normal operating temp for p4 2.4ghz

[cylus_condition]

I am sure this has been asked before, but i couldn't find it. What are acceptable max operating temps for a processor? Not just the one i have (2.4ghz p4) but others as well. I normally idle around 31C and can get up to a little over 50C when i've been playing Unreal 2003 for a couple hours. I wonder if cooling should be a big concern at that point. I'm using the intel stock fan, which i've read is actualy pretty good. I understand i can do better, but i don't want to spend $50 to cool down 2 or 3C--especialy if i don't need to.

TIA
Cylus

 

[-=PESTILENCE=-]

I've got a 2.4c overclocked to 3.2ghz right now. My idle temp is around 33, and when im playing games, etc. it gets up to around 45. I have 3 80mm fans in the front, one on the side window, one on the top window, and 2 in the back. Couples with 2 fans on my PSU which came with my case, and a zalman cooler on the chip.

 

[streetkid]

you're fine up to 70-80C, im not sure what the exact number is but you're far from having to worry about it.

 

[DieLate]

Mine's pretty much the same. 31-34 idle, 47-51 load. With a Zalman 7000AlCu, probably just slightly better cooling than stock, but quieter.

You're totally fine. If it goes over mid 60's, then you have problems. But you've got a ways to go before that.