temps and overheating at low load

On Dec 21, 11:44 am, "BigJim" <woody10....DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote:
> something is holding the heat in, take off the side cover and run some
> games.
> See what happens.<mechphi....DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:dbeb43bf-4224-46b0-b6a5-37a7fd4c8389@i3g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
>
> >I built a new system for a friend recently, with an Athalon 64 x2
> > 6000+ and GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 mobo.
> > The system locks up and crashes when playing any game--including MSN
> > Web games!
>
> > From a cold boot the BIOS temps show both "system" and "CPU" at around
> > 37C.
> > But once it boots into WindowsXP, simply sitting at rest, I get these
> > temps from Speedfan:
>
> > Temp1: 44
> > Temp2: 65
> > Temp3: 55
> > Core: 58
>
> > When I reboot and go into BIOS, I see the CPU temp around 58 and
> > dropping quickly until it sits around 42. The system temp is around
> > 45.
>
> > After I built the system, I ran the Knoppix RAM test for 24 hours, and
> > rebooted into BIOS, and the system and CPU temps were both only in the
> > high 30's. The resting video card temp sits around 38C.
>
> > So, any advice? Those seem like awfully high Speedfan at-rest temps! I
> > used the thermal paste patch that came with the stock fan with the
> > CPU. I could scrape it off and use Arctic Frost, and maybe a new
> > fan...but I'd hate to dick around with the CPU again if I can help it.
> > But I seriously doubt there's an alternative.
>
> > Any suggestions?
> > Thanks!
> > -Liam

well, I took the side off, and nothing changed.
Which doesn't surprise me, and having no side kind of prevents the
channel of air that's supposed to be flowing throw the PC, right? So
the warm air just floats around in there?
So I guess this tells me that in any case, the air flow still isn't
good.
We have the PSU fan, of course, and one outgoing fan in the back below
that, and another outgoing fan on the side of the case, over the CPU
fan.
I'm going to try turning that around so it's blowing air into the CPU
fan area, and let the PSU and back fan pull it out.
Thanks for the reply!
 >> Stay informed about: temps and overheating at low load 

something is holding the heat in, take off the side cover and run some
games.
See what happens.
<mechphisto.DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:dbeb43bf-4224-46b0-b6a5-37a7fd4c8389@i3g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
>I built a new system for a friend recently, with an Athalon 64 x2
> 6000+ and GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 mobo.
> The system locks up and crashes when playing any game--including MSN
> Web games!
>
> From a cold boot the BIOS temps show both "system" and "CPU" at around
> 37C.
> But once it boots into WindowsXP, simply sitting at rest, I get these
> temps from Speedfan:
>
> Temp1: 44
> Temp2: 65
> Temp3: 55
> Core: 58
>
> When I reboot and go into BIOS, I see the CPU temp around 58 and
> dropping quickly until it sits around 42. The system temp is around
> 45.
>
> After I built the system, I ran the Knoppix RAM test for 24 hours, and
> rebooted into BIOS, and the system and CPU temps were both only in the
> high 30's. The resting video card temp sits around 38C.
>
> So, any advice? Those seem like awfully high Speedfan at-rest temps! I
> used the thermal paste patch that came with the stock fan with the
> CPU. I could scrape it off and use Arctic Frost, and maybe a new
> fan...but I'd hate to dick around with the CPU again if I can help it.
> But I seriously doubt there's an alternative.
>
> Any suggestions?
> Thanks!
> -Liam
 >> Stay informed about: temps and overheating at low load 

