Random temperature spikes?

Andrew Buck

Honorable
I have an AMD Athlon X4 760k, and when I look at the temperatures in AMD Overdrive or HWMonitor, it shows around 55-60 C, but then it may randomly spike to 65-70 C then go back down. It is slightly overclocked to 4.0 GHz from 3.8 GHz, and is using the stock cooler. The big problem is that yesterday, the temperature spiked to 92 C, and in the past 15 minutes, the max temp was 83 C. In the BIOS, which is Click BIOS 4, it usually stays in the 50-60 C range. The spikes are during normal use, too, and even sometimes when idling. Is this bad for the CPU? I just built this PC about 2 weeks ago, and I should have used an FX based processor, too. I don't know why I didn't. Are Overdrive or HWMonitor malfunctioning with the temperatures? Is this safe? Thanks.
 
Solution
92 C is high for any component IMO.
Sometimes, my temp readings jump around on an FX CPU too, but mostly due misreadings and whatnot, i concluded.
Something you can try, if your CPU is really getting to +90C, you will be able to feel that, as it is wicked hot.
Take the side case off, and physically feel the aluminum heat sync.

At 90C, you probably won't be able to keep your hand on it for very long.
So either that, or some other type of temp reading device.

TomTom111

Honorable
Nov 20, 2013
439
0
10,960
92 C is high for any component IMO.
Sometimes, my temp readings jump around on an FX CPU too, but mostly due misreadings and whatnot, i concluded.
Something you can try, if your CPU is really getting to +90C, you will be able to feel that, as it is wicked hot.
Take the side case off, and physically feel the aluminum heat sync.

At 90C, you probably won't be able to keep your hand on it for very long.
So either that, or some other type of temp reading device.
 
Solution

Andrew Buck

Honorable


I have been watching the temps and I notice that the temps are going smoothly, for example, 59, 58, 57, 56, 55, 65, 63, 62, 61... and the usage is not even all that high. Is this a likely misreading?
 

TomTom111

Honorable
Nov 20, 2013
439
0
10,960
Glad it seemed to clear itself up!

It could be misreading.
It is not uncommon for this to happen.
Digital hiccups.

Keep an eye on it for the future. If it acts up again, see if it's a misreading or consider an after market cooler.
 

Andrew Buck

Honorable


Alright thanks!