CPU Idling too hot, reducing core speed.

[zurev]

Hey guys, let me preface this by saying I have no interest in overclocking, especially with the current condition of my PC.
I built this PC just about a year ago, learned enough to build what I think is a pretty decent computer, and then stopped
keeping up with technology, my interest is more in web oriented systems.

Anyway, I'm using:
ASUS P6X58D Premium 1366
Intel i7 930 with Stock HSF

My case I believe has pretty good airflow, there are not many cables in the way, and I have 3 massive fans, and 1 normal
size, seen here:
http://screencast.com/t/4HDRRlMdUOs

Lately my CPU has been throttling back at 1600 MHz rather than the 2800MHz it is by default, I was told
this is most likely because it's running too high, it was idling at 48C.

After some tinkering, I dusted out the case pretty well, and re-applied thermal paste, and I've been
able to get it to idle at around 38C, however it's still only operating at 1600MHz, I'm SURE this cannot
be good for it.

Outside of buying a new heatsink, I'm not sure what else to do, I've included screenshots
of realtemp, nvidia inspector, and my BIOS setup page.

BIOS: http://screencast.com/t/0AN99OjUfEkz
Realtemp/nvidia: http://screencast.com/t/AXDTC7jNODeI

Any and all suggestions/ideas would be appreciated.

 

[hunter315]

The throttling down has to due with reduced CPU usage, not temps that are too high. Modern CPUs drop their core frequency and voltage when the system is at idle, this reduces power consumption and heat production so that it can idle lower. 38C is fine for the stock heatsink, and dropping down to 1600MHz is the reason why i can idle that low.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

That throttling is called "Speed Step Technology"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpeedStep