AMD X2 3800 temp

[TJ]

I have the ASUS micro motherboard A8N-VM CSM and the AMD X2 3800 CPU. Using the onboard ASUS PC Probe the CPU temp at idle is consistently at 50C and the fan speed is around 3600rpm. When I increase usage with several programs etc the temp will max at 54C and the fan will ramp up to 3950rpm and even slightly over 4000rpm. Is this normal for this CPU as the difference is only 4C. I am wondering if it's idle temperature is too high at 50C???
Thanks
Ted

 

[luminaris]

Yeah, that's actually a common problem with ASUS boards. One way to check it is to go into the BIOS and see what the BIOS reads and compare it to whatever software your using. Alot of times, one will read one temp while the other reads a different temp. The BIOS in my opinion is the one to trust a little more.

 

[Newf]

I run the same setup with the stock cooler and BIOS v.0610. Idle temp runs 33-34c and never hits over 40c under load. The original BIOS for this board (v.0403 or earlier) needs an upgrade to work correctly with X2 processors for a number of reasons, including using both cores. Try a BIOS upgrade and see if you get good readings. v.07xx is out now. Otherwise you need to reseat the cooler and take a hard look at the case cooling because something is wrong.

 

[gahleon]

Newf is right. My Opteron is hitting 42 under load sometimes but that is because it is an acrylic case and they blow for heat dissipation plus 80mm fans aren't half as nice as 120mm fans! Reseat and try again. Follow thermal compound instructions carefully.

 

[brainysmurf]

My rig:
CPU: X2 3800+
Heatsink/fan: Zalman CNPS7700-Cu (all copper, 120mm fan)
Case: Antec Sonata, 120mm intake and 120mm exhaust
Other cooling: 450watt powersupply built around a 120mm fan.
Slot fan with 80mm fan to remove air from a dead space next to the video card.
Temps: System stays under 30C most of the time; CPU temps: 32 to 35 celsius idle (depending on room temp) and up to 40 to 41 C at full load. Once hit 45C after hours of gaming, but I had the Zalman fan speed turned down very low in quiet mode.
In short, the temps you posted are a little high, but as other posters said, it could be a bios problem.
As long as you're below 55 you should avoid any damage, but I'd advise you to do a bios flash and try to verify whether those temps are accurate.