Hey guys. I recently built a new pc:

::ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard
::AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADX6000CZBOX
::EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
::CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4PRO
::HITACHI Deskstar 7K160 HDS721616PLA380 (0Y30006) 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
::Thermaltake Soprano VB1000SWS Silver 0.8 mm SECC Chassis, Plastic Front Door ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
::Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails
::ASUS 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe and 14X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model DRW-1814BLT
::XP PRO sv2

... and it's running pretty hot. I have an average of 50c. I get spikes quite often up to 70c and every once in a while spikes up to 80c. I'm trying to stay off the computer because of the exteme temperatures. I'm looking into buying a new heatsink for the cpu to replace the stock one. I'm also looking into new case fans. The Thermaltake case that I bought has 2 120mm fans and one 90mm fan already in it so I think I will just replace those for higher cfm fans.

If you have any ideas on cooling it please let me know. I see reviews where people have a similar machine and their temps are half of mine...

Other than cooling problems this machine is extremely nice! Very fast. Great graphics rating on 3DMark @37,088

50C isn't too bad, but 70C is just too high, and 80C will burn your CPU out. You do need to lower that to something considerably lower than it is now. That will also lower your average operating temps.

How? First, make sure your case fans, your PSU fan(s) and the GPU & CPU HFS fan are all working correctly, that your case is dirt/dust free, and any air filters are clean.

Assuming they are, the next issue is what HSF did you use, and what thermal goop as well. The issue is that AMD is very particular about RMAs if you have used any other thermal goop or HFS then their standard one. They will give you warranty issues if you should ever need to return the CPU on a warranty RMA.

Having said that, whether you did use a third party HSF or something like Arctic Silver 5 for the thermal goop, it is time to check to make sure the HFS is on tight and that you got proper coverage with the thermal goop. That means removing the HSF.

To do that, make sure you run the CPU hot for a number of minutes to soften the thermal goop. Unplug the PSU from the wall, and open the case. Then unclip the HSF from the motherboard while holding it carefully in place. Then gently twist the HSF through perhaps 5 degrees clockwise and then counterclockwise. That should release the vacuum holding the HSF to the CPU. If it doesn't, twist the HFS gently again. But, whatever you do, do not yank the HSF out or twist it hard - if you do, you will pull the CPU right out of the socket, and that may kill your CPU by destroying some of the pins.

You should easily see how well the CPU was covered with the goop. Then clean it off with something like Goop Off and then finish the job with pure alcohol. You can get 99%+ alcohol in any pharmacy. Make sure the CPU and the HSF are both absolutely clean with no goop or finger oils, etc. Then re-goop the CPU according to the goop manufacturer's instructions and either replace the AMD standard HSF, or get a better one from one of the after-market shops on-line or locally.

Next, check that your internal wiring is as neat as possible. Use wire ties to hold the wiring so that air can flow freely through the case. Remember, the air flow is always front to rear, and bottom to top in any case.

If all that doesn't work, you will need to consider replacing the case fans with better ones, or even cutting a top vent for a 92mm or 120mm (if possible) top fan. That takes care of any heat build up in the case - you will be astonished how much heat that will get rid of. It is an easy job, but takes a little care. You use a Dremmel tool and a pre-made pattern to cut, shape and smooth the hole for the fan and the mounting screws. You must also remove your motherboard from the case before doing any case modifications like this.

Bruiser,

Thank you for responding quickly.

I just built the machine so it is clean. I kept the wiring toward the walls of the case away from the fans. I am using the stock HSF that came with the x2 6000. It did not come with any thermal goop. I just recently purchased the most expensive HSF I could get my hands on because I just want the problem to be gone. I am replacing all 3 case fans to the most powerful fans I could find. This is my shopping list. What do you think about the HSF??? I was unsure because of no knowledge at all about the product, but it seemed to be the best cooling option for my cpu.

::VIGOR GAMING CLT-M2I 92mm Thermal Electric CPU Cooler
( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835702002 )
::Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
::Thermaltake A2017 90mm Blue LED Case Fan
::Thermaltake A2018 120mm Blue LED Case Fan
::Thermaltake A2018 120mm Blue LED Case Fan

I am going to go ahead and put one of my case fans (since I have six now) in the top of the case and possible one in the botton(this case sits about an inch off the desk). I know that a huge part of my problem is the my graphics card the 8800gts 320bitx320bit is pumping out a LOT of hot air. This is the part of my machine that is spiking the highest temperatures. I'm hoping that the airflow from these new fans are going to minimize the heat coming off of the GPU because I've never replaced a GPU fan/hs.

I seriously don't recommend replacing the HSFs on vidcards unless it is absolutely necessary. Why? I've seen too many GPUs killed by experienced builders, even doing nothing wrong, it is so easy to do that with vidcards. I guesstimate that about 25% of GPUs are regularly killed by trying to replace their HSFs. It isn't worth the risk. So, unless the current fan on your vidcard fails, don't replace that.

The better solution, simple cheap and easy (foolproof, in fact), is to mount one of these in the PCI slot directly below the vidcard slot and blowing air up to the vidcard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835888112

Works like a charm, and even helps increase the air flow to your CPU.

As to HSFs for your CPU, I think the one you picked is overkill unless you are really going for high overclocks, and then I would go with liquid cooling over air anyway. Going along with the Vantec slot fan, I would seriously recommend this HSF for your CPU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223

It complements the Vantec fan because the Vantec fan blows air from the bottom of the case up towards the vidcard and then the CPU. You mount the Zalman with the fan pointing upwards so the air stream from the Vantec is then further blown up towards the top of the case and exhausted there. That should work quite nicely.

Remember, when you use AS5, you only use about a rice grain daub in the center of the CPU die. The pressure from clamping down the Zalman will spread the AS5 nicely. I have always used Zalman HSFs when I build air cooled systems. Very reliable, and they work really well. And, their build and finish is excellent.

Having said that, the new HSFs that Intel is supplying with their Core 2 CPUs is a very well made one as well, with a large heavy copper core. I decided to try one in a Q6600 small form factor build I just did, and it does do the job. Even on very hot days, I get average CPU temps of 45C and it maxes out at around 53C or so, and believe me, it's really tough to max out a Q6600 - I can't usually get mine past 60% utilized no matter what I do to it.

Thank you again!

Okay. I won't mess with my graphics card. I will just install my new fans and hopefully it will keep it as cool as possible and if not I'll get the pci slot fan also. I went ahead and bought that HSF. Overkill isn't a big deal for me. I just want to use my new computer!

We'll see how this goes and I'll post on how it's doing. It should be done by thursday/friday.

I installed the above new parts and my average is 25c I haven't peaked it out yet, but I'm sure it will be great. Thanks all.