Recapped MOBO: Now how to test pc performance?

[markc]

Replaced 12 capacitors on my computer's MOBO, is there a program or procedure to put eth MOBO through a rigorous test to ensure it's operating at top condition? Also, how to check CPU temps? I removed the heat sink/cpu when replacing caps but didn't put new cpu paste on, (didn't clean off the old stuff either, just carefully put it back the same way it was removed) so am wondering if it is OK.

Comp specs: Compaq 6010US, AMD Athlon XP 1700 1.4GHz, 512k ram
Thanks,
MarkC

[markc]

I just downloaded 'Hot CPU Tester Pro' freeware by 7Byte (http://www.7byte.com/index.php?page=hotcpu) from this source:

http://www.dirfile.com/hot_cpu_tester_pro.htm

Will see how it goes, have 6 hours of testing.

[ski]

The system will not work properly if the replacement capacitors did not fix the problem.

'Motherboard Monitor' is a decent utility for checking temperatures.

DO NOT run the system as is. The old thermal compound must be replaced every time the CPU's heatsink is removed.
Use a credit card to scrap off the bulk of it from both the heatsink and the CPU die.
Then, use hi-purity alcohol(91% or higher) and a soft cloth to remove the remaining compound.
Finally, apply new compound to both the heatsink and the CPU die. Recommend Arctic Silver. It's the best stuff on the market.

[jlreich]

I removed the heat sink/cpu when replacing caps but didn't put new cpu paste on, (didn't clean off the old stuff either, just carefully put it back the same way it was removed) so am wondering if it is OK.

Anytime you remove the HSF you need to clean off and reapply the thermal grease/paste/compound.

I suggest you pick up some 91% pure or better alcohol for cleaning the old stuff off, and some Arctic Silver (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835100007) at your local computer store. Here (http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm) are the instructions to apply it properly.

Especially if your are going to run a system tester that will most likely put heavy strain on your system. I would really hate to see you go through all that trouble of recapping and have the CPU fry on you. ;)

Edit- ski beat me to it. :)

[markc]

I did the hotcpu test last night, seemed everything went well. Today I erased the hard drive and did a system restore with the Compaq system restore/Win XP disk. Then installed the 9250 AGP vid card and driver etc. and was able to set it to 4xAGP, then I ran Everest.

The temps recorded are as follows:
"Temperatures:
Motherboard 30 °C (86 °F)
CPU 43 °C (109 °F)"

A bit high for the CPU? (not overclocked)

I think Radio shack has Arctic Silver but I don't really want to remove the CPU again and put the paste on if it doesn't need it, but don’t want to shorten the CPU’s life.
MarkC

[jlreich]

CPU 43 °C (109 °F)"

That's actually pretty decent. It is always recommended to replace the thermal paste when the HSF is removed, but if it stays around that temp you might be ok. Keep an eye on it though. If it were me I would replace the thermal paste just to be sure and not have to worry about it, but it's up to you. ;)

[ski]

It's cheap insurance to replace the old thermal pad with new compound, and I still recommend doing it even though the CPU temp is at a respectable 43 C for this reason-

Once a thermal pad is pressurized by the heatsink and heated by the CPU die, it loses its resiliency and takes a permanent shape, in this situation the shape of the bottom of the heatsink on the one side, and the shape of the CPU die on the other side.
Then, assuming that the pad remains attached to the heatsink when the heatsink is removed(which is normally the case), it's extremely difficult to locate the CPU die in the exact same location of the pad where it was previously located when the heatsink is reinstalled. This can very easily cause the pad to not be in full contact with the CPU die, which will cause the CPU to overheat.

But the CPU's temp is only 43 C, so there's no problem, right?
Not necessarily. That's because the CPU's sensor measures the temperature of the CPU die at only a single point, and hence it's possible that other areas of the CPU die may be getting overheated because of the above explanation.
And this will ultimately cause damage to the CPU. It may not happen in a few days, weeks, or months, but it will eventually rear its ugly head.
And we've all heard of Murphy's Law?

[markc]

Thanks for the info., I'll buy some Arctic Silver and re-paste the cpu & heatsink.
MarkC

[ski]

You're welcome.

[markc]

I replaced the CPU thermal paste with Arctic Silver 5. I was very careful to follow the specific directions in their web site. CPU temps after the application of AS5 were in the upper 40's, now after several heat cycles they are 49~51c. How high can they safely go? Should I remove the heat sink and reapply?

Thanks,
MarkC

[ski]

Those temps are acceptable. No need for concern until they get over 60 C.

[markc]

ok, thanks :)