Temps too high?

[Killer_Juice]

Hi, I've never overclocked before, but I am now looking to get a little more juice out of my processor and don't want to spend hundreds on a minor upgrade..

I'm using an i7-920 @ 2.66ghz. I want to OC to 3.0ghz.
Currently, I'm at a 133mhz with a 20x multiplier.
My mobo is the EVGA X58 (Tri-SLI)

From what I've read, you don't need to change voltages to get to 3.0ghz. I installed EVGA leet and am going to overclock the QPI and PCIe to raise from 133mhz to 150mhz for 3Ghz. But, before I do that, I wanted to see if my case is cool enough for overclocking. (My case is the Antec 900 and I am using the stock i7 cooler)

Nearly idle CPU (about 3% load)

Prime 95 Test

I'm not sure what is making my computer so hot. Perhaps it is because I live in Florida and it is naturally 85-90 outside and high humidity. My case has 2 intake fans on the front panel, a large outtake fan on top, and another outtake fan at the back.

So, what do you think? Is this too hot? Also, what do you think about my overclocking idea?

~~~
All PC specs
EVGA X58
i7 920 @ stock with stick cooler
EVGA superclocked Geforce 260 GTX
6GB DDR3 Corsair 1333
800 Watt BFG PSU
1TB Caviar Black 7200RPM and 500GB Seagate Barricuda 7200RPM

 

[d1rtyju1c3]

The reason temps are so high is because you are still using the stock cooler and the stock cooler really isnt even enough for a stock clocked i7 920.
Your temps are at the max safe temps so I wouldnt recommend OCing.
Another reason your temps are high is because Turbo mode is enabled so the CPU will automatically OC to 3.2ghz under load.
I would recommend upgrading the cooler to the Hyper212+ it is the best budget cooler out and is highly recommended on the forums.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&cm_re=hyper_212%2b-_-35-103-065-_-Product

 

[ahumphers91]

Also buy Zero therm for the thermal paste. I used zero therm and it dropped my temps 35c.

 

[d1rtyju1c3]

^ I agree there are a lot better TIMs out there than AS5

Here is a TIM review.
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=62

 

[ahumphers91]

Also remember Aluminum dissipates heat really quickly. look for a heatsink with aluminum fins and pipes.

 

[Killer_Juice]

I did a bit of research and it is just as you said. The stock cooler isn't good enough. I think I'll buy the Hyper 212.

Quick question though. I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to ESD. How exactly would I add the reinforcing mounting bracket on the bottom of the MOBO without damaging it?

 

[ahumphers91]

Not sure on my part, with AMD cpu and my Zalman 9700 nvidia edition heatsink I didn't have to install bracket. I think all aftermarket intel heatsinks has to use the mounting bracket.

 

[d1rtyju1c3]

You can get a grounding strap if you are a little worried about damaging the Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899339002&cm_re=grounding_strap-_-99-339-002-_-Product

 

[Killer_Juice]

Best answer selected by Killer_Juice.

 

[d1rtyju1c3]

Thanks for the BA and good luck. [:bohleyk:1]