CPU heat problem

[Bill in SD, CA]

On my OTHER computer which is running a P3 866Mhz processor, with the original heatsink and fan, the CPU temperature is around 51-55 degrees Celcius at any given time. I get frequent system lockups and worries of frying a CPU. The fan is running at around 4100RPMs and the heatsink seems to be rather loose. Right now I am in the BIOS and the side cover is off. The temperature reads 53.5 degrees Celcius and if I push down on the heatsink I can get it down to 51.5 degrees Celcius. Could the fan be dieing and running too slow? and How secure should the heatsink be?

On THIS system the CPU is a P3 1Ghz processor. The fan is running at around 5500RPMs and the temperature near 35 degress Celcius. The heatsink IS secure.

Thanks for your help.


(written by another user with access to the account )

[Gettinbye]

Your heatsink should be pretty snug. If it feels loose, chances are you'll need to re-apply thermal compound and re-seat it (being careful not to damage your chip in the process).
4100rpm is a pretty good speed (depending on the model/make/size of the HSF). I run 2800rpm with a barton and never touch 43c. If you're in doubt of the HSF, it wouldn't hurt to replace it. They are pretty cheap these days.
BTW-why not set up your own account so you can be properly welcomed to TechIMO? Doesn't cost you anything-no strings attached.

[Dax_Brandy]

hey bill, i thought you are the one's having the problem.

to the person who wrote this:
well, you already found the problem. next thing to do is you re-install the heatsink. if you are unable to do so, ask Bill to do it for you. Good luck.

i second what Gettinbye suggest. get your own account and start posting more.

[bombledmonk]

Your fan speed is good but you definitely should not have a "loose" heatsink. If it is on properly you should almost be able to pick up the motherboard that way. (don't do this though!!!!)
Heat shouldn't really be you problem. Most CPU's should run fine if they are below 55C. There is still something not quite right there. I would do as gettinbye said and re apply thermal compund and reseat it.

[Bill in SD, CA]

Hi guys!! It's really me this time.

My son Kevin posed the question. It's his computer.

Strange thing here is the heat sink feels like it's almost at room temperature to the touch.

Nothing feels hot.

HSF is from Intel and is original.

There is no thermal paste on the the chip.

As a comparison, my PIII 1.0 ghz is running around 43 degrees.

Bill

[Gettinbye]

Originally posted by Bill in SD, CA

Strange thing here is the heat sink feels like it's almost at room temperature to the touch.
Nothing feels hot.

Actually, Bill, that makes sense. If your HS is not tight, it won't be taking the heat the way it's supposed to. As a result, it won't feel hot (but your chipset will). Thermal compund would be a great thing to have as well.
As far as the difference in temps between the two PIII's, part of that could be a difference in the chips (perhaps one is a PIII tualitin, ect... ) -oh and there's that whole loose HS thing, too

*EDIT* BTW-your son doesn't have a TechIMO account yet? For shame, for shame My youngest son is almost three and he should be posting soon (He's already got a BUNCH of stuff he wants answers to) LOL

[extreme_gamer]

alright i got an account, happy? well this morning i turned on the computer and went straight to the BIOS and the temperature was 42 degrees celcius. the temp can't possibly be this hot because i Just turned the computer on! doesnt it sound like the sensor??

*edit* both are P6C Coppermine processors



oh an btw dont expect me to be answering many questions... i'll probably have many other comp problems to deal with too.

[jmichna]

Originally posted by extreme_gamer
...well this morning i turned on the computer and went straight to the BIOS and the temperature was 42 degrees celcius. the temp can't possibly be this hot because i Just turned the computer on! doesnt it sound like the sensor.

Oh yes it can!!!! The CPU (whether Intel or AMD) heats up almost instantly once current is applied... the heat sink, however, takes a bit of time to absorb heat and begin to feel warm.

Edit P.S. - look at your thermal compound/thermal tape between CPU and heat sink, also the heat sink clipping device, given your comment regarding pushing down on the HS and seeing the temperature drop.

[Gettinbye]

Jmichna's right-doesn't take long at all for the CPU temp to come up. If you want to double check your temp with a utility other than BIOS, you can run sandra or motherboard monitor.
BTW extreme_gamer...Welcome to TechIMO

[Dax_Brandy]

Originally posted by extreme_gamer
alright i got an account, happy? well this morning i turned on the computer and went straight to the BIOS and the temperature was 42 degrees celcius. the temp can't possibly be this hot because i Just turned the computer on! doesnt it sound like the sensor??

*edit* both are P6C Coppermine processors



oh an btw dont expect me to be answering many questions... i'll probably have many other comp problems to deal with too.

yes we are happy, Bill Junior!

i think it's the sensor configuration too.

Welcome to TECHIMO!