i7 960 - CPU or heatsink?

[DMcCa4]

have an i7 960 running stock 3.2 Ghz on an Asus P6X58D-E MOBO. In the last few weeks my cpu temperatures have been 84 C idle. (I haven't used the computer and have had it shut off.) I bought some thermal paste and reset the heatsink on the MOBO.

I am now trying to figure out whether or not the heatsink went bad (fan still working but obviously not dispersing heat) (if so, plan to watercool), or the CPU is going to die?

Any ideas? (If you need more PC specs let me know)

[Allan_J_Intel1]

I would recommend checking some recommendations linked below:

http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-029426.htm Processors — How Do I Know if My Computer is Overheating?

http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-029427.htm Processors — What Do I Do if My Computer is Overheating?

Allan.