Is my CPU running to hot?

Yes, running 50 to 60c while doing something is fine. If that is the idle temperture than you are going to want to check your HSF (heatsink/fan) to make sure it is seated right. The tcase for the Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q8200 is 71.4c (this is a nice number to try to stay under).


Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team
 

tally2425

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I saw it at 59C after i came of LoL (league of legend) it hasn't been higher

2 of the clips has snapped on the heat sink but it is secure as 1 clip on each corner works or should i consider getting a new one?
 

tally2425

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I'm from the UK so will look at some online, What do i need to look for? is there a certain size/fitment i need?
 

tally2425

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is there a cheaper option i can go for or should i jsut get this?, i would prefer something cheaper though :)
 
The hyper 212 is about the best price/performance HSF you can get. Cheaper, lower performance, higher cost, better performance but then you pay extra.

Also you should look at the individual core temperatures, not the single one.
Normally the individual cores will be higher and as IntelEnthusiast said you need to stay below 71 C!!!

If two of the Stock HSF clips are broken DO NOT operate until repaired/replaced as your core temps most likely are TOO HIGH!!.

To look at Core temps download and install CPUID HWMonitor.
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html

IntelEnthusiast will probably disagree, but In my humble opinion the stock HSF is best left in the box to keep the box from blowing away - I never install the stock HSF. I may love the Intel CPU, but the Stock HSF is at the BOTTOM of the totom pole in terms of performance. If your room temp is in the low 20's then your CPU should be in the low 30's at Idle and under load upper 40s to mid 50's

 

tally2425

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downloaded the CPUID program

core #0
Value = 56 Min = 55 Max = 58

core #1
Value = 46 Min = 45 Max = 48

core #2
Value = 51 Min = 51 Max = 54

core #3
Value = 46 Min = 46 Max = 49

Are these good readings? I have ordered a new heatsink which should be here tomorrow aswell
 
For @ Idle there are high, If with prime 95 running = good
The 10 C max difference between cores is on stock HSF is normally uneven pressure or uneven spread of the HS coumpound. 5 C diff between the individual cores is quite common. Another variance between cores is if they are not evenly loaded.

Normally I run Prime95 for two reasons (1) verify cpu/memory stability and (2) to verify effectiveness of HSF at stock and espeacially if I've OC the CPU.

For stability verification need to run a min of 4 Hours, many leave it run for 8+ hours.
Checking temps: Temps will ramp up very quickly so for the first 15 Minutes need to watch closely. If at the end of 15 minutes temps are still at a comfort level, then check about once evey fifteen minutes utill you are sure that the cpu is not a "frying pan"

My I5-750 OCed to 3.2 GHz stays below 60 C and my I5-2500K OCed to 4.2 also stays below 60 C while running prime 95. Their Idle temps are in the 30s (This is for all cores).

Added: The HSF will determine the best method of appling the Thermal coumpond (Myself I use AS5). For the Hyper you need to insure that the void is filled ( just google installing the Hyper 212 for a youtube video). For the Flat bottom HSF (which is what I use) I put a "pea" size blob on the cpu and work it around with my finger (use a latex glove). so that it looks uniform. Then stick the HS on and Rotate it back-and forth (CW/CWW just a small amount) - BUT be sure not to left up and get an air bobble between the CPU and the HS.
 

tally2425

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currently downloading Prime95 now, Should i try this now or wait until tomorrow when i get my new heatsink? i bought this

Cooler Master Hyper TX-3, hopefully will improve and lower my temps :)
 
I'd probably wait, but if you do run it with current HSF, then have HWMonitor open befor starting Prime 95. Monitor temps as you may reach high temps within 5 -> 10 min.
It would show you the diff between the stock and the NEW.
 

tally2425

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I think i will wait :), thanks for your advice being a real help!.

Also with the new heatsink i'm getting it comes with cooler master thermal paste shall i use that? or shall i use the MX-2 i have bought?
 
The difference between most of the 3rd party thermal paste is only a few degress and normally not a real concern unless tring for a high OC. I'm not used either of them. You probably could google for a comparision between the diff brands. AS5 is popular (also what I normally use), but not really the best.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Thermal-Compound-Roundup-March-2011/1207/5
As you can see NOT a big difference - The HSF and how well the thermal compound is applied are the 2 Important factors.

And here is MX2
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/3989-arctic-cooling-mx-2-thermal-compound-review-5.html

Do NOT use to compare the two as the tests are differrent.
 

tally2425

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They are fairly even i would say so i'll stick with my MX-2, Once i get my new heatsink fitted and it is still high temperature would would you suggest the problem is?
 

tally2425

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Well finally got my TX-3 installed with artic silver 5 paste and here are my readings


#0
Value = 56 Min = 53 Max = 58

#1
Value = 44 Min = 43 Max = 48

#2
Value = 49 Min = 48 Max = 53

#3
Value = 44 Min = 44 Max = 47


They seem very similar not much difference. I have just installed it 5 minutes ago, What do you think?
 

tally2425

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Just taken my door off will report back within the next 30 minutes :)

Could this be a duff chip? i did buy this of eBay (used item) for £60 and it's a Q8200 rumour has it they do run hot
 

tally2425

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So are we guessing it's a duff chip? :(
 

tally2425

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What's the best test i can do to see if there is any problems mate?, running pritty much the same temps with the case off :(, what's the next step?
 

tally2425

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These are results using Prime95, I used the Blend (Tests some of everything, Lots of RAM tested)

core #0
Value = 64 Min = 54 Max = 65

core #1
Value = 55 Min = 44 Max = 56

core #2
Value = 59 Min = 51 Max = 60

core #3
Value = 55 Min = 44 Max = 57


Has been running for more than 30 minutes and not hit over the 70c marker yet, Would you say this is fine?
 

tally2425

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I did this but only have 70%

I noticed that the thermal paste didn't spend well due to the groves so filled the grooves up with paste rubbed in with fingers then did another pea size blob on the CPU and getting the following readings above with Prime95
 

tally2425

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Well guys this is were it gets more confusing!, Went into the BIOS to see if anything looked weird and came across this

ccebc636.jpg


My CPU Temps is at 29c? or am i wrong!