Should my proccesor be running at this temp?

Ok, I re-adjusted the heat sink, and it dropped the temps alot, but it is still high temperature. Even idle it gets 55 celsius 60-65 during a heavy load. Also, what is thermal paste? This is my first build, and I've been using my computer alot today, and havn't had any crashes of any progam/the entire system yet, but it makes me worrid. These heat sinks on the e8400's seem to kind of suck, oh well, I can buy 3rd party heat sinks correct?dackchaar

Thermal paste is what lies inbetween the HSF and CPU, it fills in any gaps that would allow air pockets to form that would cause more heat. I'd suggest Arctic Silver 5, look into it. It's the best thermal compound around.

[QUOTE="dackchaar"]Ok, I re-adjusted the heat sink, and it dropped the temps alot, but it is still high temperature. Even idle it gets 55 celsius 60-65 during a heavy load. Also, what is thermal paste? This is my first build, and I've been using my computer alot today, and havn't had any crashes of any progam/the entire system yet, but it makes me worrid. These heat sinks on the e8400's seem to kind of suck, oh well, I can buy 3rd party heat sinks correct?esn2500

Thermal paste is what lies inbetween the HSF and CPU, it fills in any gaps that would allow air pockets to form that would cause more heat. I'd suggest Arctic Silver 5, look into it. It's the best thermal compound around.

Oh, I see, so did the heatsink that came with my cpu not come with thermal paste or something? Also, do I just rub it on with a dispoasable thing? Or is there a delicate process?

i would go with a new hs. if your is stock. im not sure if not sorry.

there are many nice cheap hs that will keep that thing around 35c.

It probably came with its own factory thermal compound which is not as good as AS5. And if your interested in it make sure you apply it correctly. The instructions can be found at AS5's website. Btw, what is your HSF. Stock?esn2500

Ok, thank you very much for helping me out. I will most likely order the paste from newegg in the next few days, and once I get it I will immediately apply, following the instructions. I have one last question though, if you don't mind. Are the temps I listed (55 degrees celsius to 60 degrees celsius) ok for my cpu, or should I just not use this computer again until I am able to apply the paste? Thanks.

[QUOTE="esn2500"]It probably came with its own factory thermal compound which is not as good as AS5. And if your interested in it make sure you apply it correctly. The instructions can be found at AS5's website. Btw, what is your HSF. Stock?dackchaar

Ok, thank you very much for helping me out. I will most likely order the paste from newegg in the next few days, and once I get it I will immediately apply, following the instructions. I have one last question though, if you don't mind. Are the temps I listed (55 degrees celsius to 60 degrees celsius) ok for my cpu, or should I just not use this computer again until I am able to apply the paste? Thanks.

Well, personally, I would not be satisfied with those temps(idle im guessing). When I'm idle it is 35-40c. So, besides ordering the AS5 you should consider a better HSF. There are some very good HSF's that are near the 40$ range. A third party HSF with AS5 is a great combo.

BTW AS5 is pretty cheap, so you can probably get a good HSF too.

Some heatsinks come with a preapplied thermal interface. Sometimes this is a pad, other times it is a thin coat of thermal paste. If your heatsink had some gunk (usually grayish in color) on the bottom of it, it had preapplied thermal paste.

If your heatsink did not have preapplied thermal paste, it probably came with a small packet of white or grey thermal paste. This stuff is usually OK, but not great. Arctic silver isn't bad. I like Tuniq Tx-2.

Basically, to spread thermal paste, use a credit card or razor blade to spread a thin layer of thermal paste across the top of your CPU while it is the socket.

Don't spread the paste while your CPU is out of the socket because that increases the chances of screwing something up (like getting thermal paste on the socket/pins). My co-worker keeps taking the CPU out of the socket to spread thermal paste and it drives me crazy, because he keeps screwing up and never learning...

Some heatsinks come with a preapplied thermal interface. Sometimes this is a pad, other times it is a thin coat of thermal paste. If your heatsink had some gunk (usually grayish in color) on the bottom of it, it had preapplied thermal paste.

If your heatsink did not have preapplied thermal paste, it probably came with a small packet of white or grey thermal paste. This stuff is usually OK, but not great. Arctic silver isn't bad. I like Tuniq Tx-2.

Basically, to spread thermal paste, use a credit card or razor blade to spread a thin layer of thermal paste across the top of your CPU while it is the socket.

