I have a P4 3.0 with the Presscot core which is known to run hot even in the best of conditions, I don't think mine ever gets below 60C even in the winter with the heating off ! Had the same problem before on another build using the same spec so this time I installed a Zalman fan which is very good. Unfortunately though the hot weather played its part and the other day I had the alarm go off when the system was loaded, the CPU peaked at 86C. Checked it with another sensor that I have installed and that also confirmed 86C. I did not notice any throttling and apart from the irritating alarm (until I turned it off) everything seemed to be working fine. Once the offending programme had finished the temp returned to its normal 68/69C. Interestingly enough the MB temp always stays at around 37C
The alarm is triggered at 80F and this has gone off a few times ( like when doing a full virus scan before a backup ) over the last 6 weeks or so.
On any other processor this would be cause for concern to say the least but the P4 with the Presscot core is notorious for this behaviour.
Anyone beat 86C ?
Regards
FBW