My computer is really fucked up

i got a new mobo and 2x512 ram to go with it.

Specs:
asus A7N8X-X mobo
amd xp 2200+ processor
2x512 3200 ddr400 ram
basic 350w psu
ati 9700 pro

-i install everything and it wont boot up.
-i take my pc back for inspection and it was my processor failing becuase of the old thermal paste.
-tech guy cleaned it and added alittle bit of new thermal paste on the processor and the computer would boot.

NOW my computer cant play a game or even run too many programs without restarting itself.
I quickly check the cpu temperature and its way up to 60deg and going down and stays at 50deg.
I know it shouldnt even be over 50deg.

Why is it overheating so easily and what can I do to fix this problem or does my processor need a coffin?

Sounds like the "tech guy" didn't seat your CPU correctly.

Sounds like the "tech guy" didn't seat your CPU correctly.

how can you seat it incorrectly and have it boot up?

Err, I meant to say HSF, not "CPU." Sorry.

Yep, sounds like bad HSF/Thermal paste installation.

yeah i just found out that my computer just running wmp playing music it will last like half an hour before restarting. ill have to get some cleaning stuff and a thermal pad and do it myself.

don't use thermal pads for crying out loud.

www.arcticsilver.com follow their instructions too

is it possible my processor could be damaged?

If it was overheating, then yes. Reseat the HSF, see if your temps are ok, and do some stress tests (Prime95 would be the idal choice). If it fails, your CPU may have been damaged.

AMD's don't deal with heat very well, reseat the CPU, clear off old paste with a paper towel (carefully), and get some silver paste on there (just a lil).

Here's an interesting read..
http://www.tomshardware.com/cpu/20010917/index.html

If you still have problems, reset the bios, and follow the install instructions for the mobo. If you had an intel processor before, you may need to reinstall windows. Windows used to install differently on different processors, I don't know if XP has the same issues.

well the problem is fixed and it wasnt even the cpu at all lol.

it was the new ram i baught from them that was bad.

That article is a little old.

That article is a little old.Yep, but AMD's still catch fire when you remove the heatsinks.