[Dr. Avery]

I've got a barton core athlon xp 2500 (≈1833 ghz). I installed the processor with the stock AMD heat sink included in the retail package. After 2 years, my processor has never seen the north side of 65 degrees Centigrade. As for the noise, it is similar to the noise generated by the fan on a playstation 2.

If ambient noise is an issue (it is for me, since I use my computer as a recording studio) try to avoid setting your tower on a hard surface, as this will magnify noise transmission quite a bit. Well padded carpet works, or failing that, setting a thick rug or towel or something similar under your computer will help to decrease sound transmission. Further steps can be taken to isolate and deaden the sound of a PC if you are really concerned. As it stands, my PSU produces more noise than my proc fan - even with the case open.

The weather here in Portland, Oregon (think Degobah, like Yoda) more or less demands that you clean the mud out of your fans at least twice a year. I learned this the hard way when my previous proc died (yes, from overheating).