P4 Temp Questions

[gov-t_mule]

Hey there. Newbie here. I just built a new system. It is:

ASUS P4P800S
P4 @ 2.8 Ghz
Thermaltake Xaser III V2000A
plus yada yada yada....

My question has a few parts:

When I ordered the internals, the company I purchased the mobo and processor from put them together for me (with the Intel heat sink and fan). They put thermal tape between the P4 and the heat sink. I had to remove the heat sink and fan in order to install the Thermaltake temp sensor under the processor. I was very careful in doing so. I'm confident that I didn't screw anything up, because I'm here writing this. Now, is thermal tape good for one application, because I just set the heat sink down on top of the processor. Or do I need to remove everything again and put some thermal grease down there?

Secondly, as far as the operating temp range goes, my Thermaltake temp sensor is currently reporting a temp of 81 deg F. Where, in your all's opinion, is acceptable temp range, and where should I set the alarm to notify me of possible damage? I am not overclocking this system as of yet, and the cooling situation seems pretty good.

Thanks in advance.

[mike11973]

i would turn off your computer and remove the thermal tape....the best type of thermal compound is arctic silver 5 which can be bought at amy comp usa for 10 bucks....make sure you read these directions on applying and using it first:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_s...structions.htm

your temps are low but make sure they dont get above 50C to avoid any possible damage.

[mike11973]

forgot to ask....are you using a stock heatsink and fan?

[gov-t_mule]

Yeah, I'm using the Intel heatsink and fan that was provided with the processor. Should I step up with Arctic Silver as well as a ThermalTake heatsink and fan?

Thanks.

[mike11973]

if you plan on overclocking i would.