My processor idles at about 60C. In the past hour, the temperature has jumped 3 times to above 70C. It is an Intel P4 at 3.06GHz running the stock Intel cooler. Should I get a better cooler, and if so, which ones do you recommend?
first, find out the cpu's exact model.
check around to see what others with the same model and settings are getting.
open the box. if the temp drops, you have an airflow problem.
the jumps in temp could be caused by a program running. watch task manager with cpu usage selected.
I would grab some good thermal interface material, remove the heatsink, clean it and the CPU off with 90% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, make sure there is no lint, re-apply TIM and reinstall heatsink. that is the first and easiest thing to do at this point IMO. 70C is probably not going to kill your CPU anytime soon, but you are not leaving much room for reduced heatsink efficiency when dust or a crapping-out fan starts to play a role.
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