hey guys
 
i'm running a intel core 2 duo e6400 on a Asus p5n-e SLI motherboard with a stock heatsink
 
recently my computer has been turning off while trying to play games and i opened up asus probe and speedfan and found my cpu running at a whopping 72 degrees, so I took off the heatsink, cleaned out all the dust, changed the thermal compound, put it back together, but its still running at 60 at idle, its better than before but my computer is still turning itself off and I can't figure out what the problem is. I've been running the same hardware configuration for over a year without any problems until recently
 
thanks
 
nathan marks

The CPU fan may be failing. Check the RPM by seting it to maximum in BIOS, then observing Asus Probe and SpeedFan. The stock Intel fan should reach at least 2500 RPM. Also, be sure to check your case fans.
 
Comp

Check that the HSF is mounted correctly with all 4 push-pins seated fully.  Also, invest in a air duster.

i have 1 big case fan running at 1700 and the intel heatsink fan is running at roughly 2100rpm
 
the HSF pins are pushed in fully but it seems awfully wobbly, maybe I need to invest in a new heat sink

Suggestions:
 
Xigmatek S963 or S1283
Coolermaster Hyper TX2
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro

OCZ Vendetta 2 (basically a Xigmatek S-1283 but just a little better).  
 
AC Freezer 7 Pro is a good cooler ...until you compare it to something with H.D.T. tech like the Xigmatek or Vendetta 2 that slaughter its performance while only costing a little more...IMO.

I say Zalman CPNS9700..... uses a nice backplate assembly and keeps my Q6600 @3GHz a nice comfy 30c (in winter) to 34c (so far in summer in AZ too).
 
But those others are nice too.

The 9700 is overpriced for the performance level.