FAQ, I'm sure: How hot is too hot?

[JeffChrisope]

I'm running dual PIII 700's on an MSI board. At stock 700Mhz (with Alpha 6035s and a Sunon and Sanyo Denki CPU fan), she averages about 28C per CPU. At 868, average on SiSoft CPU benchmark is around 34. 933 isn't much higher than that.

When should I start getting nervous? When should I pause and be humble at the feet of the overclocking Gods?

Thanks
J

 

[MCS]

Those temps are fine!! In fact, they're great.

I like to keep my CPUs under 40C, but even that is conservative.

I think really there is no cause for concern until you hit about 50C.

 

[Renob]

I think it to hot only when it starts being unstable......