CPU Temp Sensor on Motherboard Stuck on First Temp Reading

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GGMrMoe

GGMrMoe

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Hello,

Recently built a new computer with a Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC Force motherboard and an i7 4790k CPU. I ran into an issue a few days ago where the CPU Temp sensor (from the motherboard I believe) gets stuck on its opening temperature in Windows. Prior to a few days ago, the CPU Temperature was updating properly. I am experiencing no others issues at the moment that I am aware of.

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Let me explain. I have no issues with the cpu core sensors, I have run several programs such as Core Temp and Real Temp and they (the core temps) seem to be properly updating dynamically, going up and down depending on the CPU's workload.

What seems to be the issue is the CPU temp reading from the motherboard's CPU Temperature sensor (I think). It remains a constant and does not update once the computer starts. It is never the same reading depending if I do a cold start in the morning (15C-22C) or perhaps a restart after the computer has been running for a while (maybe 27C-32C) so I know it isn't really stuck at one number. It seems to just take that one first reading and sticks with it. Now this is an issue because the CPU fan speed is based on this temperature reading, and if I try to run a program such as Prime95 the fan speed stays the same as if the CPU is idle.

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Some information:

I am using Windows 7 64bit Pro. I have all my Windows updates, and the motherboard has its current updated version F6 of the BIOS (not counting a beta version I have seen on Gigabyte's website).

I am currently using Gigabyte's System Information Viewer to control my fans speed and as I previously mentioned it was working for a couple of weeks up until five days ago. I already uninstalled and reinstalled that software but no luck.

The CPU Temp reading (from the MB?) appears to stay constant when in the BIOS as well, it does not change, but as I said, it appears to take one initial reading and then sticks with it (colder on fresh startups, slightly warmer on restarts). Because of that, the sensor does seem to be accurate, but it never updates after that initial reading. Other motherboard sensors, System and PCH do seem to work as they go up and down to a small extent.

I have tried setting the fan to a Manual percentage based on the temperature reading in the BIOS, but it doesn't do anything, probably because the CPU Temp sensor reading never changes.

Just for the record, the CPU is liquid cooled so the temps aren't really high except when using the Small FTT Torture test of Prime95 (about 70C-75C with idle fan speeds). I can still manually change the fan speeds to a higher RPM if I wanted to, but then it is louder when the CPU is obviously idle at those low temps and well, we all know that can be annoying.

I put a ticket into Gigabyte recently, but have not yet gotten a response. Also, not sure if this belongs in the CPU Section or the Motherboard Section.

Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
Solution
CompuTronix


SppedFan is very flexible, and can be configured to control the fans from CPU temperature, or any of the Core temperatures. Use the .chm file in SpeedFan's Program Group and the online help at SpeedFan's website to learn how to get it properly configured.



No, I mean the pads on the underside of the processor. The socket has 1150 pins which make contact with 1150 pads when the processor is seated in the socket. There are 2 pads which connect the CPU thermal diode imbedded in the processor package to...
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CompuTronix

CompuTronix

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GGMrMoe,

Welcome to Tom's. :D Please be sure to read the Stickies, including the Forum Rules: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2083474/read-forum-rules-styling-posts.html

You are correct in that the CPU temperature sensor is read through BIOS and is calibrated to lookup tables in BIOS.

Please read this Tom’s Sticky: Intel Temperature Guide - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1800828/intel-temperature-guide.html

An alternative for controlling your fans is to use SpeedFan instead of Gigabyte's System Information Viewer. SpeedFan is a bit difficult to set up, but one you get it properly configured, it's really sweet. I've used it for years and have been very happy with it.

CT :sol:
 
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GGMrMoe

GGMrMoe

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Thank you for the response.

Yes, I am using the most current (non-beta) BIOS, version F6 for this motherboard. It came with F5 but I flashed it to F6 about a week after I built the computer (3 weeks ago). Everything was working wonderfully with F6 until 5 days ago when the sensor stopped updating with the changing CPU Temp.

Would I/could I re-flash the same version BIOS? Is that even do-able or a possible solution?
 
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GGMrMoe

GGMrMoe

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Thanks, I will look into that and report back on how that went.
 
