I would like to know if I have a potential problem in the making: I just assembled a new computer with an AMD T-Bird 900 processor on an EPoX EP-8KTA2 motherboard. When I go to the BIOS and check under PC-Health it gives me a CPU temp reading of anywhere from 68-72*F (room temperature). If I check back 10-15 minutes later the temperature is around 95-98*F. It will then stay there, occasionally going up to 100*F then going back to 95-98*F. This is all with the case open and no programs running as I haven't even formatted the hard drive yet. Is this a sign of bad things to come once I close the case and start installing software? Should I just get a new heatsink/fan? I am using the standard ball-bearing fan and heatsink that came with the motherboard.

Adam_eddy,
I'm not sure what the exact temperature is suppose to be on a CPU chip. But I'm sure if you have temperatures of 95 to 98 now, it will get even hotter when you put a load on it. My feeling is that if you have spent the bucks to get AMD T-Bird 900mhz processor, I'd would go a step further and invest a few more bucks for a better heatsink and fan. I have never heard of any problems accruing by keeping things to cool, so be on the safe side. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif As Paleo Pete mentioned in one of his reply's "if you can't hold your finger on it for more than 10 sec's it's to hot."
Maybe someone else could respond to this as to what the temperatures of a CPU chip should be. Also I've heard of some download software that can actually help cool things down, but I'm not sure on how well they work.
WarHog
http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

AMDs run hotter thsn Intel chips. Get an app that puts a heavy load on your CPU -- like SETI -- and monitor the temp closely. Go to the forums at http://www.overclockers.com/ and follow the discussions -- lots of good info re. temps there.

A vital thing is to have a good contact between your CPU and the heastsink. Get some heatsink compound (a.k.a. thermal grease) and apply it. First remove the thermal sticky pad -- if there's one -- on the heatsink, clean everything up well.

Is the CPU fan up to speed? A wimpy fan can certainly cause temps to rise. On my systems the fans spin at 4000-5500 rpm.

Do you know the heat specs for your CPU? Go to the AMD website, support, and see what info is available.

Seems to me that your temps are a little high, which might be rectified by a better heatsink/CPU seal, but I'm not familiar with AMD chips.

Thanks for the info. My CPU Fan is consistently running anywhere from 4800-5000 RPM. When I set everything up this weekend, I'll put a heavy load on it this weekend and see what happens. It's not like a good fan is very expensive (less than $25).

If you should wish to invest in better cooling: http://2cooltek.safeshopper.com/1/cat1.htm?25

I have an Alpha PEP66 kit on order for my Celeron. Not sure what is the best choice for your AMD.