On Dec 21, 2:55 pm, "RobV" <r....TakeThisOut@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
> mechphi....TakeThisOut@gmail.com wrote:
> > I built a new system for a friend recently, with an Athalon 64 x2
> > 6000+ and GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 mobo.
> > The system locks up and crashes when playing any game--including MSN
> > Web games!
>
> > From a cold boot the BIOS temps show both "system" and "CPU" at around
> > 37C.
> > But once it boots into WindowsXP, simply sitting at rest, I get these
> > temps from Speedfan:
>
> > Temp1: 44
> > Temp2: 65
> > Temp3: 55
> > Core: 58
>
> > When I reboot and go into BIOS, I see the CPU temp around 58 and
> > dropping quickly until it sits around 42. The system temp is around
> > 45.
>
> > After I built the system, I ran the Knoppix RAM test for 24 hours, and
> > rebooted into BIOS, and the system and CPU temps were both only in the
> > high 30's. The resting video card temp sits around 38C.
>
> > So, any advice? Those seem like awfully high Speedfan at-rest temps! I
> > used the thermal paste patch that came with the stock fan with the
> > CPU. I could scrape it off and use Arctic Frost, and maybe a new
> > fan...but I'd hate to dick around with the CPU again if I can help it.
> > But I seriously doubt there's an alternative.
>
> > Any suggestions?
> > Thanks!
> > -Liam
>
> I hate to say it, but the symptoms are exactly what I would expect if
> the CPU heatsink/fan was not mounted correctly/had no compound. This
> happened a lot when the AMD Tbred CPU was popular a few years ago.
>
> I would remove and clean the Heatsink/fan, clean the CPU and use a new
> *very thin* application of heatsink compound, just on the CPU (or
> heatsink; personal preference) and mount it again, making sure it's
> tight against the CPU at all points.

Thanks for the reply and advice!
I initially just used the compound pre-applied to the bottom of the
sink. It was certainly on firmly; I had to move it around and pull to
break the connection between the sink and CPU.
I did clean both thoroughly, and then applied a VERY even and thin
layer of Arctic Silver compound, and made sure the sink was tight
against the CPU.

Now, no difference in the temps. It sits in BIOS at the high 30s, low
40s, in Windows doing nothing in the high 50s and low to mid 60s, and
doing the simplest of tasks, it heats up into the 70s and even 80.

And I trust Speedfan's temp numbers, as when I quickly reboot and get
into BIOS, it shows the CPU temp dropping from a range that matches
what Speedfan was saying.
Thanks for the reply
Liam
 >> Stay informed about: temps and overheating at low load 

On Dec 21, 3:42 pm, "RobV" <r....DeleteThis@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
> mechphi....DeleteThis@gmail.com wrote:
> > On Dec 21, 2:55 pm, "RobV" <r....DeleteThis@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
> >> mechphi....DeleteThis@gmail.com wrote:
> >>> I built a new system for a friend recently, with an Athalon 64 x2
> >>> 6000+ and GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 mobo.
> >>> The system locks up and crashes when playing any game--including MSN
> >>> Web games!
>
> >>> From a cold boot the BIOS temps show both "system" and "CPU" at
> >>> around 37C.
> >>> But once it boots into WindowsXP, simply sitting at rest, I get
> >>> these temps from Speedfan:
>
> >>> Temp1: 44
> >>> Temp2: 65
> >>> Temp3: 55
> >>> Core: 58
>
> >>> When I reboot and go into BIOS, I see the CPU temp around 58 and
> >>> dropping quickly until it sits around 42. The system temp is around
> >>> 45.
>
> >>> After I built the system, I ran the Knoppix RAM test for 24 hours,
> >>> and rebooted into BIOS, and the system and CPU temps were both only
> >>> in the high 30's. The resting video card temp sits around 38C.
>
> >>> So, any advice? Those seem like awfully high Speedfan at-rest
> >>> temps! I used the thermal paste patch that came with the stock fan
> >>> with the CPU. I could scrape it off and use Arctic Frost, and maybe
> >>> a new fan...but I'd hate to dick around with the CPU again if I can
> >>> help it. But I seriously doubt there's an alternative.
>
> >>> Any suggestions?
> >>> Thanks!
> >>> -Liam
>
> >> I hate to say it, but the symptoms are exactly what I would expect if
> >> the CPU heatsink/fan was not mounted correctly/had no compound. This
> >> happened a lot when the AMD Tbred CPU was popular a few years ago.
>
> >> I would remove and clean the Heatsink/fan, clean the CPU and use a
> >> new *very thin* application of heatsink compound, just on the CPU (or
> >> heatsink; personal preference) and mount it again, making sure it's
> >> tight against the CPU at all points.
>
> > Thanks for the reply and advice!
> > I initially just used the compound pre-applied to the bottom of the
> > sink. It was certainly on firmly; I had to move it around and pull to
> > break the connection between the sink and CPU.
> > I did clean both thoroughly, and then applied a VERY even and thin
> > layer of Arctic Silver compound, and made sure the sink was tight
> > against the CPU.
>
> > Now, no difference in the temps. It sits in BIOS at the high 30s, low
> > 40s, in Windows doing nothing in the high 50s and low to mid 60s, and
> > doing the simplest of tasks, it heats up into the 70s and even 80.
>
> > And I trust Speedfan's temp numbers, as when I quickly reboot and get
> > into BIOS, it shows the CPU temp dropping from a range that matches
> > what Speedfan was saying.
> > Thanks for the reply
> > Liam
>
> I don't know what else to tell you. Speed Fan is good about getting the
> correct temps. When the temp gets up to 70s and more, does the heatsink
> feel really hot to touch (it should)? Trying to confirm if it's really
> that hot, or just an error in the MB/BIOS. If it's really that hot, the
> only three things that I know can cause it are over voltage to the CPU,
> bad mount of HS/F, possibly a bad CPU (not very likely, but you never
> know; it is possible).

