Is my Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 temperature too high

[Afznotermi]

Just few days back i had installed a Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 in order to replace my "old" E6750 CPU. I would like to overclock my CPU to at LEAST 3.2GHz. I am also using a Schythe Katana 2 heatsink and Noctua thermal paste. On the old CPU, using Everest I would get about 35 C as idle temperature and about 50-60 C at full load. With the Q9550 I get about 60 C as idle temperature and at full load I reached even 90 C with one of the 4 cores. I think that's a big temperature swing and it looks a bit high. Can any one tell me is my Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 temperature too high? Any one have any idea about it? Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Hockson]

If you are using the stock Intel HSF check to verify that everything is copacetic with the installation and that all the push-pins are fully seated. There are so many variables in solid state electronics that cookbooks will not work. Two CPU dies cut from adjacent places on their wafer can have very different characteristics. Nearly all the choices that you make matter. However, if you have to fiddle with it at all you'll want to pull it off and clean off the thermal compound properly and re-install it, properly, with completely fresh thermal compound.

[.:MUNDITO:.]

I would expect your idle temps to be right around 50C. I would suggest staying away from the heatsinks that use the push-pin method of securing them to the motherboard. I have an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 CPU and when I put it to work it averages 50 degrees Celsius. I am not sure but maybe its the metal of the fansink. Older PCs used a very light metal that probably don't conduct that much heat. You might be having this problem.

[Viceman]

Have a look at BIOS updates. It's possible you need one to run the Q9550 correctly. Check the BIOS settings to make sure you have correct voltage, FSB, multiplier. Remove the heat sink and thermal paste and start over using just enough to make sure its a smooth join, but not so much its like laying a brick. If that doesn't solve your problem, Perhaps the heat sink just isn't up to the job.