CPU Temperature vs Socket Temperature

I know that every CPU has a different max temp, and every mobo has a different socket max temp, my questions here today is how high can the socket temp go before dam starts occuring on mid-grade boards? Where should my target temp fall around? How much higher can the socket temp be vs the CPUs temp? Which one should I worry about the most?  My CPU and Board specs are on my profile page.

When AMD lists their "max temp" you should be running your cpu at they talk about the inner core's working temperature. That temp is what core_temp monitors and reports and its based off the resistance of material changing durring temperature increases, which in turn change the temperature shown in core_temp. The CPU Socket temp can be higher than your actual working temp occasionally. I have had my socket running higher than cores under load but that was because I have a water cooling setup that draws heat off them cores really quick. You should pay more attention to the cores working temp than your socket but dont let your socket get too damn hot either - it can warp/melt if it gets hot enough. Its not as likely with AMD since they say to keep cpu under 60C/62C while intel lets their stuff get to 90C (difference in silicon type/quality used for their wafers).