Thanks for replying.
Yeah, the copper CPU heatsink is hot. When the BIOS temps say it's
around 30-40, I can keep my finger on it. When Speedfan says it's
65-80, I can barely touch it for more than a second or two.

But the thing I just found out, I think the "Temp1-3" sensors on
Speedfan aren;t for the CPU, but other board processors. I tried
touching the aluminum(?) heatsinks on the other largish chips on the
mobo (they don't have fans) and they're absolutely burning to the
touch.
I think the "Core" temp in SPeedfan is the CPU, and it doesn't get
much above 58. The one getting above 70s and to 80 must be that
largish chip sitting right above the videocard slot. I'm going to try
to get a fan on it, but it's so close to the vidcar, I doubt it will
fit! =(

Thanks for the advice!
Liam
 >> Stay informed about: temps and overheating at low load 

mechphisto.TakeThisOut@gmail.com wrote:
> I built a new system for a friend recently, with an Athalon 64 x2
> 6000+ and GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 mobo.
> The system locks up and crashes when playing any game--including MSN
> Web games!
>
> From a cold boot the BIOS temps show both "system" and "CPU" at around
> 37C.
> But once it boots into WindowsXP, simply sitting at rest, I get these
> temps from Speedfan:
>
> Temp1: 44
> Temp2: 65
> Temp3: 55
> Core: 58
>
> When I reboot and go into BIOS, I see the CPU temp around 58 and
> dropping quickly until it sits around 42. The system temp is around
> 45.
>
> After I built the system, I ran the Knoppix RAM test for 24 hours, and
> rebooted into BIOS, and the system and CPU temps were both only in the
> high 30's. The resting video card temp sits around 38C.
>
> So, any advice? Those seem like awfully high Speedfan at-rest temps! I
> used the thermal paste patch that came with the stock fan with the
> CPU. I could scrape it off and use Arctic Frost, and maybe a new
> fan...but I'd hate to dick around with the CPU again if I can help it.
> But I seriously doubt there's an alternative.
>
> Any suggestions?
> Thanks!
> -Liam

I hate to say it, but the symptoms are exactly what I would expect if
the CPU heatsink/fan was not mounted correctly/had no compound. This
happened a lot when the AMD Tbred CPU was popular a few years ago.

I would remove and clean the Heatsink/fan, clean the CPU and use a new
*very thin* application of heatsink compound, just on the CPU (or
heatsink; personal preference) and mount it again, making sure it's
tight against the CPU at all points.
 >> Stay informed about: temps and overheating at low load 

