Is my CPU too hot?

[DC Fisherman]

i have a P4 2.8GHz prescott CPU and it often stays at 60 to 61 degree C. is it too hot or it's normal for prescott CPU?

[Memphis]

Depends on if it's under load or not.

If it is, your ok.
If it's not, then you may have problems.

As a general rule of thumb, the Prescotts are running hotter than the Northwoods (and I feel I should add, more importantly, slower) but if you idle at 60 degrees then your gonna need to look at the heatsink, making sure its seated properly. Maybe re-seat it and apply some fresh Arctic Silver or similar. If you do all that and they are still idling that high, then you will need to look at better case cooling.

[DC Fisherman]

it's not under load, it's around 60 when i am browsing the internet. the side of the case is open so airflow is not a problem. when i touch the heatsink, it doesn't feel hot at all. i already check the fan and the heatsink to make sure it's locked all the way.

[richskie]

If the heatsink isn't hot then either it's not seated properly or the temp is being reported incorrectly.

I'd suggest you reseat the heatsink & apply some thermal paste.

[DC Fisherman]

i pull the heatsink out and take a look at the thermal paste, it looks fine to me. put it back and the temp is about the same. what are the chances of the temp display is incorrect? i am using a program called Abit EQ to keep track of the temp.

[duffy90210]

I would say its ok, while on the high side, I would suugest a more powerful sink/fan as well as a drop of Artic silver if you are really worried about it.

HTH