Athlon K7 Thunderbird 800Mhz CPU high temperature

Over the last six weeks since I have upgraded my system to this level, I have been searching and researching on the temperature issue of this CPU.

My System:
CPU - AMD K7 Athlon "Thunderbird" 800Mhz (socket A)
Mboard - BCM BC133KT (VIA chipset) using AWARDS bios version 1.0
RAM - 128Mb PC133 SDRAM
HDD - 20Gb Seagate 5400rpm
OS - Windows ME

Although the AMD official temp. spec. for this CPU is max. 90ºC, I still felt unsure about its operating temp. of about 65º-80ºC six weeks ago at average room temp. of 27ºC.
So I managed to find relief in the form of some software CPU coolers when they readily effected a decrease in displayed temp. from 65º to 35ºC!!!
With the HLT instructions issued by the software, the temp. remained consistent between 35ºC and 45ºC depending on CPU workload, otherwise it soared back to the highs.

Then came the introduction of Awards Bios upgrade version 1.03.07 found at BCM mboard manufacturer's site: www.bcmcom.com proclaiming the solution to Athlon CPU's heat issue.

I downloaded the bios upgrade and "flashed" the bios on my system. Thereafter, the software CPU cooler(s) never really made a difference to the higher operating CPU temperatures between 48ºC and 60ºC at room temp. of 25ºC. Although it is not as high as it was six weeks ago, it certainly couldn't go lower.

I am baffled by how the software cpu cooler(s) couldn't effect any changes like it(they) did before the bios "flashing".

Can some "experts" in this scenario help explain and/or provide possible solutions to the temp. issue if it(temp.) is not normal.

Incidentally, I didn't get a lot of help from BCM nor AMD previously.

Thanks.




Kit