I have an i7-3770k with a stock cooler running as stock frequencies, with pretty clean cable managment and airflow, idling at about 55C and is reaching about 85C after a little work. I am going to get an aftermarket heatsink in the next month or two, but, is this normal for the stock cooler? Would it be better if I changed the thermal paste? What could I do to keep it cooler, short of buying an aftermarket cooler?
First change the thermal paste, then buy an aftermarket if it doesn't work.
Reseat the cooler properly after reapplying the paste; make sure all 4 pins are snapped into place securely.