Don't spread the paste while your CPU is out of the socket because that increases the chances of screwing something up (like getting thermal paste on the socket/pins). My co-worker keeps taking the CPU out of the socket to spread thermal paste and it drives me crazy, because he keeps screwing up and never learning...

iBP_Rickochet

Rick, it's not always a good idea to apply a thin layer of thermal paste on a CPU. His dual core CPU has 2 cores in the middle, so the best way for HIM to apply thermal paste is by applying a thin line through the middle of the CPU(right over the 2 cores). As for which is better, idk. AS5 is more popular and which is how I learned of it.

Also, before you apply the thermal compound you have to clean it off using rubbing alcohol, which contains isopropyl alcohol, which is widely used for cleaning CPU's. There are guides on the internet on how to clean off thermal paste. I took my cpu out to clean the thermal paste because I didn't want any rubbing alcohol on my mobo.

I'm going to try not to use my computer much at all until I get these items (like an hour a day) but I've decided on these two items, because I'm trying for the cheapest, but effecient, things I can, I've already spent alot on upgrading my computer as it is. But here they are -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

Will those work well?

(Sorry, unable to link them, keep getting an error grom gamespot :( )

I'm going to try not to use my computer much at all until I get these items (like an hour a day) but I've decided on these two items, because I'm trying for the cheapest, but effecient, things I can, I've already spent alot on upgrading my computer as it is. But here they are -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

Will those work well?

(Sorry, unable to link them, keep getting an error grom gamespot :( )

dackchaar

The AS5 you linked is the same I bought. The more expensive AS5 is just larger(i believe). AC Freezer Pro 7 was the HSF I had before my current ZEROtherm ZEN FN120. I switched because the the plastic standoffs were breaking off, so that means if thats your choice be very careful with it. I still wouldn't recommend it though, you really can only spend 50$? An extra 10$ will be worth the lower temps.

[QUOTE="dackchaar"]

I'm going to try not to use my computer much at all until I get these items (like an hour a day) but I've decided on these two items, because I'm trying for the cheapest, but effecient, things I can, I've already spent alot on upgrading my computer as it is. But here they are -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

Will those work well?

(Sorry, unable to link them, keep getting an error grom gamespot :( )

esn2500

The AS5 you linked is the same I bought. The more expensive AS5 is just larger(i believe). AC Freezer Pro 7 was the HSF I had before my current ZEROtherm ZEN FN120. I switched because the the plastic standoffs were breaking off, so that means if thats your choice be very careful with it. I still wouldn't recommend it though, you really can only spend 50$? An extra 10$ will be worth the lower temps.

Hmm, I suppose I could spend a little more, so you suggest I purchase the zerothem zen fn 120?

The AC Freezer Pro 7 comes with a precoat of Arctic Cooling MX-1, which isn't bad when it comes preapplied (I have a tube of it and it's impossible to spread manually). You don't need AS5 with the precoat, but if you want to use it anyways, scrape it off the Heatsink before applying AS5.

You do want to clean off the CPU with a cotton swab and alcohol as esn2500 suggested, though. I forgot all about that and I do it every day, lol.

As for spreading the thermal paste... there's a lot of ways people suggest doing it. using a credit card to spread a thin layer gives you the most control over where the thermal paste spreads, which is why I reccomend doing it that way.... a thin line through the middle of your CPU should work too though. The pressure of the heatsink will usually cause the thermal paste to spread out pretty evenly.

Well, I'm pretty content about what my HSF has been doing for me, but it is a little large(tall really). You need to make sure it will fit. What is your case? A mid sized case should do, I have an APevia-X Jupiter Jr, which is mid sized and just fits. As for what HSF you should get, I'd suggest a ZEROtherm brand or Thermalright. Right now at Newegg there are some good deals for Zerotherm HSF's, which is good for you since your on a budget.

Btw, check out http://neoseeker.com/Articles/sections/cases_and_cooling/cpu_coolers.php for reviews of current HSF's, besides getting help on the forums. Do some research on HSF's. Google is your friend. For example: google-Arctic Freezer Pro 7 review or google- Zerotherm ZEN FN120 review, hope this helps you find the best HSF for you.

Also, when you decide on your HSF I'd like to know what you chose and how your temps are on judment day. PM me if you feel like it, i dont mind either way.

Good luck