mechphisto.TakeThisOut@gmail.com wrote:
> On Dec 21, 2:55 pm, "RobV" <r....TakeThisOut@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
>> mechphi....TakeThisOut@gmail.com wrote:
>>> I built a new system for a friend recently, with an Athalon 64 x2
>>> 6000+ and GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 mobo.
>>> The system locks up and crashes when playing any game--including MSN
>>> Web games!
>>
>>> From a cold boot the BIOS temps show both "system" and "CPU" at
>>> around 37C.
>>> But once it boots into WindowsXP, simply sitting at rest, I get
>>> these temps from Speedfan:
>>
>>> Temp1: 44
>>> Temp2: 65
>>> Temp3: 55
>>> Core: 58
>>
>>> When I reboot and go into BIOS, I see the CPU temp around 58 and
>>> dropping quickly until it sits around 42. The system temp is around
>>> 45.
>>
>>> After I built the system, I ran the Knoppix RAM test for 24 hours,
>>> and rebooted into BIOS, and the system and CPU temps were both only
>>> in the high 30's. The resting video card temp sits around 38C.
>>
>>> So, any advice? Those seem like awfully high Speedfan at-rest
>>> temps! I used the thermal paste patch that came with the stock fan
>>> with the CPU. I could scrape it off and use Arctic Frost, and maybe
>>> a new fan...but I'd hate to dick around with the CPU again if I can
>>> help it. But I seriously doubt there's an alternative.
>>
>>> Any suggestions?
>>> Thanks!
>>> -Liam
>>
>> I hate to say it, but the symptoms are exactly what I would expect if
>> the CPU heatsink/fan was not mounted correctly/had no compound. This
>> happened a lot when the AMD Tbred CPU was popular a few years ago.
>>
>> I would remove and clean the Heatsink/fan, clean the CPU and use a
>> new *very thin* application of heatsink compound, just on the CPU (or
>> heatsink; personal preference) and mount it again, making sure it's
>> tight against the CPU at all points.
>
> Thanks for the reply and advice!
> I initially just used the compound pre-applied to the bottom of the
> sink. It was certainly on firmly; I had to move it around and pull to
> break the connection between the sink and CPU.
> I did clean both thoroughly, and then applied a VERY even and thin
> layer of Arctic Silver compound, and made sure the sink was tight
> against the CPU.
>
> Now, no difference in the temps. It sits in BIOS at the high 30s, low
> 40s, in Windows doing nothing in the high 50s and low to mid 60s, and
> doing the simplest of tasks, it heats up into the 70s and even 80.
>
> And I trust Speedfan's temp numbers, as when I quickly reboot and get
> into BIOS, it shows the CPU temp dropping from a range that matches
> what Speedfan was saying.
> Thanks for the reply
> Liam

I don't know what else to tell you. Speed Fan is good about getting the
correct temps. When the temp gets up to 70s and more, does the heatsink
feel really hot to touch (it should)? Trying to confirm if it's really
that hot, or just an error in the MB/BIOS. If it's really that hot, the
only three things that I know can cause it are over voltage to the CPU,
bad mount of HS/F, possibly a bad CPU (not very likely, but you never
know; it is possible).
 >> Stay informed about: temps and overheating at low load 

