Help me realize better temps...

[jyi786]

So I am sitting looking at a potential upgrade.

Unfortunately, it seems my CPU is too hot for my tastes. I get 48C idle, 64C load with my 2.6C at 3.25, Zalman 7000Cu, and IC7.

I wanted to upgrade my processor, but it seems like any further CPU upgrade using my current HSF/mainboard combo at the overclock I want is just not feasible. I tried some ES chips, and they kept locking at 250FSB, no matter what. It seems like a heat problem.

So, I've been thinking, and here are my options:

1. Get an Asus P4C800-E motherboard. The Asus reads the processor temps lower than the Abit does, so, in essence, I'd be "lying" to myself and to the processor, to possibly acheive a higher OC due to the board reporting a lower temp than the processor really is.

2. Get watercooling, via a Koolance Exos.

3. Get a bigger case. The Cooler Master ATCS case, now the Praetorian, is too small now for my tastes. Do you think getting the Cooler Master Stacker will help temps at all?

What do you think will benefit me in the long term? I am basically looking for an upgrade to at least 3.6Ghz (OC FSB to 250).

 

[laja]

I got about the same temps at 3.5 Ghz with the Zalman 7000 Cu. I'd say don't worry about it, or get a good watercooling system as a final solution.

 

[jyi786]

Well, laja. It's not so much the temps I'm worried about. It's that I need to upgrade the CPU and OC it at the same time. I'm afraid the HSF won't be able to handle it; I've already tried it with some ES CPUs that I have.