AMD FX-4100 at 80°C+ in BIOS

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smwleod

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Dec 7, 2017
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Hey, so my computer has shutting down seemingly at random for a good 6 months now, but it's gotten especially bad lately, with multiple shutdowns a day, often with just an hour between each (and sometimes shutting down as soon as the boot screen shows up).

I always assumed it was a Windows issue (don't ask me why), but I'm running Linux now, and it's still happening...
So I figured I'd try and see where the issue lies finally and ran memtest. During memtest i noticed that my CPU temp was at 79°C, shortly after which it shutdown again, in the middle of memtest.

After that, I unplugged, undusted and reseated everything and went into the BIOS, which showed a CPU temp of 70°C that rose to 80°C within one minute, as this photo shows:
SqCVNm8.jpg


Could this be the culprit of my shutdowns? Is 80°C in the BIOS or just during idle abnormal for this CPU?
And if so, how can I fix this? I made sure that the heatsink (which I assume that big frilled metal block with the AMD labelled fan on top to be) isn't crammed full of dust or anything and it's anchored tightly to the chip below.
I have no idea about anything related to computer temperatures, any help would be appreciated!
 
Solution
MeanMachine41
TIM (Thermal Interface Material) is a type of paste that goes between the heatsink and the CPU.
It is very important, (I use AS5 or MX4) and for optimal transfer of heat, should be replaced after a couple of years or considered if temperatures start to climb at idle for no apparent reason.

There are many types of cooling solutions. Many systems are AIR Cooled with a fan with fins and tubes.
Research this aspect and decide if an upgrade is necessary as your FX-4100 certainly should have one.
BTW: AMD Overdrive is a downloadable app from AMD. Just google search for the app.

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Barty1884

Barty1884

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The BIOS is an interesting place to get an accurate CPU temp reading; especially on FX chips - BUT, they definitely sound on the high side.

Can you log into Windows still? I'm not too familiar with Linux, so not 100% sure what else could be used to achieve the same result.
The "true" temperature reading of FX era AMD chips is the "Thermal Margin", essentially "degrees to Zero". A countdown, not a count-up.
 
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smwleod

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Dec 7, 2017
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I cannot find anything to find this Thermal Margin, but I've been keeping an eye on the CPU temperature while running the computer normally and it fluctuates all the way from 50°C to 80°C, usually around the 65°C area though.

If 70C is the max, then I feel like mine should definitely be lower. I've looked around and a lot of people report their temperatures to be within the 20-30C range on boot and ~50C during more intensive action (like gaming).


How would I get it lower?
 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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https://www.amd.com/en/technologies/amd-overdrive

AMD OverDrive should be used for accurate read-outs.

It's been a while since I had an AMD chip to test with - but from memory, there's a way the BIOS (and various programs within Windows) measure temps of FX chips at point #1, when AMD's setup/recommendations are based on a different point on the chip.

Theoretically, Thermal Margin and outright Temps should work essentially the same.
TM starts at around 50'C (approx 70'C less Ambient) and works down to 0'C (where it should shut down), throttling generally starts as it gets below 10'C or so.

The reverse (starting at 20'C ambient and climbing) should be true also, but where that temperature is being captured vs what AMD OD looks at, were generally quite a ways apart (like 20'C or so apart if you were trying to compare apples to apples).

Things might've changed in the way temps are captured, I'm not sure. On top of that, even with a ~20'C "difference" between temperatures recorded in the BIOS vs AMD OD, you'd still be in throttling territory
 
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MeanMachine41

MeanMachine41

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May 8, 2014
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Your CPU is at default frequency so ideal CPU temperatures are 10-15C above Ambient room temperature at idle and 60-65C under load.
The Bios shows CPU temperature at idle so something is wrong with your heatsink or cooler setup.
Thermal Margin can be obtained using AMD Overdrive.

Describe how you applied your TIM and with what type.?
Which cooler are you using.?

My advice would be to remove the heatsink and fan and reaply your TIM. Do not overtighten the securing bracket screws (finger tight).
 
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smwleod

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Dec 7, 2017
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Just as an update, the CPU temperature I see has been in the 20-40 range after using it without issues for most of today, but it will climb up to the 70s at points.
I can't get any more accurate readings with Overdrive because there is no such thing on this operating system, I'll just trust that my temperatures climb too high too quickly since the low readings over the past few hours match the lack of shutdowns.


And to answer your questions, MeanMachine, I don't know TIM is and I also don't know my cooler, I'm not even sure I have one, because the only things with fans when I open my PC up are the heatsink and the PSU. It worked splendidly for years, so I don't think I would suddenly need one if the issue can be fixed by going with your advice, I'd just need to know what exactly that is.
 
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smwleod

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Dec 7, 2017
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This thing was low-end when I got it 5 years ago, I don't think there is anything like that. At least, I absolutely can't spot anything that looks like a liquid cooler anywhere, and it's not like there's much to miss inside a computer.
 
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MeanMachine41

MeanMachine41

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May 8, 2014
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TIM (Thermal Interface Material) is a type of paste that goes between the heatsink and the CPU.
It is very important, (I use AS5 or MX4) and for optimal transfer of heat, should be replaced after a couple of years or considered if temperatures start to climb at idle for no apparent reason.

There are many types of cooling solutions. Many systems are AIR Cooled with a fan with fins and tubes.
Research this aspect and decide if an upgrade is necessary as your FX-4100 certainly should have one.
BTW: AMD Overdrive is a downloadable app from AMD. Just google search for the app.

 
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Solution
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smwleod

Prominent
Dec 7, 2017
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510
AMD Overdrive doesn't exist on Linux.

But yes alright, thank you, I'll try if re-applying new thermal paste will help. If it's a thing that should be done every couple of years then I've definitely missed out on doing so for too long!
 
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