CPU Overheating - Abit AS8 w/Pentium 4

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

k wrote:
> Help, my CPU is running hot. Just assembled an Abit AS8 motherboard
> with a Pentium 4 530 LGA 775 (3.0GHZ) with Intel's included heatsink
> and fan. Initial Abit EQ readings after boot up were:
>
> CPU temp = 82c
> System Temp = 24c
> CPU Fan = 2460 RPM
>
> Heatsink feels slightly warm to the touch, but definitely not hot.

It's not touching the CPU properly. Either that, or you left the clear
protective tape on the thermal pad.

>
> The computer unexpectedly shutdown a few times when the temp ran into
> the upper 80's. (However, Win 2000 automatically began saving
> settings before it powered down, so I'm not sure if this was a result
> of overheating.)

Too hot, as you've already figured out.

>
> The CPU was idling at approx. 60c in idle Windows environment. The
> heatsink fasteners appear to be engaged correctly, but it's difficult
> to be sure since the board flexes so much as they're pushed in. After
> pushing some more and aligning heat sink screws perpendicular to the
> heat sink, the CPU temp now idles at approx 50c, about 63c immediately
> after bootup.

Still a bit warm. Did you remove the clear plastic tape from the thermal
interface pad before installing the heat sink?

>
> My tower only has one fan, so I left the top off for the time being.
>

Where and in what direction is it blowing?

> How can I get the temperature down to normal?

Getting the heat sink properly installed is a good first step.

> Also, Intel says that
> the pre-applied thermal interface material(TIM) on the heatsink must
> be replaced if the heatsink is removed?

That's a statement you've made, not a question.

> Will that be difficult
> considering how hot the processor's been running?

No. Scrape it off with the edge of an old plastic library card (or
whatever card) or similar and polish it up with a bit of isopropyl
alcohol or acetone. Search this group's archives on google for a lot of
advice and procedures on this topic.

> Can Arctic Slver be
> used in conjunction with the TIM?

Now. Scrape it off and start clean with the arctic silver.

>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> Also, any recommendations on a good tower for this setup?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> System:
> Win2000 Pro(SP4)
> Bios(from POST): 4/8/2004 I865PE-w83627-6A79AA1MC-10
> ATI 9200SE 128MB AGP Card
> 300W Seasonic Power Supply
> Tower has just one fan, but I've kept the top off and ambient temp
> seems ok, right?
> 120GB Serial ATA MaxtorHD


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