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Is my computer running to hot?

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unclet:

I have the following computer system:

- ASUS MOtherboard P5GDC-VDeluxe INtel 915G 800FSB
- Intel Pentium 4 630 3.0GHZ 775 (came with heatsink and fan)
- DDR2 533MHZ 1GB Memory RAM
- 350 Watt ATX20
- Fan1:  Built into the power supply (of course)
- Fan2: Fan I attached on the back of the case to suck hot air out the case (I forget what type)
- Fan 3: Fan I attched on the side of the case to suck air into the case (same fan as Fan2)

The motherboard came with the "ASUS  PC Probe" software which monitors temperature realtime of the CPU.   

When I first got my computer the computer was running very hot (ie: the top of the computer case next to the power supply was very hot to the touch).   As a result, the ASUS PC Probe was producing CPU temp level warnings (since it's threshold was set at 69Celsius) and the CPU fan was extremely loud due to it trying to cool the CPU.  To get the temperature down to a constant 62Celsius level, I resorted to taking off the side panel of my computer case so heat could not build up so fast.

However, anytime I am really using the CPU alot (ie: compiling, a lot programs running at the same time, etc..) then the case still heats up alot and the ASUS PC Probe still gives warnings.

Anyway I am really getting tired of worrying about how hot my computer is getting and really have no idea what to do about it.  I do not like having to keep the side of the computer case disconnected and I really can not stand how loud the fan sounds.

I looked online for the maximum temperature of my CPU and if I found it correctly I believe the maximum temperature is 69Celsius.

Any ideas on what I should do?  Would a better heatsink and CPU fan installed do the trick?  Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.




FrizzleFried:

The key to success here son is AIRFLOW.  Since, when you remove the side,  all is dandy,  it seems to me that when the side is on,  you are choking the airflow to your CPU.

This is what I would do:

Install at least a single fan sucking air IN to the case.  2 would be better.   I have a fan at the front of my case and a fan on the door itself blowing directly at my motherboard.

Install at least a single fan exhausting air out of the case (again,  I have two,  I have one at the back of my case and another blowing air out of the TOP of the case (since heat rises...and you say the top of your case is getting hot...this exhaust fan would REALLY help)

DUST your computer.  Blow out all of the dust particals especially from your heatsinks with caned air.

Remove your CPU heatsink,  remove the thermal interface material (the goop or pad between your CPU and your heatsink.  Purchase some Arctic Silver or Arctic Ceramique thermal interface material...and apply a THIN layer of TIM between your heatsink and CPU (take note of proper TIM application at arcticsilver.com I believe...and prior to applying the TIM make sure to clean both your heatsink and your CPU with rubbing alcohol or something designed to clean electronics parts.

You do that and you will likely find your heat issues have gone away.

pointdablame:

Is the fan on your CPU heatsink on backwards?  ie. pushing air INTO the CPU.  I've "fixed" a few computers that have had this problem.

69 (or 62) is way too hot.  Even with the case off, 62 is too hot.  You need to get some fans in that thing quick, and dust it as mentioned.  One intake in the front of the case and one in the rear (not including the PSU fan) is the absolute minimum.. and get some decent CFM fans.  If you can use larger fans (92mm instead of 80mm or 120mm instead of 92mm) do it.

unclet:

I forgot to mention I do have a third fan.    One fan comes built into the power supply (of course), the second fan I installed was at the back on the computer sucking air out of the computer and the third fan I installed was on the side panel which blows air into the computer.   In order to get the third fan mounted, I need to cut through the side panel and make the circle hole.  My computer ATX case does not come with any other place to mount a fan into.

When I place my hand on top of the CPU fan, I do not feel air blowing on my hand, so I guess the heatsink fan is mounted correctly (ie: air must be blowing in the other direction).

I am not familiar with removing heatsinks and CPU fans and applying gel or stuff between the heatsink and CPU.  It kinds of scares me a bit since I remember reading that if you do it wrong then the CPU will burn up.   Also, I also seem to remember that breaking the heatsink clips (or something) is a possibility as well.

Anyway, the heatsink/fan and CPU all cam together as a package so I would assume I have the correct heatsink/fan combination for my type of CPU.  Perhaps the person who put this together for me did not use the correct gel stuff between the heatsink and CPU?




leapinlew:

a long time ago, when I was taking certification exams. They would always have a question about an overheating computer. They would say that removing the slot covers and working with the case open was bad for a computer as it disrupted the air flow. I've never seen this to be the case with normal computers in real life. Working with 1U rack servers, I suppose it could be an issue.

Anyone ever see the computer actually get warmer when opening the case?



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