mechphisto DeleteThis @gmail.com wrote:
> On Dec 21, 3:42 pm, "RobV" <r... DeleteThis @nowhere.invalid> wrote:
>> mechphi... DeleteThis @gmail.com wrote:
>>> On Dec 21, 2:55 pm, "RobV" <r... DeleteThis @nowhere.invalid> wrote:
>>>> mechphi... DeleteThis @gmail.com wrote:
>>>>> I built a new system for a friend recently, with an Athalon 64 x2
>>>>> 6000+ and GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 mobo.
>>>>> The system locks up and crashes when playing any game--including MSN
>>>>> Web games!
>>>>> From a cold boot the BIOS temps show both "system" and "CPU" at
>>>>> around 37C.
>>>>> But once it boots into WindowsXP, simply sitting at rest, I get
>>>>> these temps from Speedfan:
>>>>> Temp1: 44
>>>>> Temp2: 65
>>>>> Temp3: 55
>>>>> Core: 58
>>>>> When I reboot and go into BIOS, I see the CPU temp around 58 and
>>>>> dropping quickly until it sits around 42. The system temp is around
>>>>> 45.
>>>>> After I built the system, I ran the Knoppix RAM test for 24 hours,
>>>>> and rebooted into BIOS, and the system and CPU temps were both only
>>>>> in the high 30's. The resting video card temp sits around 38C.
>>>>> So, any advice? Those seem like awfully high Speedfan at-rest
>>>>> temps! I used the thermal paste patch that came with the stock fan
>>>>> with the CPU. I could scrape it off and use Arctic Frost, and maybe
>>>>> a new fan...but I'd hate to dick around with the CPU again if I can
>>>>> help it. But I seriously doubt there's an alternative.
>>>>> Any suggestions?
>>>>> Thanks!
>>>>> -Liam
>>>> I hate to say it, but the symptoms are exactly what I would expect if
>>>> the CPU heatsink/fan was not mounted correctly/had no compound. This
>>>> happened a lot when the AMD Tbred CPU was popular a few years ago.
>>>> I would remove and clean the Heatsink/fan, clean the CPU and use a
>>>> new *very thin* application of heatsink compound, just on the CPU (or
>>>> heatsink; personal preference) and mount it again, making sure it's
>>>> tight against the CPU at all points.
>>> Thanks for the reply and advice!
>>> I initially just used the compound pre-applied to the bottom of the
>>> sink. It was certainly on firmly; I had to move it around and pull to
>>> break the connection between the sink and CPU.
>>> I did clean both thoroughly, and then applied a VERY even and thin
>>> layer of Arctic Silver compound, and made sure the sink was tight
>>> against the CPU.
>>> Now, no difference in the temps. It sits in BIOS at the high 30s, low
>>> 40s, in Windows doing nothing in the high 50s and low to mid 60s, and
>>> doing the simplest of tasks, it heats up into the 70s and even 80.
>>> And I trust Speedfan's temp numbers, as when I quickly reboot and get
>>> into BIOS, it shows the CPU temp dropping from a range that matches
>>> what Speedfan was saying.
>>> Thanks for the reply
>>> Liam
>> I don't know what else to tell you. Speed Fan is good about getting the
>> correct temps. When the temp gets up to 70s and more, does the heatsink
>> feel really hot to touch (it should)? Trying to confirm if it's really
>> that hot, or just an error in the MB/BIOS. If it's really that hot, the
>> only three things that I know can cause it are over voltage to the CPU,
>> bad mount of HS/F, possibly a bad CPU (not very likely, but you never
>> know; it is possible).
>
> Thanks for replying.
> Yeah, the copper CPU heatsink is hot. When the BIOS temps say it's
> around 30-40, I can keep my finger on it. When Speedfan says it's
> 65-80, I can barely touch it for more than a second or two.
>
> But the thing I just found out, I think the "Temp1-3" sensors on
> Speedfan aren;t for the CPU, but other board processors. I tried
> touching the aluminum(?) heatsinks on the other largish chips on the
> mobo (they don't have fans) and they're absolutely burning to the
> touch.
> I think the "Core" temp in SPeedfan is the CPU, and it doesn't get
> much above 58. The one getting above 70s and to 80 must be that
> largish chip sitting right above the videocard slot. I'm going to try
> to get a fan on it, but it's so close to the vidcar, I doubt it will
> fit! =(
>
> Thanks for the advice!
> Liam

A surface temp of 60C to 65C is uncomfortable for more than about
2 seconds or so. You can use that to guess at the surface temp of
the heatsink. The chip underneath it could be 25 to 35C hotter than
that.

I'd mount a fan to give a heatsink that burns me, more cooling air.
Even on some older computers, I'd had to lodge an extra fan here or
there. On my current video card, I installed a fan next to it, not
because the video cards own fan wasn't working, but because there was
a burning hot component that did not receive any cooling. With a
fan mounted next to it, the component is no longer burning hot. You
can use your best judgment as to where and how many fans to use.

For your CPU and heatsink, it sounds like perhaps the fan is not
spinning at full speed. There are a number of possibilities
as to why that might be:

1) You're using SpeedFan. Is the CPU speed under Speedfan control ?

2) The motherboard has a four pin header. Chances are, it implements
fan control via the PWM pin. The 12V pin should deliver
the full 12V if that is the case. If the BIOS shows more than one
control method, select a BIOS setting that uses the fourth PWM pin
if possible. (Or, disable fan control, so the fan will run at full
speed.) So see if the BIOS has a hand in this.

3) Some fans sense the computer case air temp, and the fan blade
speeds up if the case air temp increases. For a fan like that,
without modification, it can be hard to get more speed out of it.
One hack for that, is to short out the thermistor inside the fan hub,
which forces the fan to run at full speed all the time. Once that
is done, you can use some other method (like Speedfan or a BIOS
function) and take control of the fan via PWM. At least, in an
Intel description, they say the thermistor is in control if PWM
is not operating, while if PWM pulses are sent, the PWM controls
things. I'm not aware of AMD making a description of their fan
operation available for public consumption, so I don't know what
features it has got.

You could try running the CPU fan off a Molex disk drive power
connector, but what you would need in that case, is to connect
the tacho signal to the CPU fan header. The BIOS wants to see a
fan RPM pulse on the tacho wire, in order to allow the system
to continue running. Some boards shut off if the fan is
disconnected entirely. Seeing tacho pulses is enough to keep
it going. In a pinch, you can even connect a three wire case
fan to the CPU header, to fool it into accepting the pulses
from a case fan. Not too many case fans have the third wire
(at least the ones I own don't have it).

