CPU Running too Hot?

Webslinger64 · Nov 7, 2013

I recently completed my first PC build and I'm wondering about the operating temperature of my CPU. Processor Temperature is 64°C and that's with the PC at idle. In fact, I am in the BIOS now, so OS has not booted up and PC is not really working at anything.
System specs as follows:
MB - Intel DZ68BC LGA 1155
CPU - Intel i5-2500 Sandy Bridge
RAM - 2x4 GB Corsair Vengeance
PSU - EVGA 600B 600W Bronze
HDD - Seagate Barracuda 1TB
ODD - ASUS DVD/CD RW
Monitor - ASUS VX238h
Case - NZXT Source 210 Elite
OS - Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Keyboard and mouse.
I am using the integrated graphics and sound of the MB, so no GPU or soundcard installed. So really, the CPU is not under any significant load whatsoever. Is this temperature normal?

JOOK-D · Nov 7, 2013

64 idle is quite high.

Get something like coretemp/hwmonitor and measure it when you're actually in the OS, like when you're idel, light browsing, and gaming.

You may not have applied the thermal paste correctly; which method did you use? Are you using the standard heatsink?

skit75 · Nov 7, 2013

That is even high for a stock cooler. You might want to check that it is seated properly with the right amount of downforce.

Webslinger64 · Nov 7, 2013

JOOK-D :

I am using the standard/stock heatsink, which came with the thermal paste pre-applied.

Webslinger64 · Nov 7, 2013

skit75 :

I am pretty sure it is installed properly, but I will double check just in case. Thank you!

JOOK-D · Nov 7, 2013

Webslinger64 :

You might want to get an aftermarket one then. Try a Coolermaster Hyper 212 EVO, cheap and effective and probably the most popular budget air cooler that performs like a champ. Just make sure it will fit inside your case.

Webslinger64 · Nov 7, 2013

JOOK-D :

OK, so I did reseat the CPU and reinstall the hs/fan assembly. The CPU temperature is holding steady at 61°C vs. the 65°C earlier today. Sounds like that's still to hot. Is there a temperature range the CPU should fall under?
If that is the case, I will take you up on your recommendation to purchase an aftermarket cooling system. The Coolermaster sounds like it should do the trick. Thanks!

JOOK-D · Nov 8, 2013

Webslinger64 :

JOOK-D :

OK, so I did reseat the CPU and reinstall the hs/fan assembly. The CPU temperature is holding steady at 61°C vs. the 65°C earlier today. Sounds like that's still to hot. Is there a temperature range the CPU should fall under?
If that is the case, I will take you up on your recommendation to purchase an aftermarket cooling system. The Coolermaster sounds like it should do the trick. Thanks!

I have one sitting next to me right now, waiting to be installed

It is large though, so make sure that you haven't got RAM with tall heatsinks (I think you're fine with the vengeance) and your case is wide enough to house it.

RobCrezz · Nov 8, 2013

Yeah that is still too hot at idle, it must not be making a good enough contact.

The Arctic cooling 13 is a cheap and easy to install cooler, which is way better than stock.

mrgchimp · Nov 8, 2013

Make sure:
Thermal paste is applied properly.
The fans are working
Cooler fan is working

Webslinger64 · Nov 8, 2013

mrgchimp :

All case fans are working, CPU fan is working fine, so not sure why this CPU would run so hot at idle. I would like to try reinstalling the hs/fan with a better thermal compound, i.e., Tuniq TX-4 or something of that nature to see if that might make a difference. If it doesn't than I will buy an aftermarket cooler like those mentioned above.

Webslinger64 · Nov 19, 2013

JOOK-D :

Webslinger64 :

I have one sitting next to me right now, waiting to be installed

It is large though, so make sure that you haven't got RAM with tall heatsinks (I think you're fine with the vengeance) and your case is wide enough to house it.

Alright, installed the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo today and my CPU temperature dropped from 65°C to 45-46°C at idle. That is a relief. I was expecting a better drop for some reason. Seems like some of the forums I've read this CPU - i5-2500k - should run under 40°C at idle. Thoughts?

JOOK-D · Nov 19, 2013

It is weird that it still runs that hot at idle. However you are running off an iGPU which could account for the extra heat.

If you don't mind me asking, do you live in a hot country/area?

Could account for the temps. It also depends where you keep your PC, if it's on carpet or in a cabinet or something.

Webslinger64 · Nov 19, 2013

JOOK-D :

I live in the Rocky Mountains at elevation, so no it's not hot here. PC is upright on a desktop; not on carpet or inside a cabinet. The room I keep it in is an open office area (high ceilings, two doorways), so it's not like ambient heat builds up in here. I have an old P4 PC running in the same room and that PC's CPU temp is 34°C.

skit75 · Nov 19, 2013

New idle temperature might be a little "weird" but not out of the ordinary and definitely, under control. Congrats.

Webslinger64 · Nov 19, 2013

skit75 :

Thanks, I feel much better about it now, but I do wish it was more "normal".
Actually, I do have another questions as I think about this issue further. I have read somewhere that the CPU temperature readout in BIOS may actually be different than the CPU temperature readout in a program that monitors onboard temps and fan speeds, and that it may not necessarily be the CPU temp in BIOS that matters vs. the program. Thoughts?

JOOK-D · Nov 19, 2013

Yeah, it's not at dangerous temps anymore so no need to be worried. What's the other PC's CPU?

Webslinger64 · Nov 19, 2013

JOOK-D :

i5-2500k

JOOK-D · Nov 19, 2013

Huh, weird. Could just be the chip, they're not all created equal. Anyway it seems to be under control so it should be fine.

Webslinger64 · Nov 19, 2013

JOOK-D :

Well alright then. Thanks for all your help!

JOOK-D · Nov 19, 2013

Anytime.

RobCrezz · Nov 19, 2013

Does you case have many fans? Do you have turbo switch on, it should clock down to 1.6ghz at idle.

My 2500k idles at about 27-30ish, but I've got fairly good airflow.

M

Webslinger64 · Nov 19, 2013

RobCrezz :

I have five case fans installed:
2x120mm intake fans on front
1x120mm intake fan on side panel
1x120mm rear exhaust fan
1x140mm top fan exhaust

I believe I have good airflow, but this is my first build so...
I've zip tied all cables to minimize interference with air flow.

RobCrezz · Nov 20, 2013

Webslinger64 :

That sounds fine, ive only got 3x 140mm fans.

Sounds like you just have a hot chip. Strange.

Redbane · Nov 23, 2013

My 2600k 3.4 OC'd to 4.4ghz runs 36-40c at idle. If you dont have the cpu oc'd that much, and not running much in the background it is running a tad hot, but the new cooler will save you. I run games on full ultra now and my cpu never goes over 61c with the hyper 212. Used to hit 90.

So you'd really only be saving 5-8c with a diff cpu or any additional troubleshooting. Not necessary. I have throttle disabled, so it's always 4.4 and can idle at 33-34 ish with absolutely nothing running.

CPU Running too Hot?

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