alvinc5

Hello,

Firstly, I'll stated my system specs for better analysis:

- AMD Athlon XP 3000+ (NO OC)
- ASUSTeK A7N8X-LX Motherboard
- Inno3D FX5700LE 256MB
- 512MB DDR RAM DIMM
- Antec SmartPower SL300SP 300w PSU
- Antec SmartCool 92mm Case Fan
- PC Cooler (PA9C-CUAL) Heatsink w/Arctic Silver 5

Ok. I noticed that my CPU was at extremely high temperatures- an average of 58°C to 60°C when idle. God knows what it was at 100% CPU usage. Anyway, following the very much understandable advice, I recently ordered and just this morning, installed my new case fan, heatsink and also applied some Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound.

I've layered about 1.5mm of thermal compound, carefully and with precision, onto the CPU die. I've also applied some to the base of the heatsink, and cleared it off to leave a haze- to ensure the valleys are filled. I'm constantly monitoring my CPU temperature using SpeedFan and BIOS now, and am reading an average temperature of 48°C to 52°C when idle. I'd like to know, is this safe and normal, taking into account the procedures i've applied?

I understand that is takes several power on and off sessions of my PC for the Arctic Silver 5 to become more effective, but over time, do you advise I add more thermal compound to lower the temperature?

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Alvin.C