safe temps for PIII 700E?

[Sunny129]

my PIII 700E is running @ 933MHz right now, and holds steady at about 40*C with a Golden Orb. when i crunch numbers non-stop, like when running SETI@home or playing Unreal Tournament, my temps reach about 50*C. now i've been told that i'm running a little warm at 40*C, so i'm guessing that 50*C for a PIII is way too hot, even though i play UT for long periods of time and have no problems with my system hanging. i'm mainly concerned with the probability of dramatically shortening the life of my CPU, even though i've had it clocked between 933MHz-1000MHz for 1.5 years now, and i still have no problems with the system. one of the reasons i don't keep it cooler is b/c my g_d-damn roommate keeps the thermostat on 78*F, and circulation to my room sucks, so my ambient temp case is roughly 31-32*C. even when i put it on 75*F, he changes it. i'm used to having it on 72*F or so, but there's no hope of that in this apartment. another reason my CPU isn't cooler is b/c i hate noise. i hate it with a passion. just about any other hsf out there (w/ the exception of stock hsf) is better than a Golden Orb...and also louder. i think the Orb is loud enough. i have to turn off my computer whne i go to bed. its beyond white noise. i guess the whole point in this is to figure out what's too hot and what's acceptable, despite the fact that my system runs fine at what i fear are unacceptable temps. and if anyone has any brilliant ideas of how to cool my system better without increasing the noise drastically, if at all, i would appreciate it.

thanks...eric