case fans do you have installed? Intel recommends that for Prescott processors you use a case that has a side fan that is positioned right over the processor besides the front intake and rear exhaust fans.

:) Cricket

[BobbyD1120]

Here is the case that I have:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811105113

I have the stock fans hooked up that came with the case and as I stated prior the stock fan/heatsink for the processor.

What should the temp of the processor be? I have my ASUS probe set to alert me at 60 deg. I was just playing some music with 3 IE windows open and the CPU went up to 63 deg!

Is this something that should alarm me?? And what about new thermal pad/paste? Do you think that I need it? THANKS!!

Well I just did some research on Newegg, reading the reviews about the processor. Several people say that it does run hot. I guess now I need some recommendations on a better heatsink and thermal paste/pad.

As I said before this is my first build and I need all the help that I can get. I did read recommendations on getting Artic Silver 5 but I cant find any retail. Since this is my first build I would prefer retail items as I would hope that it comes with good directions.

Also, could someone point me in a good direction for a better heatsink/fan?

THANKS!!

[BullUrine]

go to Frosty Bytes (http://www.frostybytes.com) i got arctic silver 5 for less than $6. you can also find good heatsinks there too on sale. i got a Zalman 7000B Cu-LED and its kept my AMD down at 29C idle. Frosty Bytes is a new company but the sales are sweet.

[Cricket]

That case doesn't have the recommended side fan port over the CPU and that may explain the temps you're seeing.

You're using the 80mm fans that came with the case? The rear fan port looks like it can fit a 92mm and 120mm fan in there. Consider replacing the stock fan with a 92mm or 120mm fan before you replace the heatsink. The bigger fan will help remove heat from the case and improve your case cooling. Taking a Dremel to the case and removing the perforated metal that the fan blows out through will also improve air flow and cooling. Those vent holes are awfully small.

Putting on a better heatsink may help, but I think your case cooling should be ironed out first.

And are you using the power supply that came with that case? If you are seriously consider replacing it...it's a L&C power supply and those things are not very good and may actually be adding to the heat problem.

:) Cricket

[BobbyD1120]

Yea, Im using the stock fans that came with the case. Should I just get any 92 or 120mm fan? Are any ones better than others? Any recommendations? Should I only worry about replacing the back fan?

As far as a power supply, I have this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023

At what temp should I really get worried? What is too high and need for concern? I thought (but then again Im not sure) that 65 - 68 deg was really high. Do I have to worry about damage to the processor at these temps?