Asus A7V600 - PWR_FAN + CHA_FAN + CPU_FAN

[anto]

Just got the above mobo to use with a 2800+. My friend assembled with me looking over his shoulder trying to pick up knowledge!

Switched on the pc - all started fine, went into setup and then Power/Hardware Monitor error came up - my readings were
MB temp = 29C/84F
CPU = 76c/171.5.5F. (in red print)
CPU fan speed = 0 rpm
Power fan speed = 2556 rpm

I immediately switched the pc off. My friend had connected the 3-pin cable from the hsf into the pwr_fan - I changed this to the cpu_fan. Switched on again, it powered up, and my readings were
MB temp = 78.5F
CPU = 140F.
CPU fan speed = 2295 rpm
Power fan speed = 0 rpm
I then switched off straight away as I was scared that I could still be doing damage. (Had no access to the web until now).
In my manual, it says "connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard" and shows pwr_fan, cpu_fan and cha_fan (chassis). But I have only 1 3-pin connector coming from my hsf?? Is it safe to ignore the pwr_fan and cha_fan?? or how can I solve my problem.

N.B. My friend put on a coolermaster hsf (CPU Cooler CP5-8JDIF-0L) onto the cpu - it seemed to fit no problems (read instructions for the fan on the net and it never mentioned thermal paste - did I need thermal paste for this?!)
thank you for your help
A.

[pave_spectre]

YES Thermal Paste is neccessary. You will more than likely fry the chip without it.I dont know if that cooler comes with a thermal pad. You may need to take the HS off to check.

The 3 pin Fan connectors are used if you have a 3 wire fan that you want to monitor the RPM of and do not have to be used.

-EDIT-
Looking at the install instructions it does appear to have thermal material on the base.

You may want to check that it is properly centered on over the processor.

[anto]

thanks for your reply. My friend was certain that it didn't need any thermal paste - that this 'square patch' did the job.

What is the 'normal' operating tepmerature for a cpu (Athlone 2800+) or is there such a thing?

thanks for you help.
Anto.

[pave_spectre]

Normal operating temperatures are probably between 35 - 55 degrees celsius, depending on the type of cooling used and the ambient temperature. 65 would be the absolute maximum for my liking.

That processor has a rated maximum of 85 celsius so the initial temp you were getting was way too high at 76 for comfort.