CPU Overheating, what cooler should I use?

I assume that temperature is actually measured in Fahrenheit, which equates to 100C, which is very close to the shutoff point.

It sounds to me like you need to change the thermal paste on the CPU, this is a fairly easy task and only involves buying the paste for about 5-10 dollars. If you want to get a whole new cooler it will usually come with thermal paste. There are a number of visual guides available on how to do this, just google around

Inexpensive while giving good cooling - Hyper 212 Evo.

Top end of the market, with the best cooling - Thermalright Archon with two TY-140s Fans

Any chance something inside the case has been knocked around or bumped?
Maybe CPU came loose from it's full locked position?

How fast is the stock CPU cooler fan running when it's getting hot?
You should be able to hear it spinning at maximum RPM.

I was thinking that it could be the thermal paste.

I have an identical machine with the same CPU. And that is ok.

I might have to take off the stock cooler, clean the base, check the cpu and put it all back together.

I've got some Arctic Silver somewhere.

It just seems a waste having to do all that and put the stock cooler back on.

I want to zap the problem in one go.

Seems that way to me too.

Are you OK with taking the MB out to put on a cooler backplate?
Or do you want to look at something to install without taking the MB out?

I built the machine so I can take it all apart again.

I rememeber there wasnt a great deal of paste on the Intel cooler.

It probably needs re-doing.

But if it doesnt fix the problem I will be  

And then it will be time for a new cooler.

The stock Intel cooler is pretty naff but it does the job.

I could buy a semi decent cooler and do the whole job in one go.

After rebate you can get a 120mm fan Hyper 212 Plus for $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

The thermal compound that comes in the accessory pack is actually pretty good and you wouldn't need to use your AS5.

Thanks but I'm based in the UK lol.

Everywhere is out of stock?

It looks like I may have trouble getting hold of it here.

Corsair A50 is an option in about the same class. I've seen it at attractive prices.

Should have been my first clue.


Corsair CAFA50 Air Series A50 Performance CPU Cooler
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CAFA50-Series-Performan...

The Coolmaster has some good reviews.

I have read the Corsair one is a bit fragile.

Which one would you go for?

I can wait a couple of days.

Thanks

If the few extra pounds don't faze you - I'd prefer the 212 Evo das_stig mentioned above.

I will see if I can pick one up.

I need to check my case to see if it fits.

Thanks all.

Which case, motherboard and RAM are you using?

Antec 300
Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD5
CORSAIR XMS3

The amount of paste is not too important as long as there is enough to cover the area directly over the CPU die where all the heat comes from. The stuff spreads out a little over time afterward.

Part of the problem with Intel's stock HSF is its all-plastic mount construction that will deform over time and eventually fail to provide adequate contact force. Replacing the paste might help for a few days/weeks but temperatures will shoot back up.

If you have been running your i920 at high load almost 24/7 since you built it, the HSF retention mechanism may have deformed and effectively be non-reusable - at least not without modifications.

The twisty plastic locking mechs gave me some issues when I originally installed it.

It's been fine for two years.

I reckon I will have problems getting it back on.

And an aftermarket cooler with a screwed locking plate will be better.

212 Evo will fit in the Antec 300, no problem.
I couldn't match up the MB/ RAM and 212 Evo clearance. The MB was out of circulation before the 212s entered the market.
Worst case, you can flip the fan around to the backside, pulling air through the heatsink.

How did you manage to find this out?

Do they have a configurator?

Thanks

I usually search Feedback comments from owners @ Newegg

For example, about CM Hyper 212 PlusAntec 300 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Barely fits the Cool Master Hyper 212+, but it DOES fit. and
This thing is SPACIOUS!! I easily fit a Coolermaster Hyper 212+ and had tons of space between it and the side.

There are some variables, so it's not unusual to some differences in the reports - but the bottom line is everyone agrees it fits.

But you don't always find it possible to locate comments for every set of parts.

A few Feedback comments mention being able to mount the cooler without removing the motherboard by removing the right side panel.

As soon as I can purchase one I will.

Most places are saying that it's either discontinued or out of stock.

Thanks

I "found out" the Hyper 212+ fits in my Antec 300 when I installed it, didn't think of checking beforehand but I realized after-the-fact how much of a close call that was.

That is possible only if the motherboard tray has a cut-out to access the CPU area. The early Antec 300 models (like mine) did not have that cut-out. The current 300 and 302 have it.

I managed to solve this problem.

After not being able to get a Hyper 212 I decided to do a temp fix.

I opened my case and removed the Intel cooler. When I went to remove the cooler it came off in my hand  

Somehow the plastic tabs must have come lose over time lost contact with the board. So there was no contact with the heatsink and the cpu.

I cleaned up the cooler and CPU.

Then I primed the heatsink with some Artic Silver and put a sliver on the CPU.

Luckily it all went back together with a nice solid fit. The cooler is now firm against the board and there is no movement at all.

My CPU temp is now running at a stable avg of around 46C.

Much better than 212!!

Thanks for all the help.

Sometimes it pays to look further than the eye.

It's lucky it didn't come loose and fall off by itself - possible damaging the motherboard, etc.

The only things the stock cooler is better at are cost (included with CPU for 'free'), compactness and ease of (mis-)installation.

In terms of raw cooling performance and long-term retention mechanism stability, the 212s are still the best aftermarket things money can buy for ~$30 that I know of.