CPU Cooling Issue

[kaiczar]

An alarm sounds on my computer when my CPU reaches 50 degrees celsius. I'm currently running the Thermaltake Volcano 5 CPU fan/heatsink on my EPoX 8KHA+ motherboard. I'm using WinXP as my OS.

I would rather not purchase a new/more fans, if at all possible. Currently, I'm running a program called CPUCool that does a decent job of keeping my CPU cool -- ironic -- but it is taking up a lot of my process power. When I click ctrl+alt+del and the click on the processes tab, underneath the CPU category, CPUCool.exe uses "97" of my possible 100 units. Also, under the performance tab, my CPU usage is at 100%. When I close CPUCool, it drops to below 5%.

Can anyone help with this problem?

Justin

[maxiderm]

well, if youre not willling to buy anything i dont really know. first off how the hell do you get temps like that. i couldnt get those if i tried! how many fans are you running?? you should have at least 4 case fans. what kinda PSU? i used to have one that ran REALLY hot and it would affect the cpu temps. also, what kind of processor do you have in there? if its overclocked to the moon (lol, like mine ) then underclock it or buy a new cpu fan and some really good thermal paste for under there.

[kaiczar]

I'm only running that one CPU cooling fan. If I bought more general computer fans, would that help?

What is a PSU?

My processor is an AMD Athlon XP 1700+, I think? How would I see if it's "overclocked" and how would I "underclock" it... and what the hell do those terms mean?

[maxiderm]

oooooh, my bad, didnt know you were a newbie. welcome to the forums. the answers to your questions:

1.If I bought more general computer fans, would that help?
HELL YA, i dont know ANYONE who doesnt have any case fans!!! youre crazy!!!!

2.What is a PSU?
stands for power supply unit. its your power supply.... but now that you told me you had to no case fans, i suddenly dont think its the PSU anymore......

3.How would I see if it's "overclocked" and how would I "underclock" it?
yours isnt. its what us "advanced computer guys" do to our processor to make it a lot faster. if it was overclocked you would know that it was.

[kaiczar]

Now, I've heard that AMD temps reaching 60 degrees celsius is ok... is that true. I will still buy general case fans, but is that ok?

[bombledmonk]

PSU= Power supply Unit.
HSF= Heatsink/Fan
OC=overclocked

50 degrees C is well within operating temps but it is not normal for a CPU with a HSF like that. My OCed 2500+ @3200+ speeds gets to 52C max with the horrible retail heatsink.

You're processor is not overclocked if you don't know how to overclock. And I doubt you would want to underclock the processor, but if you're motherboard supports it you can go into the BIOS and do it. (usually you press the "Delete" key right as your computer turns on to get into bios. If it is another key there should be directions someplace on the screen. *i'm also not talking about the windows startup screen* it is the screen when you first turn it on, ususally a brand name of some sort for the motherboard or computer company.)

You can change the temperature protection feature in the bios to a higher temp to keep it from restarting.

Try Speedfan instead. http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php It might be able to help you with your CPU usage problem.

Did you use thermalpaste or a thermalpad when you put the heatsink on?

Have you cleaned the heatsink and any fans in your system lately?

You're problem could be airflow over the heatsink and through the case itself. How many fans do you have running? I would suggest making sure all of you're cables are pushed to the side as much as you can and try to keep the inside of the case as open as possible so air can move freely. And more case fans will most likely lower your temps.

[kaiczar]

Problem fixed... thanks for all your help.

I just made my alarm come on at 60 degrees celsius with a computer shutdown at 65.

I am also going to purchase the Thermaltake Volcano 9 heatsink fan... everything is kosher. Thanks for your help.

[bombledmonk]

you should also get at least one case fan to push some air through that case. Otherwise you're new Heatsink won't do squat. No matter how good your heatsink/fan is it can only cool to a certain point which is controlled by the ambient temp inside the case.