I've read that the max temp for my processor is around the 72 mark.
frenzal,
Your statement shows a common misconception concerning Intel's Thermal Specifications. While I appreciate
iluvgillgill's input on these temperature threads, he usually prefers a brief general comment, rather than writing a complete explanation. Allow me to clarify.
There are 2 seperate sets of temperatures for all Core 2 Processors; CPU temperature (Tcase) and Core temperatures (Tjunction). The Thermal Specification shown in Intel's Processor Spec Finder -
http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLAPK - is for CPU temperature,
not Core temperatures, which is an important point that many users don't realize.
The difference between CPU temperature and Core temperatures is 5c at load, which is illustrated below: From my Core 2 Quad and Duo Temperature Guide -
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/221745-29-core-quad-temperature-guide
Section 6: Scale
Scale 1: Duo
E7200:
Tcase Max
74c, Stepping
M0,TDP 65W, Idle
8W
E4700:
Tcase Max
73c, Stepping
G0, TDP 65W, Idle
8W
E4x00:
Tcase Max
73c, Stepping
M0, TDP 65W, Idle
8W
E2xx0:
Tcase Max
73c, Stepping
M0, TDP 65W, Idle
8W
E8x90:
Tcase Max
72c, Stepping
C0, TDP 65W, Idle
8W
E8600:
Tcase Max
72c, Stepping
E0, TDP 65W, Idle
8W
E8x00:
Tcase Max
72c, Stepping
C0, TDP 65W, Idle
8W
E6x50:
Tcase Max
72c, Stepping
G0, TDP 65W, Idle
8W
E6540:
Tcase Max
72c, Stepping
G0, TDP 65W, Idle
8W
-Tcase/Tjunction-
--70--/--75--75-- Hot
--65--/--70--70-- Warm
--60--/--65--65-- Safe
--25--/--30--30-- Cool
As you can see, while
iluvgillgill's statement is correct with regard to safe Core temperatures, your Zalamn 7700 is classed as a low-end cooler, and really isn't much better than Intel's stock cooler. Check out the following cooler reviews to see for yourself; from my Temp Guide:
Section 14: Recommendations
For information on CPU Coolers, please use the following links:
http://www.anandtech.com/casecoolingpsus/showdoc.aspx?i=3068&p=4
http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2271&page=5
http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=5&artpage=3258&articID=680
Additionally, you can calibrate SpeedFan for accurate CPU temperature (Tcase) and Core temperatures (Tjunction) by using
Section 9: Calibrations in my Temp Guide.
Hope this helps,
Comp