Maybe you can just hold a spare 80mm or 120mm fan close to the
CPU, while you run a few experiments. If the air from a fan
like that is seriously dropping the temp, then you know that is
what needs to be fixed.

Paul
 >> Stay informed about: temps and overheating at low load 

Having read thru the multitude of posts the only info missing is the case
you are using.
From my experience and judging by your symptons you do not have a sufficient
supply of cool air blowing across the CPU heatsink..The side fan can be
reversed to blow cool air in.and see if that helps...and it might providing
the back exhaust fan is not so powerfull that it sucks the cool air out
before it can reach the CPU Cooling..so you need to look at the CFM of both
fans ..the side fan should be slightly stronger than the back exhaust.
The speed of the CPU fan can be regulated usually in the BIOS...maybe you
have it set at 50%...I usually let the BIOS run the CPU fan at 100% all the
time....or its a 3 pin fan on a 4pin plug????

Having said all of that I would seriously consider a new better ventilated
case one that has a 120mm front intake as well as a rear 120mm exhaust.I
would also be looking at changing the CPU heatsink and fan....these people
make great inexpensive coolers
Its xmas buy yourself a present!!
http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_page/product_cpu_cooler.html

http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=9&name=Computer-Cases

peter


<mechphisto.RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:ab0e0beb-ba83-4a73-951c-9d878673d1e3@21g2000hsj.googlegroups.com...
> On Dec 21, 3:42 pm, "RobV" <r....RemoveThis@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
>> mechphi....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
>> > On Dec 21, 2:55 pm, "RobV" <r....RemoveThis@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
>> >> mechphi....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
>> >>> I built a new system for a friend recently, with an Athalon 64 x2
>> >>> 6000+ and GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 mobo.
>> >>> The system locks up and crashes when playing any game--including MSN
>> >>> Web games!
>>
>> >>> From a cold boot the BIOS temps show both "system" and "CPU" at
>> >>> around 37C.
>> >>> But once it boots into WindowsXP, simply sitting at rest, I get
>> >>> these temps from Speedfan:
>>
>> >>> Temp1: 44
>> >>> Temp2: 65
>> >>> Temp3: 55
>> >>> Core: 58
>>
>> >>> When I reboot and go into BIOS, I see the CPU temp around 58 and
>> >>> dropping quickly until it sits around 42. The system temp is around
>> >>> 45.
>>
>> >>> After I built the system, I ran the Knoppix RAM test for 24 hours,
>> >>> and rebooted into BIOS, and the system and CPU temps were both only
>> >>> in the high 30's. The resting video card temp sits around 38C.
>>
>> >>> So, any advice? Those seem like awfully high Speedfan at-rest
>> >>> temps! I used the thermal paste patch that came with the stock fan
>> >>> with the CPU. I could scrape it off and use Arctic Frost, and maybe
>> >>> a new fan...but I'd hate to dick around with the CPU again if I can
>> >>> help it. But I seriously doubt there's an alternative.
>>
>> >>> Any suggestions?
>> >>> Thanks!
>> >>> -Liam
>>
>> >> I hate to say it, but the symptoms are exactly what I would expect if
>> >> the CPU heatsink/fan was not mounted correctly/had no compound. This
>> >> happened a lot when the AMD Tbred CPU was popular a few years ago.
>>
>> >> I would remove and clean the Heatsink/fan, clean the CPU and use a
>> >> new *very thin* application of heatsink compound, just on the CPU (or
>> >> heatsink; personal preference) and mount it again, making sure it's
>> >> tight against the CPU at all points.
>>
>> > Thanks for the reply and advice!
>> > I initially just used the compound pre-applied to the bottom of the
>> > sink. It was certainly on firmly; I had to move it around and pull to
>> > break the connection between the sink and CPU.
>> > I did clean both thoroughly, and then applied a VERY even and thin
>> > layer of Arctic Silver compound, and made sure the sink was tight
>> > against the CPU.
>>
>> > Now, no difference in the temps. It sits in BIOS at the high 30s, low
>> > 40s, in Windows doing nothing in the high 50s and low to mid 60s, and
>> > doing the simplest of tasks, it heats up into the 70s and even 80.
>>
>> > And I trust Speedfan's temp numbers, as when I quickly reboot and get
>> > into BIOS, it shows the CPU temp dropping from a range that matches
>> > what Speedfan was saying.
>> > Thanks for the reply
>> > Liam
>>
>> I don't know what else to tell you. Speed Fan is good about getting the
>> correct temps. When the temp gets up to 70s and more, does the heatsink
>> feel really hot to touch (it should)? Trying to confirm if it's really
>> that hot, or just an error in the MB/BIOS. If it's really that hot, the
>> only three things that I know can cause it are over voltage to the CPU,
>> bad mount of HS/F, possibly a bad CPU (not very likely, but you never
>> know; it is possible).
>
> Thanks for replying.
> Yeah, the copper CPU heatsink is hot. When the BIOS temps say it's
> around 30-40, I can keep my finger on it. When Speedfan says it's
> 65-80, I can barely touch it for more than a second or two.
>
> But the thing I just found out, I think the "Temp1-3" sensors on
> Speedfan aren;t for the CPU, but other board processors. I tried
> touching the aluminum(?) heatsinks on the other largish chips on the
> mobo (they don't have fans) and they're absolutely burning to the
> touch.
> I think the "Core" temp in SPeedfan is the CPU, and it doesn't get
> much above 58. The one getting above 70s and to 80 must be that
> largish chip sitting right above the videocard slot. I'm going to try
> to get a fan on it, but it's so close to the vidcar, I doubt it will
> fit! =(
>
> Thanks for the advice!
> Liam
 >> Stay informed about: temps and overheating at low load 

