Major CPU cooling troubles

[UMfanatic]

I am running a XP 2500+ w/barton core with is retail heatsink and fan, a friend recommended is just stick with the original HS/F but my delimma is even when I am doing something is little as browsing the internet my cpu temp never drops below 54'C and thats with 2 80mm case fans and the side paneling off. My computer currently sits on top of my desk just for better airflow and thats what keeps at 54 at best. How can I get my CPU at a lower temp?

Processor XP 2500+ (at normal clock speed)
Motherboard: Giga-byte GA-7N400 Pro
Case: Antec Lan Boy w/350w PS
Memory: 1gig Corsair PC3200
HHD: Seagate 160GB SATA
Video Card: Leadtek A310-TD 256MB FX 5600
Lite-on DVD Burner

 

[BlackMountainCow]

Did u use the stock HS with this thermal pad on the bottom of it? If so, then scrape it of (gently, do not scratch the HS bottom), polish the rest of the pad away with some alcohol (a good whiskey will do 😀) and the use some good thermal compound. Something like ArctivSilver III or even V will do a great job. ( link on how to apply the compund )

When u do that, u can also make sure that the HS is seated properly. Cause 54°C seems a bit odd for your case with all those fans.

 

[UMfanatic]

I did nothing to the original Heatsink I left what compound was on there, and to the best of my knowledge it is on there right. and looked down properly, could it be that the fans are bad. I did recently order new case fans with an air flow of 40.58, I ordered a new heatsink and fan to help too. I mean I do alot of work on my computer; but do to the temp I have to do it in segments so that I dont overheat the CPU Is the thermal pad what looked like thermal paste on the bottom of the copper part of the heat sink, and when applying the thermal paste should I only put it on the core itself, and one last thing since I am switching out fans would my new fan have a thermal pad or thermal paste