my cpu is currently running 61degrees C while idle, and 68-78degrees C while running games... fan speed is running at 3000 min to 5100+ rpm so may i know if any of the above descriptions is considered abnormal? (it probably is) and any remedies if yes? thanks to anybody who would reply constructively to this :)

pc specs:
p4 2.8ghz
asus p4p800 motherboard
256mb ram
will post more if requested

First thing to check is the heatsink

What model are you running ?

Yes it is running to hot and may damage the chip if you allow it to continue

is the heat sink and thermal paste in place correctly ?

are you getting fresh cool air into the system box?

I'd state by opening the case and place a fan blowing into it and see what your temps do.
If it goes down then you have an air flow problem

If that doesn't help then it's time to examine the heatsink and fan for air flow and contact

model of the heatsink? if yes it comes with the cpu
i tried open a side of the casing and place a blowing fan into it. the temperature drop a little so i guess u are right about the air flow problem. So can i do something about the problem? any help will be greatly appreciated :)

Clean out the dust bunnies - use a can of compressed air to remove any dust that's accumulated in the pc (make sure it's powered off when you do this)
Look at the cables - are the a mass of spaghetti? try to route them so they are as neat as possible. Replacing flat ribbons with round ide/fdd cables can help.

Look at the fan on the heatsink - make sure it is able to rotate freely (dust, cables etc can inhibit this)
The same goes for the PSU fan.
When I build PCs I use cable ties to keep unused cables out of the way, and sticky fixing pads inside the case to hook bundles of cables to. This keeps the air flow over the mobo a bit more healthy.
Make sure the PC has enough air around it - if the PC is in an enclosed space, it doesn't matter how much cooling you try and do - it will always be recirculating hot air.
Make sure that all the PCI slot covers are in place - air is not meant to go in and out of these.
If necessary, you can remove the heatsink from the cpu, clean off the thermal paste and then add fresh paste and reseat the whole lot.

The next step is extra cooling. Case fans can help, just make sure you are putting them in the right place. the airflow normally gets forced out near the top of the PC (heat rises, so this is the logical solution)
If you want to add any additional fans, put one at the back top blowing out, and if necessary, one at the front bottom sucking in. This is only possible if your case has the necessary space of course.
Bigger fans are quieter and move air more efficiently.

Make sure you take the necessary anti-static precautions when working inside the PC, and be careful not to freeze anything with compressed air (the propellant can often come out in bursts and is cold) - make sure you leave things for a few minutes before switching the PC back on.