Experts...!

[Darren]

I've built a system based around a Athlon 2000+ on a abit KT333 chipset.

I've a Side exhaust fan and a rear exhaust fan. The system temp is 31c and the cpu temp under average load is running max at 47c.

Is this temp to high or about right? This is my first real buils and know that amd hips like to cook a bit. What is the max safe temp for this cpu to run at?

thanks in advance!

[Budfred]

Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

47C is getting a little high for running under average load, but is not dangerous. However, I would look at whether you can find a way to shave off a few degrees. How did you seat the heat sink/fan on the CPU? If you used a thermal pad, they apparently don't cool quite as well. Also, what kind of heat sink/fan are you using? If the heat sink doesn't have a copper core, you may not be getting as good a cooling as you could. Most people here advocate using Arctic Silver III for thermal grease, applied in the thinnest possible layer.

Also, how it the interior of your PC configured? If space is tight, you may not be getting enough air movement. Are you using flat IDE/floppy cables? If so, you may want to think about switching to round ones. Can you put a front intake fan low in the front? This can help get the air flowing better.

Again, you probably aren't in danger, but if the system runs that hot all the time (and hotter under heavy use), it will probably shorten the life of your system.

Budfred

[BigBlue66]

If the system is running at 47C max (I assume you mean full load), then that's a very acceptable temperature for an XP 2000+.

What are your idle temps?

As mentioned, install a bottom front intake fan if there is a space for it.

Additionally, if the side fan is indeed set to exhaust, turn it around so it's blowing air into the case.

[Jiggy]

take a look see at this heatsink (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Thermalright_120.html#ahs_2d003_2 dtr)( Thermalright SLK-800)and top it of with this Delta 60mm focusflow fan (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Delta_Fans_58.html), also try here for case mods (http://dmoz.org/Computers/Hardware/Components/Cases/) to give you an idear of how to get the inside wires tidy, ive got the heatsink and fan in my new case(Juno P6 full tower)along the 120mm fan at front and convoluted ducting to put all power cables in. hope it helps, let us know.

[Darren]

Thanks guys