[CPU] Some questions from a newbie...

Hi everyone! Sorry that I come bearing so many questions that I probably ought to know... =( But I am here and willing to learn! =)

I've been reading some recent posts, and have questions based on them and some articles I read in the Guide...

1) What IS the temperature border for modern processors where it's starting to run "too hot"? I've heard people say that 52-55C is still pretty cool... at what point should one start to get worried?

2) I saw the article about how quickly Athlon processors overheat and breakdown if something wierd happens (such as a disconnected heat sink). However, the article seemed old. Is this still a concern with Athlon processors, or can I purchase them with confidence?

3) I looked on the Pricewatch.com that some of you have been mentioning, and saw that the XP and MP Athlon processors of the same mHz rating (or psuedo-mHz as the case may be) were priced drastically different... what makes the MP seemingly so much more expensive than the XP?

4) What would be a good specific heatsink/fan brand and model for someone who doesn't overclock his Athlon CPU but wants to make sure it stays nice and cool... just in case...? =)

Thank you so much for listening to my newbie rambling. =) I'm sure I'll have more, but for now I'll leave it at that. I'm impressed with the knowledge that all of you have!

-Jack Colorado

Hoping to learn something new, from those already in the know. =)

mmm. u should make that your sig matty. bit big though lol

<b>My CPU cooler is so Massive it bends Space and Time! </b>

a 300w name brand psu should be fine, some iffy oem psus cant handle it, its a trial and error thing but if you get strange lockups replace the psu with a 350w enermax or something!

The Cash Left In My Pocket,The BEST Benchmark