http://www.intel.com/design/corei7/documentation.htm

[Atech66]

4.3 Socket Maximum Temperature
The power dissipated within the socket is a function of the current at the pin level and
the effective pin resistance. To ensure socket long term reliability, Intel defines socket
maximum temperature using a via on the underside of the motherboard. Exceeding the
temperature guidance may result in socket body deformation, or increases in thermal
and electrical resistance which can cause a thermal runaway and eventual electrical
failure. The guidance for socket maximum temperature is listed below:
• Via temperature under socket < 96 °C

So am i to understand that roughly anything under 90c they are saying is a safe temp?

 

[wafflehammer]

I dunno about that. Most people agree on ~70C is the point when the chip starts degrading and losing time on it's life

 

[Atech66]

I ran that FEAR demo to the end and had real temps going and it was peggin out at about 50-55c
idles at 40 +/-3
have you had the real temps pop all of a sudden like 5c-8c higher and drop back down instantaniously? sometimes it bounces really fast 40 boom 48 boom back to 40
seems like its a sensor thing i hope.

 

[bkolk]

I believe its not just the temperature you have to worry about. I assume ur referencing OC'ing and too much voltage will damage the chip.