Normal temp without overclocking?

[gerraldd]

Since this is my first build of computer, I'm not quite sure if my cpu temp is normal. I'm using RealTemp as monitor and the temp that I'm getting while just on the desktop and no other apps running is around 30C-34C(all cores).
I tried blend test using prime95 and I'm getting 45C-51C(all cores).

My CPU is Core-i7 2600k " 3.40ghz(not overclocked) and my heatsink is Zalman 9900nt

Is it normal to have temps like that?

Update: Tried overclocking to 4.4ghz using the EZ mode bios from my asus p8p67 pro mobo and the idle temp became 30C-35C(not much change) but while under load the temps are ranging from 66C-71C. Is this still okay?

 

[claptonman]

Its not that bad of temps, nothing to brag about. What kind of thermal paste do you use and what kind of case do you have/how is your airflow? What is the ambient temperature of the room?

 

[gerraldd]

Its not that bad of temps, nothing to brag about. What kind of thermal paste do you use and what kind of case do you have/how is your airflow? What is the ambient temperature of the room?

Thermal paste: zm-stg2(came with the heatsink)
Case: Antec Lanboy Air.. airflow is good, one front bay fan is pushing air to the heatsink directly and I changed the fan at the back to exhaust.
Ambient room temp: 27C

EDIT: heatsink fan speed at 980rpm

 

[claptonman]

May want to consider getting better thermal paste, like some arctic silver 5. How did you apply it? Did you spread it yourself or let the heatsink spread it? If you don't plan on overclocking, those temps are fine.

 

[gerraldd]

I let the heatsink spread it. Is that the right way?
I'm not really planning to overclock it yet(maybe in a few years or so if the price of this cpu goes down) because it's doing a good job running my aplications.