Intel HSF and Thermal Interface Material

[Kopp123]

So I'm building a new system and when I was installing the HSF, two of the pins were in the "remove" position. I touched the HSF to the chip, but when it wouldn't lock in, I removed and reinstalled the HSF with the pins in the correct position.

Am I going to run into problems due to touching the HSF to the chip and then removing it?

 

[tecmo34]

As long as your temps look good, you will be okay...

If you feel you temps are running hot, I would recommend removing the HSF, clean off the thermal compound and re-apply the compound and HSF.

 

[Kopp123]

It's running at 32 degrees according to some program I downloaded...

Any recommendations on the best way to monitor CPU temp?

 

[dpaul8]

It's running at 32 degrees according to some program I downloaded...

Any recommendations on the best way to monitor CPU temp?

Download HWMonitor from the CUPID.com website.
http://cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

Also, download Prime95 from here:
http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft/
Make sure you download the version that is compatible with your operating system (Windows 32 bit, 64 bit, etc.)
You don't need to setup a user account to download and use the software.

Run Prime95 and monitor your temperatures. Prime95 (blend mode) will use all cores on your processor, and stress test you entire system. If your system runs Prime 95 for 12 hours, it will handle anything you can run on it.

Good luck.

 

[Kopp123]

Sweet, thanks for the info!

One more question I can't quite find the answer to:

If my system isn't cut out to run Prime95 for 12+ hours, can I do permanent damage? Does it have safeties built in to prevent damaging the hardware?

 

[tecmo34]

Sweet, thanks for the info!

One more question I can't quite find the answer to:

If my system isn't cut out to run Prime95 for 12+ hours, can I do permanent damage? Does it have safeties built in to prevent damaging the hardware?

Yes... Your system has safeties in place that will prevent damage. It will BSOD & shutdown if overheats and Prime95 will report failures and stop stressing your system. If you aren't overclocking, you can get away with running Prime95 for an hour to see your max temp, which will tell if your HSF is doing it's job or not.

 

[Kopp123]

Tecmo34 and dpaul8, Thanks for the help!

I've been running Prime95 now for 45 minutes without any errors and have Core temps at 60 and 57 (max). They both are running a few degrees cooler now than where they maxed out.

Looks like Intel puts the max at 74 degrees... Can I conclude that the heatsink is doing its job?

BTW, here are the specs:
Core 2 Duo E7500 (2.93Ghz)
Intel DG43GT Motherboard
4GB (2x2GB) Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800
Intel GMA X4500 Video (for now)
Windows 7 64-bit

Mainly general home use but will game from time to time. Wanted to get something with good connectivity (Firewire, HDMI, eSATA, etc.) and wanted something that could be expanded (video card, RAM, etc.) to last awhile. Cost was $500 for hardware (not including monitor).

 

[dpaul8]

Yes, the heat sink is doing fine. Those temperatures are well within specifications for your processor when using the Intel heat sink fan.

The great thing about Prime95 is that it not only gives your processor a workout, it also puts your memory through its paces. It looks like your system is a winner. Good work!

 

[Kopp123]

Best answer selected by kopp123.