new build - heat problems

[kamel0]

I have purchased a barebones kit and added my components (HD, modem, floppy, CD & DVD). Mobo is MSI PM8M3-V, Intel Celeron D 351 3.2GHz proc., 400W power supply. I cannot get this thing to run any cooler than between 60 & 70 degrees (usually stays under 75 deg.). I have replaced the CPU fan that came with the kit with a Cooler Master Hyper L3 fan. Case has 2 other fans (80mm). What temps should I be running within with this set up? Any advice would be helpful. With the old fan, I had taken it off and reseated about 5 times (and I did always remove and reapply thermal compound as directed.) Case temps run around 33 deg C.

Thanks,

kamel0

[azzey]

First, TURN IT OFF!!!!!!! 70 degrees is really pushing it!

Since your case temp is reasonable, it would seem that the problem is with the CPU cooler. Are you using the thermal pad that came installed on the heatsink, or did you scrape the pad off and use thermal paste? Make sure that you have removed the plastic off of the bottom of the cooler.

Where are you reading these temps? BIOS? Can you tell us what RPM the fans are spinning, and verify that the case fans are indeed blowing in the right direction?

[kamel0]

Azzey,

On the current heat sink/fan unit I am using the thermal pad they provided - I did not scrape it off. On the previous one, it was not pre-greased and I removed and reapplied many times. (I have made sure there is no plastic cover on the heat sink or processor.) I have never been able to achieve temp maintenance that is acceptable. The BIOS temp for the CPU reads in the upper 60's and low 70's at this point. Speedfan says they are in the mid-60's range. I have tried turning the case fans around and resulted in higher temps. I even tried installing an exhaust fan that has three speeds. Didn't make a difference no matter what speed it was on. The only speed I can report is on the CPU fan. It runs in the upper 2500 to lower 2600's. I am going to try removing the thermal pad and reapplying grease to this new unit and see if I can achieve any lower temps. Do you have any suggestions for me to try? I appreciate your help!

kamel0

[kamel0]

Azzey,

Update on the problem. I have removed the heat sink/fan, reapplied thermal grease and here are the new numbers. Speedfan says CPU temp 44 deg. C, Case temp 28 deg, and fan @ 2800 rpm. BIOS numbers are CPU 52-55 deg, case 28 deg, and fan speeds from 2800-2909. Are these acceptable temps? And which numbers are accurate on the CPU temps? The case temps and fan speeds match up but the CPU temps have always read lower in speedfan than in BIOS. These are the lowest readings I have been able to achieve thus far.

Thanks,

kamel0