CPU overheating

[Tubster]

I'm a computer newbie so forgive me if I'm asking any stupid questions!

My computer keeps rebooting usually after being on for more than a few hours or during any games. I believe this may be from the CPU overheating. The software that came with the motherboard shows my CPU operating at 70+C all the time. I went to the AMD website which stated that 90C was the maximum temperature it could operate at. However my local computer store says that this is perfectly normal for an AMD as "they run hot". Is this a normall CPU temperature? If not how can I fix it?

I have an Athlon 2000 on a Gigabyte 133 motherboard with 512MB of PC133 RAM. I have two system fans and a 300W power unit.

Thank you.

 

[vetplus40]

AMD's do run hotter than Intels, but I am not an AMD guy so I am not sure what is normal. Some folks swear by Artic Silver thermal paste, and some folks have a preference on cpu cooling fans. My immediate suggestion is that you make sure you have no dust collecting in any of the fans, and leave the cover off and see it that helps. My built in MB temp software was flakey, so I switched to SANDRA.
I am sure others can add more to this post.

 

[amdskip]

That is too hot for a computer. AMD does say 90 but I say 60 is the max any computer should run at. After 60 is when a computer gets unstable. What heatsink are you using and what case?

 

[altonb1]

I have a 1800+ retail CPU that I overclocked to 1900. (Could have O/C higher, but didn't bother.) and even at default voltage and increased multiplier, but CPU temps is sitting around 40C after baqsaically being on continuously. (The only break is basically when I do a shutdown/restart or have to turn it off to work inside the case). At 1800+, I think it was about 38C.

Your system is WAAAAY too hot! I would remove the CPU and apply (re-apply?) thermal paste to the top of the processor. I would also check to make sure the heatsink & fan are installed correctly, and then verify the fan itself is running properly.