I recently built a computer with the following components:

300 power supply
ABIT KT7A-RAID
Duron 800Mhz
Volcano II (Thermaltake heatsink/fan combo)
WinFast GeForce2 Mx Video Card
Iomega CD-RW & Zip 100 Internal DIsk Drive
Floppy Drive
Modem

O.k. I've been using the hardware monitor software that came with the motherboard, VIA Hardwar Monitor. I've been getting erractic readings for the CPU. When I'm just surfing the net , typing a paper etc. the temperature reaches up to 95-100 degrees f. I called the tech support where I purchased the CPU and they said that 95 degrees f is about right, I got another opinion from another computer place and they said the temp for the CPU should be about 88-90 degrees f. I opened SiSfot Sandra up and the readings for the CPU temp where in the 80 - 85 degree f range while the mobo software readings were still in the high 90's. I also used HMonitor and the readings matched the same as SiSoft Sandra. Who's readings should I trust? I have five fans installed, the power supply fan, the CPU fan, the chipset fan, and one in the front and back of the computer. What is a stable temp for a Duron 800Mhz anyways? When I installed the heatsink combo I also added some extra compound grease to it.

rtd2


[This message has been edited by rtd2x (edited 05-05-2001).]

[This message has been edited by rtd2x (edited 05-05-2001).]

When I installed the heatsink combo I also added some extra compound grease to it.

How much 'extra'? Everything I've ever read said no more than pea-sized, then spread it out thinly and evenly. This is not a situation where more is better! Too much 'grease' reverses the effect, acting as an insulator rather than a conductor, opposing the flow toward the heatsink and trapping it in the CPU slug. When you called 'the computer place', why didn't you ask them while you had them on the phone? Were there any instructions that came with the CPU, with the grease or with the mobo, and most importantly did you read them? Did you search for any info? Just three clicks on this site got this (http://www.pcguide.com/ref/cpu/char/cool_Compound.htm).

Who's readings should I trust?

If you had a choice between a hardware monitor program that 'came with the motherboard', provided by the manufacturer of your BIOS/chipset combination, or one that will run on millions of systems, regardless of the hardware setup, is there really a question there?


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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)



[This message has been edited by tjaymadison (edited 05-05-2001).]

One other point on thermal grease, some of the formula's are actually electrically conductive, they contain micro-fine metal particles, and can short out a processor if too much is applied, that is one more reason why the less is more approach is needed with them.

Also 100 deg F is about 52 deg C which is a little high, you may want to check other air flow issues also (are ther any cables in the way, do you have extra case fans, etc)
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mjc
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All Control Agents must memorize Rule 5 before proceding to Rule 6

[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 05-05-2001).]

I was concerned about Athalon family (incl. Duron) chip temps myself and contacted AMD about 2 months ago. They said the Atlalon/Duron chip can handle as high as 170+ degrees and run fine. I wouldn't worry too much @ 100 degrees http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif. I've been running a 900 mhz Athalon @ 95-109 degrees for over 6 mos.....stable as a rock.

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Will XP save Me ?

[This message has been edited by Randy_tx (edited 05-05-2001).]