CPU temp has jumped!

My XP2400 was happily folding@home with a temp of around 52Celcius but has all of a sudden jumped to about 70!!
I've cleaned the heatsink and fan but have no idea why this has happened...

 

I presume you've made sure the heatsink is seated correctly and frimly in place so I won't go on about that. Is your CPU Fan still spinning at the same speed as it normally does? I've had a fan bearing go before and my temperatues went throught the roof, although there was no visual difference to the fan, my BIOS told me otherwise and the fan was only spinning at less than half its normal speed.

Also, what sort of condition is the thermal paste/pad in on the bottom of your heatsink?

 

I've backed the cpu to 2280MHz and it's running happier - I think after 24/7 of folding@home for 2 years has taken it's toll on the poor beast! I was getting access violation BSOD even when it was only @ 60Celcius...
I've ordered a watercooler for it but I fear it's too late
The fan speed was still @ 3000rpm and I don't believe the hype around TIM
Aquagate Mini 120 arrives this week and I'll see how it fares...

 

I see, Well good luck with installing your new water system

 

It really is water cooling for dummies - £50, install, forget...
It's the noise thing (or rather lack of) that's going to be the best bit!

 

I havnt read any specific articles confirming chips temperature increases over its lifespan but it does seem to,even after a good dusting,you never seem to get the temp as good as it used to be,but maybe its all in the mind