DJSUB: Based on E8400 testing and Intel using TjMax=100C for that processor, a Q6600 - G0 measures exactly the same so we'll have to assume TjMax = 100C for that one as well. Using TjMax=100C results in the core temperature being reported about 5C higher than what an IR thermometer measurement of the IHS shows. That is the difference that Intel wants us to accept though it might be a degree or two on the high side for the average processor. The Q6600 - B3 stepping as well as all of the original B2 series and the L2 series will be adjusted to TjMax=90C in the next release of RealTemp.

Freaky Freezer: I tried to hint that your problem is not likely a thermal paste application issue. Read the RealTemp documentation and try doing the calibration procedure and you'll have a better idea of how much each sensor is off at idle. You can have one sensor high and one low or both of them high or both of them low at idle by different amounts. The only way to figure this out is to do some testing. The bad news is that Everest and CoreTemp don't give you any way to correct for this problem. Since you like Everest, you have to get used to your idle temps being reported differently.