Is my CPU too hot?

[patricksmin]

Hello everyone. My computer has not been running as expected ever since I first bought it and have been trying to figure out what was the problem for the past year or so but have come up with no solutions. I had some theories so I wanted to ask you all some questions as I have very limited knowledge of these things.

My CPU is a Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 Yorkfield 2.5GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80580Q8300.

I went into the bios and it told me the CPU temperature was 83 degrees celsius. That seemed very high... so I looked online and there were some people who recommended a software to see your CPU, GPU, etc. temperatures. It was SpeedFan. So I installed it and the temperatures I get are the following:

GPU: 54C
Core 0: 67C
Core 1: 62C
Core 2: 65C
Core 3: 64C

Again, I'm not really sure what temperature is too high and what is normal so if you could please explain this to me I would very much appreciate it.

Also, I know this should be posted on another forum but I was trying to update my bios for my motherboard and could not figure out how to. My motherboard is a Gigabyte X48-DQ6 and I found the new F8D version but do not know how to update it.

Your help is always much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Genny]

Are those idle or load temps?

If you're not sure what that means, download something like linx or prime95, run it, and see what your temps are after ten minutes.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

If he is in BIOs w/ an 83, must be idle temps....as BIOS idle tends to be a bit higher than Windows idle.

Realtemp is a good tool for "in windows' temperature reads.

I'd suggest using OCCT to test under load while reading temps
http://www.ocbase.com/perestroika_en/index.php?Download

If temps are too high .... a re-seating of CPU heatsink w/ new TIM is in order

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150080

 

[patricksmin]

I've tried downloading both programs, but I am pretty much lost as to what I am supposed to do with them...

The temperatures I showed above are when I was doing nothing but the SpeedFan program. Once I started running a game (Left4Dead2), the temperatures shot up to mid 90's...

 

[Genny]

Then yes, that's too hot...

I'm assuming you're probably using the stock intel cooler? I'd open up your case and give it a really good cleaning with compressed air. Your fan on your heat sink has probably knit itself a wool jacket. I'd also check to make sure it's making good contact and all the retention pins are in place for the heat sink.

 

[davcon]

Yes those temps are too high if that's idle.
Download HWMonitor for system temps and CoreTemp for your cpu.
Speedfan gives out alot of funky readings i don't use it.
Use Gpu-Z to monitor your gpu temps.

 

[patricksmin]

Thank you all for your great answers! I will first try and get that wool jacket off my heat sink and if that doesn't work I will invest in a new one. Any recommendations?

 

[davcon]

Thank you all for your great answers! I will first try and get that wool jacket off my heat sink and if that doesn't work I will invest in a new one. Any recommendations?

That will depend on your case width.
If it's 7.5" wide and over the CM Hyper 212+ is the most cost effective.
More important though is your case airflow.
You want at least a front intake and a rear exhaust fan,preferably 120mm both fans.

 

[patricksmin]

That will depend on your case width.
If it's 7.5" wide and over the CM Hyper 212+ is the most cost effective.
More important though is your case airflow.
You want at least a front intake and a rear exhaust fan,preferably 120mm both fans.

Okay. My case is:

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

I already have 2 fans running.

 

[davcon]

The 212+ is perfect for you.
Add a 120mm front intake fan for optimal cooling.
I assume you have a 140mm top exhaust and a 120mm rear exhaust.

 

[patricksmin]

Best answer selected by patricksmin.

 

[patricksmin]

The 212+ is perfect for you.
Add a 120mm front intake fan for optimal cooling.
I assume you have a 140mm top exhaust and a 120mm rear exhaust.

Thanks a bunch. I will post again once I have installed that onto my computer. Thanks again!

 

[davcon]

No problem!
Download Coretemp for cpu temps.
HWMonitor for system temps.
GPU-Z for gpu temps.
Do before and after temp readings with the new cooler and if you get another fan.
Cheers

 

[patricksmin]

I just installed the CM Hyper 212+ and my computer is working... GREAT!
Thank you so much for all the help. I can't believe that it was the temperature that was the problem...

Anyways thank you!