A few questions

[OsirisHorus]

Hoping you people could help me with a few queries about cooling my system and if I need to cool it.

For starters I have the following system(Not overclocked):

AMD Athlon 1800XP+
ASUS A7A266 Mobo
512Meg DDR
40 Gig IDE HD (7200rpm)
GeForce 2 MX400 64Meg DDR
300W PSU

Anyway, I have a CPU temp reading of between 52 and 60C (125-140F). A mobo temp of aprox 34C (93F). I'm not ready to start overclocking yet but would it still be worth me cooling it from this temp.

Also If I was to start cooling it I was thinking of replacing the main exhaust fan in the case with a Delta 80MM Screamer which moves 68CFM but at 45 db <- Is this a good idea?

Just out of curiosity, and I know its like asking how long is a piece of string but what is the average CFM of an exhaust fan from a comp makers? Are they normally pretty low spec.

Last Question. If I was to replace the CPU HSF is it really as delicate as people suggest? Its just with all the hype about crushed and fried cores I get the shakes and cold sweats just thinking about replacing it.

I know its a lot but thanks for any help anyone can provide.

[Jeniva]

Welcome to the Forums!!

Ok..I'm going to attempt to answer your questions.

Anyway, I have a CPU temp reading of between 52 and 60C (125-140F). A mobo temp of aprox 34C (93F). I'm not ready to start overclocking yet but would it still be worth me cooling it from this temp.

1. Your system temp is WAY TO HIGH!!!...what type of HSF(HeatSink and Fan Combo) do you have on it?...Is it stock?..Is it seated properly?...and does it have any thermal compound on it?..If so I suggest you buy a Millenuim Glaciater II, or something close to that performance level, and some Artic Silver II. You may also want to add a couple fans to help evacuate the hot air in your case.

Also If I was to start cooling it I was thinking of replacing the main exhaust fan in the case with a Delta 80MM Screamer which moves 68CFM but at 45 db <- Is this a good idea?

Yea, that would work, but the Deltas are LOUD!..but I like that :D

Just out of curiosity, and I know its like asking how long is a piece of string but what is the average CFM of an exhaust fan from a comp makers? Are they normally pretty low spec.

cant answer that...it varies greatly.

Last Question. If I was to replace the CPU HSF is it really as delicate as people suggest? Its just with all the hype about crushed and fried cores I get the shakes and cold sweats just thinking about replacing it.

Its not as bad as that..but you DO have to be careful...you have to make sure that its seated correctly. Take your time...People have Chipped there cores...some have gotten lucky and there CPU still worked....some were not so lucky.

I hope this helps...again..Welcome to the Forums....and ask any Questions you may have.