Noobish CPU Temp Questions

[Edrick]

Ok, sorry for the nobish questions here, but I have been wondering about this for some time now.

I use AIDA64 (Everest) to monitor my temps. I found this to be more reliable than RealTemp, which I used to use. But my questions pertain to most cpu temp software.

I notice that some software packages give you a CPU temp and CORE temps for each core. So in my case I see 5 temp readings. All of the time, the individual core temp reading are much higher than the CPU readining. For example, my current system under load reads: 51 for CPU and between 56-59 for the cores. (Cores 2 and 3 are always highest)

So my questions are as follows:
1. When people give their OC temps, which value(s) are they going by?
2. When Intel gives a number like 72C as a max value, are they talking Cores or CPU?
3. If the answer to #2 is CPU, what would be a max limit on Core temps?
4. Are there 5 different sensors (for quads) on a CPU which give readings? Or are some on the MB?
5. Are the temp readings in the BIOS for the cores or the CPU?

Thanks, and sorry if these questions have been answered elsewhere.

 

[Edrick]

Anyone?

 

[coffeejunkee]

1. cores
2. cpu
3. 100 degrees celsius (tcase = max at that point)
4. yes, 1 per core and 1 in the middle of the ihs.
5. good question, wouldn't really know, could depend on the board. My guess is cpu. But while in the bios energysaving features are not active so temps are higher.

Curious, why didn't you find Realtemp reliable?