My system is exactly the same - both case and cpu temps increase by a couple of degrees with the side panel off. The Thermaltake duct mod didn't work for me with side panel on or off!
Looking at other forums I think the concensus is get case temps down, this will bring cpu temps down. Cool air directly on to the HSF will reduce cpu temps, as of course will a better heatsink!!!.
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XP 2500+ Barton (11x205fsb -2255mhz), Asus A7N8X-E DL, Asus ATI 9600XT, Corsair TwinX 512 3200LL, Seagate Barracuda 80gb, Thermaltake Volcano 12 Extreme, Arctic Silver 5, Liteon CDRW, Liteon DVD Rom |