Idle VS Full Load

[psx2doctor]

To measure your CPU temp idle, do you just leave the pc with nothing happening for 2 hours and then check the temp.

To measure your CPU temp full load, do you just leave the quake 3 demo for 2 hours and then check the temp.

Is the above correct.

PS- what is better thermal tape or grease

[Wega!]

Yeah it's something like that. But when I put my computer under full load, I use Folding@home, I haven't found another program that can make my CPU hotter than that.

The grease is better than the tape, but if u want the best , u should get some Artic Silver 2.

[Dr_Kildare]

Idle is just basically your system when nothings happening... Thus after about 5 minutes of power most computer tend to reach a certain temp (depending on the ambient)

Full load temp will be reached after running a CPU intensive task such as RC5, SETI, etc for about 5-10 minutes...

[jordan]

put your cpu to standby for about 10min and check temps immeadiately upon startup

[Thelemac]

What is this *idle* temp you speak of? Isn't there some commandment against that or something? "Thou shalt not have idols made" or something like that?