Newbie questions not answered/understood in guide

Hey guys,

I read the guide and was able to overclock my processor. One thing I can't seem to get a solid answer on it how hot is too hot for my E6600? I finally found a temperature monitor I can read in windows so now I can give some raw info:

I have both my cores running at about 50c at idle.

Is this too hot? How hot is failing hot. When you put a processor on a load (from say a game) how much of an increase in temperature do you get?

Thanks!

For an E6600 your ideal temps under load would be 50~55 degrees Celsius.

What clocks are you running at and what voltage?

Using Coretemp I presume?

Is core temp a program? But if you're just asking what temp im telling you, then yes. It is the core temp 1 and 2 from speed fan.

My voltage is at 1.31 and I had my mHz up to 355 for a solid 3.4 gHz. I have it at 333 right now to see if I have any problems.

What should my ideal idle temp be?

Yes, CoreTemp is a CPU monitoring program. I highly recommend it

Download and see what temps it gives you.

From my exp. with E6600's I have to say that the idling temps that you are seeing are either inflated using Speedfan or your temp is being affected by inadequate cooling, poor airflow in your case and/or ambient temps. Running your Vcore @ 1.31v should never yield those kinds of idling temps.

What type of cooling are you using?

Afraid I can't use because it has an unassigned driver. I hate windows 64bit.

What temps should I have idle?

My case fan might be running low. SO I might be able to give myself better airflow with some research.

Are you by chance using the stock heatsink that came with your CPU?

Yes... lol. I read that it could take a good amount of stress... But I am guessing I should ask for a recommendation for an after market one?

You will see a huge difference with an aftermarket cooler and some proper thermal paste.

What is your budget?

I'd be willing to pay a couple hundred dollars if I knew how to do proper liquid cooling. But if there is a heatsink/fan that will give me a big difference I'd be cool with going that way. My next computer will for sure be liquid cooling though.

I'll compare and contrast.

PS - appreciate you taking the time to help me

You really don't need liquid cooling. I have used various after market solutions and would highly recommend a ZALMAN CNPS9700 heatsink. It has really proven to do as well as basic liquid cooling setup. You will sacrifice a quiet PC but should see idle temps around 10~20 degrees lower with it. Just be sure to find a reputable and proven thermal paste. There are quite a few good ones out there, I rely on Artic Silver 5.

If you do still decide to with a WCing setup in the future there are some members here that can really put you in the right direction and help out with any questions you may have.

My vote goes for a gpower pro cooler from gigabyte. I use it on my e6600 and when I was running it stock I was getting 25"C for temps while the intel one was hitting 50"C + on loads. Very good cooler and it can be found at Frys for around 30-40 dollars.