My pc fans went nuts last night and when i went to reboot pc to see if video site i was using caused the problem my pc would only freeze up on xp screen for about an hour. When i got it going i found this site and made a post about my fans and was told heat problem most likely and to get speedfan to check heat. I did and avg temp is 50 but goes up to 70s whenever looking at a site that taxes system. I can also min this browser window and move it around my screen and watch temp rise on speedfan.
This is my pc: compaq s4300nx pentium 4 2.40 ghz- 2gb ram

Things ive tried - did hd test all passed -did memory test - cleaned out pc- checked fans both are working and are clean-cleaned out temp files- i replaced video card with 1 that was in it 4 months ago thinking that might be it -wasn't. no new programs or software has been put on pc in weeks but i did do a system restore back to sunday incase i did do something mon.
When im writing this temp is 49 but if i go to any other page it rises and if i click or do enouth the fans kick in. I have no clue what temps or what to look for with s-fan but was told max temp should be like 69-70 - i have passed that today and will again if don't figure this out. I'm lost and clueless if anyone has some ideas please post them thank you.I would consider getting a better Heatsink and Fan. I would also use a good thermal paste. You already have a posts regarding this topic, so why another post?Causes of excessive heat:
- Dust inside the computer. Dust problems are made worse if the computer is on a carpeted floor.
- A new component, like a hard drive, has been added. The extra component causes the power supply to work harder and generate more heat. Extra heat also radiates off the new component and adds to the temperature inside the case.
- Some cooling fans may slow down and wear over time, depending on the usage of the computer.
- High ambient room temperature.

I agree with replacing the heat sink.

Here is a document based on your computer type that may help: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph07153&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=325363
I checked out that hp page and heatsink i guess is only thing that could be bad since HARDWARE has not been added to pc and all test done on hardware say they are working good?
I have NEVER replaced a heatsink but wonder why a piece of metal could go bad?? I don't know much about them but aren't they just metal HOOKED to chip?? Can't it be cleaned with something and reinstalled if so where would i find info on doing that?? If can not be cleaned where can i order 1 online and the paste to INSTALL with? No stores around me to go pick up new sink if needed so if you have link to get what i need would be a help.
Thanks for help if have any other reasons for getting hot please write.Those things get hosed all the time cuz temperature is a sensitive variant, and he's right about getting a good thermal paste. Check the website for specs and replacement parts and you can order them online basically anywhere that sells components. The compaq/hp website should have a guide/manual explaining how to replace it somewhere. If you cant find a guide, you can check this out. i think this site goes into detail in heatsinks: http://www.heatsink-guide.com/

Really hope that helps! this website has really helped me out and i hope i can give back a bit.

Well thanks to this site and the great help i am a happy guy today !!!

Heatsink had to be problem had a ton of dust in it when i got to it. I cleaned that up super good and triple cleaned out pc which cured overheat problems. I am proud to say my pc now stays avg 36 and HIGHEST seen so far is 42-43c.
Thanks to everyone that helped - this is a special site glad i found it and i'll stop back often.
I told you, you'll get some great help from other people, didn't I?