System freezes when CPU over 40c

[Sandan]

I don't think 40c is too hot but thought I would ask the experts. If I play games or at other times when the CPU registers over 40c it seems the system freezes and I have to reboot, or sometimes it reboots on its own. It happens fairly often...but if I take the side cover off by box it doesn't occur because cpu doesn't get over 40c. Maybe the board is too hot but haven't noticed it's temp. Any thoughts. My specs are:

AMD x2 3800+ overclocked to 2.4ghz
3Gigs pc3200 RAM
Asrock 939 dual sata2 board
Corsair 550W PSU
Ati 850xt Video
Artic cooling Freezer 64 pro Heat sink

 

[VirtualLarry]

Are you measuring using CoreTemp? Try it, and see what your true temps are.

 

[Sandan]

Downloaded core temp. Nice little program. It shows temps about 6c lower than speed fan which I was using. So I guess this means my lock ups were occuring with CPU over 46c......Still seems like 46c shouldn't be a problem. Not sure what else could be causing the lock up. I wonder about MB temp's.

 

[exar333]

What do you have your RAM speeds and HT speeds at? It is possible they may be causing the instability as well. have you bumped up the voltage to the MB chipset?

 

[Amaroque]

Could be a long shot... Try taking one stick of RAM out. Then load it up for a while with the side on.

I had a "similar problem" with my 3800 box.