CPU overheating

[IKotic]

Heya, I installed a new HDD last night as my old one failed due to wear and tear. I've been using my PC all day today but had some issues with CS:GO so I decided to restart. On restart I had lots of beeping sounds and an alert that my CPU was overheated. It was sitting at 88c so I took it apart and cleared it from all the dust and started it back up. On startup it was apparently still overheated, I'm unsure if this is a proper reading so I opened up afterburner which tells me it was at 44c. I don't know if I should believe my bios or afterburner, but my PC is EXTREMELY slow so I'm thinking their might be an issue. I'm honestly not sure what to do from here. 

 

TLDR; My CPU is on a constant 88c in my bios but only 44c (give or take 5) in afterburner.  I've completely cleaned it from all dust yet it is still overheating and is EXTREMELY SLOW and in some cases impossible to use. I was wondering if it could be the thermal paste as its a good 3 or so years old and it's basically just hard dust now that can be scrapped off.

[DragonSlayer 159]

Try replacing the thermal grease, if that doenst fix it, then try putting on another cooler and clear the CMOS by shorting the 2 jumper pins. Please respond with a (hopefully) positive answer!

[aceman67]

Reapply the thermal paste would be a good start.

Also, are you using a stock or aftermarket cooler?

[IKotic]

1 hour ago, aceman67 said:

Reapply the thermal paste would be a good start.

Also, are you using a stock or aftermarket cooler?

Stock, just ordered some more thermal paste so I'll see how that goes. Should get the it tomorrow or Monday 

[aceman67]

5 hours ago, IKotic said:

Stock, just ordered some more thermal paste so I'll see how that goes. Should get the it tomorrow or Monday 

Personally, if your case allows for it (space wise), grab an aftermarket cooler, its well worth it, and some really good ones by Coolermaster are only $30-40 USD