New
#1
Some fan questions
Ok, so my AMD Phenom II X2 idles around 40 - 45 C, which I don't like. I'm currently using a heatsink from a 2003, Socket 768 era computer. The heatsink actually fits my AM3 socket. The fan I'm using is from another heatsink which shipped with my CPU, it was a generic made-in-china heatsink and fan, and said heatsink was very flimsy and didn't cool very well.
I'm looking for a fan that is not only a lot quieter, but has more airflow. If I have to get a new heatsink, then so be it, but I just need to get this thing cooled down.
1. What is "quiet" in decibels?
2. Which is better, thermal pads or paste/compound?
3. What is a generally good CPU temp?