Intel Pentium 4 very hot?

Q: I have a dell computer that came with an intel pentium 4 processor 2.0 GHz and a fan that seemed okay. The heatsink pulls heat away from the Pentium 4 very very well, but the fan cant take it away. The funny thing is, I tried a different fan, and I have the same problem. The processor is too hot to touch! (I am very comfortable messing with my RAM and CPU) The fan I used the second time helped a little, but not a lot (This fan actually cools my ATI RADEON 9000 from 3 inches away). I am begining to believe it is the heatsink but I'm afraid to buy a new one because it probably wont work on the dock mounted around my pentium 4. And I don't know the dimensions of it. Any help here? Notes: The heatsink follows a zig-zag idea with holes on the top where the fan is. The zig-zags are spaced about 2 milimeters apart. The fan is a DB9733-12HBTL (you can find pics & specs of it online) http://www.5rprocessors.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=42&idproduct=97

A: Hrm...... some people can be such jerks........telling you to put your hand in your PSU. Guys and girls, this isn't a stupid question. Ok, number one....is it the heatsink that is to hot to touch, or is the CPU? The CPU will get VERY hot if it doesn't have a heatsink on it. But, i think i get that it has one on it...but just making sure. When you installed the new Heatsink/fan combo, did you by chance use thermal paste on the heatsink where it contacts the CPU? its a silverly white paste that goes in between the heatsink and CPU. Its VERY important.......so make sure that has been done. Also, after doing some research the dell you have does not allow anything but Dell heatsinks, so replacing its is out of the question. But make sure you have thermal paste, and if you do make sure you didn't over apply it. Also, make sure the heatsink is attached tightly to the motherboard. But that about all i can tell you.

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