non-overclocker getting heat instability

[Axen]

Hello

Early this summer I noticed my computer (A7V333, 1.73GHz Athlon XP 2100+, WinXP) started hanging and acting crazy. One time the computer restarted, and the POST informed me the Hardware Monitor had detected an error. I entered the BIOS and discovered in the sensor screen that the processor was running at <b>77° C</b>.

I bit of research soon confirmed my belief that was waaay too hot. I downloaded hmonitor to keep tabs on my temp, and that program has worked well. However, I've been unable to determine the cause of the overheating. As I said in the subject title, to my knowledge this processor is not overclocked. I purchased the computer from a local computer company. Here are some of the vitals from hmonitor:

(the computer is not under high load ATM, but it is evening of a hot day)
MB: 41.0°C (min 36.0°, max 42°.0)
CPU: 72.5°C (66°-78.5°)
HD: 44°C (40°-45°)
Power Fan: 4753 rpm (4623-4821)
Voltages:
+12: +12.40V (12.34-12.59)
-12: -12.75V (-12.88 to -12.69)
+5: 4.92V (4.87-4.95)
-5: no reading (?)
Core: +1.76V (1.70-1.79)
Aux(?): +1.76V (1.71-1.79)
I/O: +3.28V (3.25-3.33)

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[Wannabe Z]

How many fans do you have running in your case, not including the power fan?

[Gomer]

You have a heatsink/proc interface problem. Clean and reapply a heatsink compound (artic silver etc.)

as far as fan setup goes... one in the front for intake, one in the rear for exhaust is all you need.

[Axen]

There are two fans; the power supply fan and one additional. Both are at the rear and both blow outwards.

[Wannabe Z]

I dont know about that. I own an AMD 2100+ and i still get overheating issues even with 3 fans. I agree with Gomer though, you may want to reseat your heatsink with some good thermal grease, that may alleviate some problem. However, my friend is running an AMD 2000+ with a Volcano 11 and its running at 94F under full load . You may want to upgrade your processor fan to something similar to acheive much better cooling.

Buy a high flow i.e. CFM fan to blow inwards down by the hard disk. It should get some cool air coming in to help cool down your proc/mobo and cool off your HDD at the same time.

[Gomer]

no need to upgrade anything.
Can you mount a fan in the front of the case? if so, just buy your typical 80mm case fan and set it up as an intake.

your system doesn't need to sound like a jet to be cool by any means. Clean airflow is key. Clean those cables up and things will be fine. See the pic of my system below. That is an XP1800+ in a room w/ no AC and I have ZERO cooling problems.