Ok, need a little help. This is my first OC, and think it's ok, but a bit concerned with temps. Have a q9300 (stock 2.5 Ghz) OC'd to 3.38. Everything is stable, but temps are 53-55C idle, 64-68C under load. Is this too much, or will it be alright?

itll be fine, but lower temps may provide a secure feeling.
the processor doesnt shut down/ clock down until it reaches past ~80 C

Thanks for the quick reply. Was happy to get the 9300 to OC that much, so won't push it any further, but wanted to make sure temps were ok.

I wouldn't be comfortable with that, but I dunno... I like to see idle temps below 30C. That's a pretty impressive OC on a Q9300, though. Grats.

cpu's can handle up to 85 C so no problem there. try if its still stable when you knock the voltage down one bump.

What is your voltage at? Did you leave it set at "Auto"?
if so, you can likely se the voltage to a lower number which can really cut temps.

Everything is still in auto except Vcore, set at 1.31, shows actual of 1.28. Thinking of resetting my cooler, have Asetek liquid cooling, should be giving me much better temps than this, in an NZXT Zero case with 5-120mm fans and one 80mm.

Ok, got home, reset cooler with new thermal paste, added another fan and changed airflow across liquid heat exchanger (they had an exhaust fan pulling air through, i reversed so intake in bringing cool air through) and now have my 9300 running at 3.41 Ghz and temps are ~45-47C idle and ~58-60C under load.