Dell Inspiron 530 running hot

[ramseyrt]

Hello,

I'm concerned about some temperature readings I've found using various pieces of software. I'd like to know if I should be concerned and if so, what I could do to lower my temperatures.

About two weeks ago I received a new Dell Inspiron 530 with 3 GB of RAM, 500GB HD, and a Q6600 CPU. Since then I've added an additional HD, configured both drives for RAID 0, and added a GeForce 9600GT video card. While performing some benchmarks using Sandra SiSoft I found that my "Board Temperature" was reading 85C. Since then I've run SpeedFan which has also shown a reading of 85C for "Temp1". Using SpeedFan, CoreTemp, and Nvidia's Monitor software, my four cores read 45C idle and 57+/- when running Prime95.

So, what am I really looking at and should I be concerned? The 85C reading for my "Board Temp" or "Temp1" seems really high. I have no idea where that reading is coming from on the board. However, it's a consistent reading whether I just booted the box or if the box has been running for a while. I have seen it read 86C during Primve95 testing. I've asked about this reading on Dell's forums but I haven't gotten any useful responses.

As for the CPU, core 0 always seems to be three or four C higher than the other cores. Core 1 seems to generally be one or two C higher then cores 2 and 3. I figure this is because Vista runs most processing on core 0 and then core 1 if it needs to? Are my readings ok? Should I be concerned?

I'm thinking about replacing my heat sink with a third party part and maybe purchasing Antec's vcool device. I know the vcool is only intended to cool the video card but I can't add any more cooling to the box anywhere else. If the Antec vcool brings down my GPU temp the rest of the box should run cooler also?

Thanks in advance,

Rob
Colorado Springs, CO

 

[Ares_]

That is a bit warm. My 530 (Q6600 @ 3.0, Radeon 4870, OCZ SxS 600) idles at 35 and 60 under load with Core 0 being the highest. The 85C thing is the same on mine, i doubt it is actually a true reading. Do not worry about temps, they look to be fine (although a bit high).

 

[Son_ganon]

I also have a dell inspiron, but I have the core duo model since I bought it before. Anyway, I think the problem here is that dell's cooling sucks. Mine tends to give off a lot of heat. But I am not sure either, on the temps. You shouldn't worry to much, but what I always do is stick my hand behind my computer fan "not the psu, the fan below the top one."and I see whether it is spitting out hot air. If its not burning up you should be fine. But I sugest you buy a fan or two to keep it cool. Also I suggest keeping the tower backside away from anything, since yo don;t want the air to get blocked inside. Also make sure the room you keep your pc isn't hot or overly warm. You want a cool enviroment for your pc.

p.s
"if any one can answer this." I have the core duo model of this dell. "not the 530's but the regular inspiron 530, the fat one." I wanna up grade my parts. I know about my psu and stuff but I am wondering if I can put a quad processor on my mother board. "is it the same mother board as the one you have"
This one to be exact.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115043

Also can I over clock this. "will my mother board let me have a over clocked cpu"

 

[Ares_]

I am assume you can, but u cannot overclock that model in the dell. A Q6600 is the only quad you can OC in a dell, and only to 3.0. Either way, make sure you update your BIOS before doing the upgrade.

For PSU, get a Corsair 450 or a OCZ StealthxStream, both of these should be fine.

 

[Son_ganon]

Yeah thanks but I am getting a 500 wat XD.

 

[ramseyrt]

Hello,

Has anyone been able to replace the stock CPU heat sync in the Insprion 530? The Intel mobo in this system has threaded holes for the stock heat sync to screw into. All of the 3rd party heat syncs have push pin type attachments. I read in another post that the only way to replace the stock heat sync is to remove the metal plate (which contains the threads) on the backside of the mobo. I'm sure that would void the warrantee.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rob
Colorado Springs

 

[Ares_]

Yes you can. It would involve removing the motherboard and replacing the bracket on the back side.

Conversely, i believe there are some kits that replace the push pins with screws like the Dell has. Thermaltake may have made a kit.. not sure.

 

[Son_ganon]

But I also recommend getting some compressed air and jsut cleaning out the thing. MY performance went up a third and no loud noises and it stays cool. Some air in the cpu fan, around the graphics, hdd, ram, psu, and anywhere else and you'll be good. Trust me it works like a charm. But I am not sure about the cpu cooler

 

[EAZY-E]

Open it up and make sure its not dusty, also speed fan has a tendency to falsely report random readings, for example my "temp 2" is 439C . if that 85c never changes then i wouldn't worry about it.

 

[ramseyrt]

My dell is new. I bought it in the beginning of October. I've had it open a few times tinkering around. It's very clean, as you would expect in a new system. I do not suspect that I'm having heat issues due to dust, dirt, or debris.