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CompuTronix

CompuTronix

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So a re-flash didn't solve the problem.

You can try removing the processor and checking the pads on the underside for foreign material, then reseating the processor. If that doesn't work, then you may need to RMA the motherboard.

Otherwise, we're back to a work-around such as SpeedFan, which can control fan speeds from Core temperature.
 
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GGMrMoe

GGMrMoe

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I'll check into the SpeedFan again, I had occasionally used it 2 computers ago and wasn't much of a fan, but if it goes off the core temp it may be just what I could use.

As far as pads?, I assume you mean the thermal paste. I was very meticulous with the Arctic Silver 5 and followed the all the exact directions for the 4th Gen i7 in the pdf for the product. If I get a chance, I might pull it apart but I'm 99.9% sure I don't have any foreign material. Still it is a good suggestion on the off chance that could be it.
 
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CompuTronix

CompuTronix

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SppedFan is very flexible, and can be configured to control the fans from CPU temperature, or any of the Core temperatures. Use the .chm file in SpeedFan's Program Group and the online help at SpeedFan's website to learn how to get it properly configured.



No, I mean the pads on the underside of the processor. The socket has 1150 pins which make contact with 1150 pads when the processor is seated in the socket. There are 2 pads which connect the CPU thermal diode imbedded in the processor package to the socket. The analog signal then goes to the Super I/O chip on the motherboard, then to BIOS.

If either of these 2 pads (can't say which 2 ... I'd have to look it up) have any kind of foreign material stuck to them which might cause poor contact, then the only way to inspect the pads is to pull the processor out of the socket and look with a magnifying glass under a strong light. You might be surprised what you may find.

Do NOT touch the socket pins! They are extremely delicate and are easily damaged.

I recommend that you clean the underside of the processor with alcohol, then reseat it in the socket.
 
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Solution
GGMrMoe

GGMrMoe

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Ahhh, I learned something new. I will look at this, although it will probably have to wait for the weekend unfortunately.
 
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GGMrMoe

GGMrMoe

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I have not yet pulled the CPU, but just some other notes in the meantime.

I have Speed Fan, but am searching for the configuration that supports my motherboard and cannot currently control the fan speed; In other words couldn't find my motherboard on the SpeedFan website.

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Gigabyte did get back to me, but beside the very basic questions they have asked, the only thing odd they want to know is if my CPU is bad and to try to replace it with another one to test the board (which I have no spare CPUs sitting around, I'm not in the habit of buying duplicates of everything when I build a new computer).

Now I will try what you suggested a few posts back as soon as I get a chance, but other than that, could there be any merit in what they say? Personally it sounds like they have no clue...
 
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CompuTronix

CompuTronix

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You don't need to download configuration files to configure SpeedFan. Use the .chm file in SpeedFan's Program Group and the online help at SpeedFan's website to learn how to manually tweak the configuration settings.

It's possible that the analog thermal diode imbedded within the processor's substrate is faulty, which is why Gigabyte is hesitant to approve your RMA. If cleaning the pads and reseating the processor doesn't solve the problem, then the only way to prove whether the motherboard or processor is bad, is to roll the dice and change out one or the other.

However, since the processor has only 1 component (thermal diode) which could cause this problem, and the motherboard has 4 components (socket, trace conductors, super I/O chip and BIOS), based on what you've described, I believe replacing the motherboard is the better option.

Do you have any friends or family or work associates who have a socket 1150 computer in which you could test your processor?
 
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GGMrMoe

GGMrMoe

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You are a genius!

I had a chance to pull the CPU. Upon inspection, there were two pcs of material, soooo tiny (I can't stress that enough) I could barely see them with a magnifier. A dot and what looked like a tiny thread. Now they were not actually touching any contacts as far as I could see, but blowing everything and re-seating and applying the Arctic Silver 5 seems to have solved it.

The CPU Temp is updating in the Gigabyte SIV (System Information Viewer) and the fans now properly respond to those temperatures. I'm crossing my fingers that was it. In the meantime I will look into the information more for Speedfan as a backup should I ever require it.

I want to thank you for sticking with me and my problem. Cheers and have a great weekend!
 
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