Too hot....

[Bud]

Grrrrr, I am having problems with my CPU getting too hot. Currently temp in case is 35C and CPU temp is 54C. I believe I need to rework my airflow in my case, but I think I have a generic CPU heatsink/fan combo. What recommendations does everyone have about which is the best heatsink fan combo? I was thinking of ordering either this one Modded Vantec (http://www.coolerguys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=001&Product_Code=840556099055&Category_Code=CPC-AMD) or this one Dr. Extreme (http://www.crazypc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=120199&Product_Code=PG50990). Anyone think I should go with something else? Also have a question about thermal compound, I have been told that a match head drop of thermal compound is the correct amount to use. I plan to use Arctic Silver 3 with the new heat sink, is that still the correct amount?

Thank you to anyone who can help me. :beer:

[Deathknight]

What brand of processor are you cooling?

[Bud]

Sorry forgot to list that, would help, lol.

Using and AMD Athlon XP 1900+ 1GB of RAM, GeForce 3 TI200

[lazerin]

The best heatsink available for Socket A cpus is the Thermalright SLK800. It doesnt come with a fan, so I recommend you buy the Thermaltake SmartFan II to go with it. The smartfan II is probably the best 80mm fan around. However, the slk800 is damn expensive.

Just a step down in performance from it is the ax7. It is a lot cheaper and the smartfan II is also a good choice for it.

As for thermal compound. Artic Silver is the best. For comprehensive instruction as to how to apply it, Click Here (http://www.articsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm).

[Kendan]

What Motherboard are you using? If it is one that reads the internal diode then your temps are not as bad as you think. My vote is for the slk 800 too. Good luck:D

Edit: what are the problems you are experiencing?

[Bud]

I am using an Epox 8KHA+ mb. Not really having any problems other than temp used to stay at 50 sometimes below and now it is reaching almost 60. I had the hsf replaced but it is just a cheapo that was really needed (temps would rise up to 71). Now with the cheapo with an idle load it will stay at 54C and full load will slowly creap up to 60.

How beneficial is it to lap the heat sink? I just ordered the SLK800 and the Smart Fan 2 do you guys think I need to lap it?

Thanks again for the help!

[beezee]

the SLK800 usually doesn't need lapping. However, if you feel that it is rough on the surface you should lap it down.... it really is up to you

[lazerin]

I've seen quite a few slk800s and they all look silky smooth to me :)