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Core i7 920 - Running too hot under load!?

SuperCat

SuperCat

SuperCat

Associate
Joined
1 Jan 2009
Posts
15
Hi guys,

Just stress testing my new i7 rig and wondering if you could tell me if these temps are anything to worry about: Using Stock cooler with 920 (not overclocked), idle temp is 30-40c. Running Prime95 however it shoots upto 75-80c.

Am I damaging the CPU at this temp? I wasn't planning to buying a third party cooler as I won't Overclock but I'm concerned they're too high? Prime95 has been running overnight for 8 hours so far without any crashes or system lock ups.
 
I would recommend trying to re-seat the CPU cooler as that increase in temp is quick high at stock.
 
Are all voltages at default?

As long as it's stable and the thermal throttling isn't kicking in under load then I would say it's okay, but check the HSF is seated properly just in case.

I'm not sure what the deal is with i7's they seem to have a ridiculously high temp sensor readout, whether that's just to scare people into not overclocking I don't know since they seem to be perfectly stable at temps over 90C strangely.
 
I've re-seated the CPU, and the temps are more of less the same (a few c higher according to Real Temp, lower according to Asus monitor).

All the voltages are on auto/default, not changed anything in the BIOS. How would I know if thermal throttling is happening? I'm wondering how long I should run Prime95 for to ensure system stability.
 
Just run Prime95 and open a CPU-Z, the thermal protection will drop your CPU multiplier down.

What memory are you using? is it 1.5-1.65V DDR3 and not the old stuff?
 
It's at the top end of being OK, it will throttle down above 95. Mine runs full load at about 70 using an Akasa Nero HSF, but on the stock HSF it ran about 80-85 depending on room temp. Mine's at 3.6GHz and 1.28V.
 
It's probably fine then mate.

Most modern day GPU's run at over 100C so as long as it's stable I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

Core i7 seems to be more tolerant to high temperatures than previous CPU's, we just aren't used to seeing CPU's go that high so we panic. :p
 
I'll try that then. Thanks.

I'm reluctant to buy a third party cooler as I don't plan to OC, but as the same time I don't want to damage the CPU.

desktopbr0.jpg
 
It's OK at that. You might want to consider a 3rd party HSF for the noise reduction, stock fan makes a racket running flat out (at least mine did). Also, in 6 months time when we're all sweltering in a summer heat wave, those temps will be much higher. Then again, summer might be cr*p.
 
That's perfectly normal. Those are pretty much safe temps for i7.

If you are not bothered about overclocking then why bother stressing it with Prime? No program used for everyday use (except perhaps folding@home) will stress your cpu to such an extent that you will get those temps anyway.

Enjoy your setup.
 
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