CPU Temperature HOTHOTHOT!!

[fatbob07]

Hi!

[AMD 6000+ x2 cpu / Asus Crosshair mb / 4gb ddr2 800mhz / nVIDIA 8600GT / SB ZS Platinum Pro / 2 SATA HDs + 4 IDE HDs + 1 external USB HD / 1 Internal DVDRW / etc]

Basically I purchased a new system after xmas and after overcoming the initial problems with Vista x64 drivers and 4gb memory affecting the video (BSOD error) I have a further and crucial problem, one that I'm not used to dealing with.

I am and have not overclocked the system in any way, and I have Cool n Quiet running (Vista power settings for CPU to running 5%-100%).

I have also installed Coretemp which tell me that whilst idle the temp is normally 26C-32C though this can spike into the 50Cs when Vista decides to run update and installer progs.

After playing games (MOHAA, DOOM3, QUAKE4 etc) the temperature reading slowly decreases from the 60C-65C range.

Upon startup and going into bios the readings start off in the 30Cs and gradually increase until in the 50Cs..

I am positive the above three behaviours should not be happening (?) but I can't put my finger on the problem.

Does anyone have any ideas? Do I need a better CPU fan (the one that came with the system is described only as a "SUPER QUIET 22 dBA AMD CPU COOLER")? From looking at it I believe it has an aluminium sink.

Am I overcooking the case having 6 HDs running at once?

Might the copper heatsink installed on the Crosshair motherboard not be working properly for some reason?

After the computer is on for 10 minutes the heat sink of the cpu fan is hot and the motherboard heatsink is warmish.

Is it something to do with the thermal paste that I assume has been applied properly during assembly?

I have turned off the computer until I find a satisfactory solution.

As far as I can tell I am using the uptodate firmware for the bios (albeit a beta version - only way I could get round the 4gb memory BSOD video problem), uptodate Vista and nVIDIA drivers and software and have installed the AMD dual processor drivers.

If you need any further information I'll supply it asap.

Regards,

Fatbob07

 

[Conumdrum]

You need a good CPU HS. And try it with the case side off and a house fan blowing in. That will tell you if it's a case air flow problem. Also you could have a CPU heatsink installation problem.

Want the best CPU HS? Google Thermalright brand. On the big OC forums (other more technical places) that brand is the king. There are other brands that still do fine. I have TR brand HS on my CPU, GPU, and NB chip.

 

[Conumdrum]

Ohh, try to touch the bottom of the HS when the comp is on. Is it warm? hot? If it's barely warm then the HS needs remounted. I ONLY mount a HS when the Mobo is removed. If you remove the HS you will need to reapply the TIM paste. If you don't have any Radio Shack has some crappy stuff that will get you by untill you can buy some Artic Silver, or AS5, MX-2, Ceramique. There are a few brands listed for you. MX-2 is considered the better right now, but it really doesn't matter.

 

[Yoosty]

I had the same problem with my FX60 processor as you have with your 6000+. Now with the Coolit FreeZone it runs between 23-25 celius at idle and 35-39 while under load playing games. These temps are from having room temp at 71 degress farhinheit, so temps does varies if room temps are higher or lower (my cpu temps in summer with A/C on was considerable lower; in the teens at idle and low 30's celius under load).

Coolit has come out with newer CPU coolers since I bought the FreeZone, so I would check then out.

http://www.coolitsystems.com/

Also if you do not like there CPU Coolers you can get this Air-cooled Teac cooler from Ultra, the ChillTec.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21144

 

[fatbob07]

I'm going to try the housefan idea thanks!

The bottom of the cpu heatsink is hot but the copper heatsink on the mobo is tepid at best.

I'll have a look into those cpu coolers mentioned thanks!

Just had another look and at idle the temps were low 20Cs but then I ran spybot after installing it and the temps shot up to low 60Cs! Definately a problem!

Thanks for the input so far guys!

 

[Conumdrum]

Ohh, get this program. Orthos beta to push the CPU for checking temps when you figure it out.

What is the copper heatsink you mentioned? It's not the CPU or the CPU HS? Core temp doesn't check that, and it can run hot, but don't worry about it now.

Your case... How many fans ansd what size?

 

[fatbob07]

OK.

The one mounted on the Asus Crosshair mobo. Supposed to passively cool the South/Northbridge and VRMs.

The case is 423mm x 190mm x 435mm [see the link below for info]

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/index.php?page=case4

So thats 1 rear fan, 1 cpu fan and i've just installed an optional fan on the mobo heatsink (as supplied by Asus) which actually has helped temperatures whilst idle which now reads low 20Cs, but it still shoots up to 55C-65C (just ran Spybot and it was constantly around the 60C mark)..

 

[Onus]

Since the CPU heatsink feels hot, most likely its fan is not getting the job done. If it were only warm, you could suspect the way it was mounted or the thermal paste. I'd agree with Conumdrum [sic] that a better HSF would be a good idea. If budget is an issue, look at the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro.

 

[coret]

The 6000+ is a very power hungry chip, and creates a lot of heat because of it. It really needs a good CPU cooler, and the stock cooler isn't brilliant.

 

[fatbob07]

http://www.powerdrive-computers.com/brands/Spire/b1772_sc1778/p446.aspx

I believe this is the one supplied. Doesn't look up to much?!

 

[Conumdrum]

Yep, get a new CPU cooler. And you have a 80mm on the front and a 120 on the back. Is there a hole on the door for a fan? If so, make sure the 80mm front is blowing in, the 120 on the back is blowing out and add another 120mm on the door blowing in.

Don't worry about your NB/SB/Mosfets, you got that under control.

A lot of cases made for the masses are a bit behind the cooling times. You need more than two fans on a case unless you have a older (cooler) CPU. Yur 8600 GPU doesn't pull that much heat, but when you slap one of the newer GPU's in, you will need more than two fans.

Think the new CPU HS will do wonders for your problem though. DO consider adding another fan on the case though.

As a comparison, Goggle the Antec 900, a popular OC'ers air-cooled case. It has 3 120's and a 200mm on top. Thats good cooling!

 

[warezme]

I'm going to try the housefan idea thanks!

The bottom of the cpu heatsink is hot but the copper heatsink on the mobo is tepid at best.

I'll have a look into those cpu coolers mentioned thanks!

Just had another look and at idle the temps were low 20Cs but then I ran spybot after installing it and the temps shot up to low 60Cs! Definately a problem!

Thanks for the input so far guys!

U know those house fans put out huge electromagnetic fields. Just put one next to an old CRT and you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[fatbob07]

thanks Conumdrum this has given me much to think about. Good job it's pay day on Wednesday!!

Muchos gracias amigos!

 

[fatbob07]

warezme - just as well i don't have one - was going to pick one up from the office tmr but I did a blow test and that had an affect so I think i'll leave it at that and pick up a decent HSF instead!

thnx