Normal CPU Idle Temps

[Dethan1999]

Hello there! I apologize if this is in the wrong section.

I have an Intel I-7 860 (LGA-1156). I have an Arctic Alpine 11 Rev 2 Cooler. I've been told that the cooler I have is only slightly better than the stock Intel cooler, which isn't too good. Anyways, I idle around 25-38 when my room temp is fairly warm. When under extreme load, the highest I've noticed is 75-85. I was wondering if it is worth buying a better cooler. I mean, would a better cooler significantly decrease my temps? Or does the one I already have seem reasonable enough. I've heard that Sandy Bridge CPUs (mine) tend to run cooler than Ive Bridge CPUs. I guess what I'm mainly wondering is "are my temps a reason to consider a new cooler?"

Idle: 25-38
Medium Load: 45-58
Heavy Load: 75-85

Also, is there a "lowest" temp a CPU can get to? Like, is there a point when the CPUs temp can no longer decrease because it's cooled to its max? I'm not asking if having a super-cooled CPU is bad. Obviously that wouldn't make sense... (Right?)


Thanks for the help!

Ethan

 

[DonkeyOatie]

The laws of Thermodynamics prevent an air cooler from getting below ambient and, in practice, the best they can do is a little above ambient.

Here's a bunch of good information on Intel Temperatures http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1808604/intel-temperature-guide.html

I would prefer ten degrees or more lower under full load. I don't know how long the cooler has been in place, but perhaps the thermal paste has lost some efficiency. If the cooler has been on for three or more years, I would replace the paste and re-seat the cooler.

A good air cooler has a long life, so if you upgrade, you can likely use the cooler on a newer, ah heck, better system. If you do replace it, I would buy the cooler that I though my next system would need.