Fixing my Q6600 -- Looking for tips

Hi there.

Two years ago I bought a new computer and at that time it was the answer to all my prayers but lately it has begun to lack that extra "uumph!". I've therefore decided to take the necessary steps to get this computer as up to date as possible without having to ditch a whole lot of parts.

One of the main issues I am having is the temperature. With everything on stock speed I am getting these readings;
Idle -- Actually, writing this post;
RealTemp: 55C
Hardware Monitor: Core#0: 61.0C, Core#1: 60.0C, Core#2: 58.0C, Core#3: 55.0C

When running a game, such as Trine it goes up to about 70C which I have come to understand is too much? This basically eliminates any attempt at overclocking.

Current specifications
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.40 GHz
MB: MSI P35 NEO-F
RAM: 2x TWIN2X 6400 DDR2, 2048MB CL5
GFX: XFX GeForce 8800GTX 600M 768MB XT GDDR3
PSU: Fortron/Source Epsilon 700W

I have a huge computer chassis so fitting new components in shouldn't be a problem; Cooler Master Stacker 831 Black, 2x12cm

---------------------------

I have read some great reviews on the ThermalRight Ultra 120 Extreme but I'd love it if any of you would be so kind and help me out with what I should get to solve this problem of mine.
I'd like to upgrade my graphics card as well and OC my CPU even if it means I need to ditch my motherboard. I guess I should also get some thermal paste?

All tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Forgot to mention I'm using a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels.

What is your budget for your upgrade?

Your temps indicate your HSF isn't installed correctly. Those should be what your load temps are, not idle. Most Q6600 CPU's will overclock to around 3.6GHz with a decent air cooler. The Xigmatek Dark Knight is a very popular cooler that will work well with your CPU.

XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.213274 $44.98

It's hard to recommend a GPU with no mention of a budget, but here's a couple that are pretty good deals:

SAPPHIRE Vapor-X Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102825 $154.99

GIGABYTE GV-N275UD-896H GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814125279 $204.99 - $20 MIR

I'm not convinced your PSU is a quality unit. You might want to consider upgrading that also since you're looking to put more load on it.

Read and heed:

http://www.supremelaw.org/systems/ [...] arning.htm


MRFS

Just got my new HSF -- I had to solve it quickly and I ended up with XIGMATEK Achilles S1284.
It seems to have done the trick

-- Real Temp 3.00 --
CPU Idle: 34C, 34C, 34C, 30C

CPU Load (p95): 55C, 55C, 53C, 52C

Is it safe to try and push the system further now that I've got the new HSF? I've got the B3-revision of the Q6600, no G0 for me

I'm especially wondering what I should do to be able to fit in a new graphics card without making my CPU the bottleneck.

------------

I've been able to push it to 3.0GHz.

333 MHz x 9.0
1:1 FSB/Memory
vcore at auto now, the span seems to be 1.2 -- auto -- 1.3125 if I recall correctly).

Real Temp reports with p95 Small-FFT running on all cores
Core 1: 63C
Core 2: 63C
Core 3: 51C
Core 4: 60C

Core Temp reports with p95 Small-FFT running on all cores
Core 1: 58C
Core 2: 58C
Core 3: 55C
Core 4: 55C

Idle temperatures are

Real Temp:
Core 1: 38C
Core 2: 38C
Core 3: 37C
Core 4: 35C

Core Temp:
Core 1: 33C
Core 2: 31C
Core 3: 30C
Core 4: 30C