CPU question

[R4_M9]

what is a normal operating temperature for a CPU. I think mine keeps overheating. All the fans are working though. Last time i checked it was running at 73 degrees celcius.

[Jiggy]

Hi lad,

We need to know what type your cpu is to help you out.

[Abbadon]

More info on brand and type of mobo & cpu will indeed be helpfull, however, 73° celcius is too high, whichever cpu you're using (except perhaps the latest Prescots, which are rumoured to heat up your case like a tiny sun). How are you getting this reading? From bios? Of from another application like MBM? Do you get the same reading with different programs?


If the system is a custom build, I'd check the positioning of the heatsink (firmly flat against the proc) & thermal grease (clean & reaply after removing HS!).

If it's an prebuild (Dell, Compaq,...) I'd contact the manufacturer. Don't wanna mess with waranty.

[R4_M9]

sorry about that. I am running a athalon xp 2200+ Thoroughbred on an ASUS A7n8X.

[jabarnutcase]

Yes...As Abbadon asked, where are you reading those temps?....that's way Hot, and if accurate, you will certainly need to get it down.

If you're reading it from some third party utility, try reading it directly from BIOS.
AMD will tell you 90c is MAX I think....Don't believe a word of it! You don't want to be anywhere near there.

What makes you think it's overheating...Is it shutting down, crashing, freezing, or otherwise acting strange? Any funny smells?

Can you fry eggs on it? (Just kidding) :p

.pdf below from AMD that will explain a bit more....(Requires Acrobat Reader as you probably know).
http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/DownloadableAssets/FAQ_Rev05_ENG.pdf

[R4_M9]

Reading it directly from the BIOS. It is shutting down and not restarting till i give it about 15 minutes to cool down. And yes i can do some over easy eggs if you would like. hehe.

[Abbadon]

okidoki! Time to check wether the cooling unit is properly installed!

3 things that should be in propper order:

- thermal grease OR thermal pad applied on the base of the heatsink. Not too much, not too little
- the base of the heatsink should be firmly and flat against the processor.
- I like my eggs with bacon, muchrooms and some cheddar on top ;)

Remember: Dell or Compaq-boxes should probably not be opened waranty-wise.

[R4_M9]

This is a system that i had built a little over a year ago. I checked alll my fans and they are all up and working. Today i think i am going to get a new tube of thermal grease and some more condensed air and blow out my vents. I am pretty sure that the athalon came with one of those grease pads pre installed. Do i have to scrape off what is left (if any) and how much thermal grease to i put on as a replacement?

[Abbadon]

Scraping of:

Don't use any real sharp objects, because that may damage the HS / proc. I always use a piece of plastic myself (like a creditcard) for the most of it, and some lint-free cloth of paper tissue to get every last bit.



Applying: not to much. A thin coating should suffice. I usually put some on the heatsink bottom which I then spread out completely using a paper tissue, rubbing the paste into the tiny cracks & fissures. Then a little drop on the processor, spread out with creditcard-like thingy to get an even spread and then put the proc on. After you put it on: no more moving or taking it of.

Good luck!

[R4_M9]

ok. i'm not so smart. There was not enoough air flow to keep things cool. I have one of those desks with a compartment that was getting to hot. So i took it out and it runs at about 43 degrees celcius. Thanks for the help though.

[jabarnutcase]

Now you're cookin'! :p

Um...I mean cooler. :rolleyes: