I'm using Arctic Silver 5 and the stock HSF with this CPU. Idling I get high 30s/low 40s and under full load it can reach 61C. This is my first build so I'm a little unsure as to what I should be looking out for. And everything I've searched for has given me conflicting answers on what temps I should be seeing at full load.

I'm also unsure if I applied TIM correctly. I've heard to both place a dot in the middle and to spread it evenly atop the heat spreader. I've done the latter.

I just want to know what's best in this specific situation as I really want this CPU to be awesome for as long as it can be.

Any information would be very appreciated.

Spreading Arctic Silver 5 over the CPU heatspread is NOT the proper way to apply it.

Here's instructions on how to properly apply AS5:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/pd..._as5_amd_quad_wcap.pdf

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Phenom II X6 1100T B.E.@ 4.26GHz
Corsair H70 Core Hydro
ASUS Crosshair V Formula
2x4GB G.Skill RipjawsX@ 1894MHz, 9-10-9-28
SLI: 2x EVGA GTX 570's@ 902/1804/2032
Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
Corsair HX850W Modular
Cooler Master HAF 922
2x Win 7 Home Premium (x64)

Also remember to follow the cure time recommendations. After you initial application your temps will be higher and that is typical. AS5 requires a break-in period before it reaches its full thermal dissipation potential.

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The opinions expressed above do not represent those of Advanced Micro Devices or any of their affiliates.

Why does it only need to be the dot in the middle of the CPU? I've never seen anything explaining it.

Basically it reduces the occurrence of air pockets in the TIM which does not allow for thermal dissipation very well as you need direct contact between the two. Placing the dot in the middle of the chip pushes the air outwards thus giving you the best contact.

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The opinions expressed above do not represent those of Advanced Micro Devices or any of their affiliates.

That's really cool. I appreciate the info. I reapplied the TIM just now. What temps should I be seeing in an ideal situation? I'm wondering if I need a better fan than the stock one, especially since mine has been making noise when it shouldn't be.

What kind of noise is it making?
If it hums like a small jet engine, then the fan is probably running at max. RPM's because the CPU is hot.
Any decent aftermarket HSF is going to be a whole lot better than the stock AMD HSF.

Idling in the low to mid-30's, mid-50's or lower under full (100%) stess is what I would target.

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Phenom II X6 1100T B.E.@ 4.26GHz
Corsair H70 Core Hydro
ASUS Crosshair V Formula
2x4GB G.Skill RipjawsX@ 1894MHz, 9-10-9-28
SLI: 2x EVGA GTX 570's@ 902/1804/2032
Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
Corsair HX850W Modular
Cooler Master HAF 922
2x Win 7 Home Premium (x64)

Edited: 01/19/2010 at 08:47 PM by NemesisChild

As I said in my other thread, it changes in volume without changing in speed. The fan can be loud at a certain RPM and then decide to quiet down while staying at the same RPM. It's been louder at 2k rpm than it has been at 4k.