On Dec 21, 8:48 pm, "peter" <pet....RemoveThis@nowhere.net> wrote:
> Having read thru the multitude of posts the only info missing is the case
> you are using.
> From my experience and judging by your symptons you do not have a sufficient
> supply of cool air blowing across the CPU heatsink..The side fan can be
> reversed to blow cool air in.and see if that helps...and it might providing
> the back exhaust fan is not so powerfull that it sucks the cool air out
> before it can reach the CPU Cooling..so you need to look at the CFM of both
> fans ..the side fan should be slightly stronger than the back exhaust.
> The speed of the CPU fan can be regulated usually in the BIOS...maybe you
> have it set at 50%...I usually let the BIOS run the CPU fan at 100% all the
> time....or its a 3 pin fan on a 4pin plug????
>
> Having said all of that I would seriously consider a new better ventilated
> case one that has a 120mm front intake as well as a rear 120mm exhaust.I
> would also be looking at changing the CPU heatsink and fan....these people
> make great inexpensive coolers
> Its xmas buy yourself a present!!http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_page/product_cpu_coole...
>
> http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=9&name=Computer-Cases
>
> peter
>
> <mechphi....RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:ab0e0beb-ba83-4a73-951c-9d878673d1e3@21g2000hsj.googlegroups.com...
>
> > On Dec 21, 3:42 pm, "RobV" <r....RemoveThis@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
> >> mechphi....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
> >> > On Dec 21, 2:55 pm, "RobV" <r....RemoveThis@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
> >> >> mechphi....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
> >> >>> I built a new system for a friend recently, with an Athalon 64 x2
> >> >>> 6000+ and GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 mobo.
> >> >>> The system locks up and crashes when playing any game--including MSN
> >> >>> Web games!
>
> >> >>> From a cold boot the BIOS temps show both "system" and "CPU" at
> >> >>> around 37C.
> >> >>> But once it boots into WindowsXP, simply sitting at rest, I get
> >> >>> these temps from Speedfan:
>
> >> >>> Temp1: 44
> >> >>> Temp2: 65
> >> >>> Temp3: 55
> >> >>> Core: 58
>
> >> >>> When I reboot and go into BIOS, I see the CPU temp around 58 and
> >> >>> dropping quickly until it sits around 42. The system temp is around
> >> >>> 45.
>
> >> >>> After I built the system, I ran the Knoppix RAM test for 24 hours,
> >> >>> and rebooted into BIOS, and the system and CPU temps were both only
> >> >>> in the high 30's. The resting video card temp sits around 38C.
>
> >> >>> So, any advice? Those seem like awfully high Speedfan at-rest
> >> >>> temps! I used the thermal paste patch that came with the stock fan
> >> >>> with the CPU. I could scrape it off and use Arctic Frost, and maybe
> >> >>> a new fan...but I'd hate to dick around with the CPU again if I can
> >> >>> help it. But I seriously doubt there's an alternative.
>
> >> >>> Any suggestions?
> >> >>> Thanks!
> >> >>> -Liam
>
> >> >> I hate to say it, but the symptoms are exactly what I would expect if
> >> >> the CPU heatsink/fan was not mounted correctly/had no compound. This
> >> >> happened a lot when the AMD Tbred CPU was popular a few years ago.
>
> >> >> I would remove and clean the Heatsink/fan, clean the CPU and use a
> >> >> new *very thin* application of heatsink compound, just on the CPU (or
> >> >> heatsink; personal preference) and mount it again, making sure it's
> >> >> tight against the CPU at all points.
>
> >> > Thanks for the reply and advice!
> >> > I initially just used the compound pre-applied to the bottom of the
> >> > sink. It was certainly on firmly; I had to move it around and pull to
> >> > break the connection between the sink and CPU.
> >> > I did clean both thoroughly, and then applied a VERY even and thin
> >> > layer of Arctic Silver compound, and made sure the sink was tight
> >> > against the CPU.
>
> >> > Now, no difference in the temps. It sits in BIOS at the high 30s, low
> >> > 40s, in Windows doing nothing in the high 50s and low to mid 60s, and
> >> > doing the simplest of tasks, it heats up into the 70s and even 80.
>
> >> > And I trust Speedfan's temp numbers, as when I quickly reboot and get
> >> > into BIOS, it shows the CPU temp dropping from a range that matches
> >> > what Speedfan was saying.
> >> > Thanks for the reply
> >> > Liam
>
> >> I don't know what else to tell you. Speed Fan is good about getting the
> >> correct temps. When the temp gets up to 70s and more, does the heatsink
> >> feel really hot to touch (it should)? Trying to confirm if it's really
> >> that hot, or just an error in the MB/BIOS. If it's really that hot, the
> >> only three things that I know can cause it are over voltage to the CPU,
> >> bad mount of HS/F, possibly a bad CPU (not very likely, but you never
> >> know; it is possible).
>
> > Thanks for replying.
> > Yeah, the copper CPU heatsink is hot. When the BIOS temps say it's
> > around 30-40, I can keep my finger on it. When Speedfan says it's
> > 65-80, I can barely touch it for more than a second or two.
>
> > But the thing I just found out, I think the "Temp1-3" sensors on
> > Speedfan aren;t for the CPU, but other board processors. I tried
> > touching the aluminum(?) heatsinks on the other largish chips on the
> > mobo (they don't have fans) and they're absolutely burning to the
> > touch.
> > I think the "Core" temp in SPeedfan is the CPU, and it doesn't get
> > much above 58. The one getting above 70s and to 80 must be that
> > largish chip sitting right above the videocard slot. I'm going to try
> > to get a fan on it, but it's so close to the vidcar, I doubt it will
> > fit! =(
>
> > Thanks for the advice!
> > Liam

