i was recently messing with the cooling of my cpu.
It was at 50*C idle and this is what i did.
first i reaseated the heatsing with arctic silver 5.
this brought my cpu down to 48*C
(i had 2 case fans, one in(front) and one out(back))
next i made a cardboard ducting system from my 2 spare 5" drive bays to my cpu fan. and added an fan on the input end of the duct. this brought my cpu down to 46*C idle (55* full load)
after i felt that this was a bit high so i went into my bios and changed my cpus core voltage from its rated 1.6v to 1.5v my temps droped imediately to 38.C idle and 45*C full load.
the cpu has remained fully stable at its peak load even with the voltage drop.
now that my system is running cool i am happy. and i did it for $15, (for the arctic silver 5 and a fan for my duct).
im going to get a liquid coolant system when i get some spare cash, because ive heard that people have got their cpus down to 15*C.
NOTE: if you can run your cpu at a lower voltage stabaly, it is an idea to think about, because your cpus life span will increase.
here are 2 pics so you can see the ducting in my computer.
theyre kinda blurry, my digital cameras battery was dying.
the duct isnt too pretty, but i dont have a side window yet (that mods on its way) so i dont need to worry, but when i do get one, ill make it look better.
Front
Inside