imtomtoo0825, you haven't specified if your Q6600 is a B3 or G0 Stepping, or whether you're referring to the single Tcase (CPU) temperature, or the 4 Tjunction (Core) temperatures. Since there are different maximum temperature specifications between the 2 Steppings, and there's a 10c difference or "Delta" between the 2 distinct temperatures, it's important to know which temperatures you're posting, and at what ambient temperature.
If you'd like to understand how it all works, and learn how to correctly test, accurately calibrate, and properly monitor your temperatures, then check out the Core 2 Quad and Duo Temperature Guide:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/221745-29-core-quad-temperature-guide
From reviewing your posts, it's most likely that Tcase (CPU temperature) has incorrect thermal algorithms in BIOS, or support is not enabled for PECI, (if equipped), ACPI or ACIP. It's also possible that a BIOS flash to the latest release may correct the problem. Regardless of which temperature, it's nearly certain that 52c at Idle is incorrect, especially for your hardware configuration.
From the Guide:
"...
Section 6: Scale...
...
Scale 2: Quad
Q6x00:
Tcase Max
71c,
G0 Stepping,
Tjunction Max
100c,
Vcore Default
1.372, TDP 95w, Delta
10c
-Tcase/Tjunction-
--70--/--80--80--80--80-- Hot
--65--/--75--75--75--75-- Warm
--60--/--70--70--70--70-- Safe
--25--/--35--35--35--35-- Cool...
...
Scale 4: Quad
Q6600:
Tcase Max
62c,
B3 Stepping,
Tjunction Max
100c,
Vcore Default
1.372, TDP 105w, Delta
10c
-Tcase/Tjunction-
--60--/--70--70--70--70-- Hot
--55--/--65--65--65--65-- Warm
--50--/--60--60--60--60-- Safe
--25--/--35--35--35--35-- Cool..."
Also, contrary to popular mis-information, Arctic Siver 5 is NOT the best thermal compound.
From the Guide:
"...
Section 14: Recommendations...
...(
B) Masscool Shin-Etsu X23 can reduce CPU temps by ~
4c compared to Arctic Silver 5, which is far more popular than it is effective. The first link shown below is to a very in-depth Thermal Interface Material (TIM) comparison that was posted 2/2/07 on Tom's Overclocking - Cooler and Heatsinks Forum, which was conducted by
DaSickNinja. This 6 page thread is very revealing, however, the review has been moved to the second link shown below, Xtreme CPU.
DaClan Review: Thermal Interface Shootout:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/221751-29-daclan-review-thermal-interface-shootout#t1653411
Note: Due to Tom's servers forcing asterisks in the link below, when clicked it will cause "This page cannot be displayed". Simply backspace the 3 asterisks and type x-c-p-u-s
without hyphens, then press enter.
Thermal Interface Material Comparison:
http://www.***.com/forums/case-psu-cooling/3902-thermal-interface-material-comparison.html
Masscool Shin-Etsu X23 Thermal Interface Material (TIM) can reduce CPU temps by ~
4c compared to Arctic Silver 5, and is simply the best TIM for CPU cooling.
X23 is available at the following sites:
http://www.chillblast.com/product.php?productid=16932
http://www.ajigo-store.com/se7783d.html
http://www.crazypc.com/products/50118.html
http://www.watercoolingshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=496&osCsid=78
http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop/customer/product.php?productid=1236&cat=0&page= ..."
Comp