The following links contain information on installing 3rd party heat syncs on Socket 775 motherboards that have the treaded back plate:

Improved Socket 775 Heat Sync Retention
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=2136046&enterthread=y

How to mount or remove a bolt-through cooler
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=37&threadid=2111635&enterthread=y

How to remove LGA775 cooler push pins
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=37&threadid=2225823&enterthread=y

How to modify the Scythe Infinity mounting system for optimum mounting pressure
http://www.thetechrepository.com/showthread.php?t=16

LGA775 Bolt-Thru-Kit w/ Hold Down
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/lgboforulula.html

Has anyone actually done this on a Dell Inspiron 530? Any lessons learned worth sharing?

Thanks,

Rob

 

[merockomole]

My dell is new. I bought it in the beginning of October. I've had it open a few times tinkering around. It's very clean, as you would expect in a new system. I do not suspect that I'm having heat issues due to dust, dirt, or debris.

The following links contain information on installing 3rd party heat syncs on Socket 775 motherboards that have the treaded back plate:

Improved Socket 775 Heat Sync Retention
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=2136046&enterthread=y

How to mount or remove a bolt-through cooler
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=37&threadid=2111635&enterthread=y

How to remove LGA775 cooler push pins
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=37&threadid=2225823&enterthread=y

How to modify the Scythe Infinity mounting system for optimum mounting pressure
http://www.thetechrepository.com/showthread.php?t=16

LGA775 Bolt-Thru-Kit w/ Hold Down
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/lgboforulula.html

Has anyone actually done this on a Dell Inspiron 530? Any lessons learned worth sharing?

Thanks,

Rob

yeah i just installed a new heatsink last night on a intel dual core due e8500 wolfdale 3.16ghz in the the 530 the heatsink was a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223 it was very easy and being the 1st time i ever did something like that i had no problems my temp stays at 37c idle and never go over 50c top i seen was 48 under 2 orthos programs and when i ran them im sure the artic silver 5 had not fully cured so it was a simple job just had to remove the mobo.... i also installed http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098 while i had the mobo out and a evga 9600gt after i reinstalled the mobo now vista score is up to 5.7 witch is the cpu being the lowest score but back to the point.... i am having the same problem with the temp1 being a 85c i belive there is no sensor for that reading and speedfan and CPIID hardware moniter are just giving a false readout i was playing cod4 and codwaw all night with no problem so idk but if anyone can give some good info on this i would like to read it... no fan problems cause its nothing... NOTHING to do with the fans all temps are fine besides the 85c on temp1 with i belive is the mobo but i felt the mobo after a power down and it sure didnt feel 85c (184F) if so i could prolly cook a egg on it haha

 

[merockomole]

My dell is new. I bought it in the beginning of October. I've had it open a few times tinkering around. It's very clean, as you would expect in a new system. I do not suspect that I'm having heat issues due to dust, dirt, or debris.

The following links contain information on installing 3rd party heat syncs on Socket 775 motherboards that have the treaded back plate:

Improved Socket 775 Heat Sync Retention
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=2136046&enterthread=y

How to mount or remove a bolt-through cooler
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=37&threadid=2111635&enterthread=y

How to remove LGA775 cooler push pins
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=37&threadid=2225823&enterthread=y

How to modify the Scythe Infinity mounting system for optimum mounting pressure
http://www.thetechrepository.com/showthread.php?t=16

LGA775 Bolt-Thru-Kit w/ Hold Down
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/lgboforulula.html

Has anyone actually done this on a Dell Inspiron 530? Any lessons learned worth sharing?

Thanks,

Rob

yeah i just installed a new heatsink last night on a intel dual core due e8500 wolfdale 3.16ghz in the the 530 the heatsink was a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223 it was very easy and being the 1st time i ever did something like that i had no problems my temp stays at 37c idle and never go over 50c top i seen was 48 under 2 orthos programs and when i ran them im sure the artic silver 5 had not fully cured so it was a simple job just had to remove the mobo.... i also installed http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098 while i had the mobo out and a evga 9600gt after i reinstalled the mobo now vista score is up to 5.7 witch is the cpu being the lowest score but back to the point.... i am having the same problem with the temp1 being a 85c i belive there is no sensor for that reading and speedfan and CPIID hardware moniter are just giving a false readout i was playing cod4 and codwaw all night with no problem so idk but if anyone can give some good info on this i would like to read it... no fan problems cause its nothing... NOTHING to do with the fans all temps are fine besides the 85c on temp1 with i belive is the mobo but i felt the mobo after a power down and it sure didnt feel 85c (184F) if so i could prolly cook a egg on it haha