Thanks for the suggestions!
Yeah, the case is not good. Not only is there no front intake fan, but
there's not even a front grill.
Well, there's a thin opening at the front bottom where air can be
pulled in from...but there's a LOT more open holes in the back of the
case that would be the path of least resistance.
What I did was remove the side fan and attach it to the 2nd back fan
position and cover over the side hole.
So I have three fans, including PSU, at the rear pulling air from the
front.

However, it seems the problem isn't the CPU at all. (Although a better
fan on that can never hurt.)
It appears to be the North and Southbridge chips. They're the ones
that have the temp sensors heading into the 80's and even 90's.
They're burning hot to the touch; so much that I really think they
could start a fire if anything flammable touched them--so it's not a
sensor malfunction.

I bought him a 40mm fan that I planned to screw into the Northbridge
sink, but just resting the fan on the sink appears not to make any
difference to its temp.
So...climax of this story: Before I go and damage his heat sinks by
moding a fan into them, the mobo's new enough that he's going to just
RMA it for a new board. This was a Giga-something. I've always had
excellent experiences with MSI and especially Epox, so I recommended
that he read some Newegg reviews on a few and exchange it. I just
think there's no hope for thi board.

Thanks for the replies, all!
-Liam
 >> Stay informed about: temps and overheating at low load