Suggestions on how to cool my CPU

[Chojin]

y helo thar

Here's my current speedfan report:

http://www.i-mockery.com/chojin/speedfan_080804.jpg

http://www.i-mockery.com/chojin/speedfan2_080804.jpg

When playing games, the last 'Video' report can go as high as 72-75 C.

At any rate, it's clear that only the CPU and Video card are overheating, and I really do not want to underclock it. I have a pretty decent heatsink/fan combo on the processor:

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/35-186-134-01.jpg

This is the video card:

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/14-130-038-02.jpg

EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 320 MB PCIex 16x 1.0

This is the case:

http://www.acoustiproducts.com/images/products/apantecson2/antec_sonata_sideviewdiagram_600x467.jpg

Originally, I had thought to put a fan in the front, but it turns out it's passive (aka NO) intake. Also, the heatsink is too large for me to fit the air duct over it. That air duct itself has two fans it in - a 92mm one for the processor and an 80mm one for the graphics card. But yeah, it isn't on atm.

I had gotten the case years and years ago because it's quiet. I'm willing to sacrifice a liiiiittle of the silence for protecting my machinery, but I really don't want to bore huge holes in the thing, cause that will just totally ruin it. However, should I give a thought to optical drive bay fans or something?

SUGGESTIONS, PRZ.

[MetalMilitia]

Is anything leading you to believe your machine is overheating besides the Speedfan reports?

The best thing to do would be to play a game for a while then reboot your PC and check what your BIOS is reporting for the temperatures. Chances are Speedfan is just talking shit, as it often does.
You have a good HSF and decent case - my guess is your CPU's actual temperature is one of the top two readings and the core sensors are just some other bollocks that you shouldn't worry about.

[Sam]

Put some sunglasses on it, then it will be really cool. :rolleyes

[Zomboid]

:lol

[Archduke Tips]

If you aren't having an overheat issue then I wouldn't change your cooling setup. If your computer starts to reboot mysteriously or freeze frequently during video games then it might indicate overheating.

If you decide that you absolutely must cool your computer better, then here are a few recommendations:
1. Use a thermal paste between your CPU and heatsink with a high thermal conductivity.
2. Use a heatsink that is made of metal with a higher thermal conductivity (copper > aluminum) and look for one with lots of surface area (usually provided by fins). The surface area allows for more heat dissipation to the surrounding air.
3. Change the fan on the heatsink to one that has a higher volumetric flow rate.
4. Make sure that there is a good path for hot air to be removed from the CPU/heatsink and the video card. Any obstructions, such as wires, can reduce the effectiveness of your fans.
5. Add fans to increase the air flow rate... once again you should make sure that they are positioned properly so that they remove hot air from the case.

The heat travels in three paths... First from the component into its heat sink. Next from the heat sink into the air. Lastly from the air inside the case to outside the case. You want to make sure that the heat can move effectively through each path.