How can I tell if my computer is overheating?

SoapSurgeon

SoapSurgeon

SoapSurgeon

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14 Apr 2003
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Hi,

Recently I have begun to encode my DVD collection. This can take a long time so I try to leave my PC working over night. However, it freezes up some time during the night and doesnt complete the encode. I thought it could have been vista so i reinstalled XP but I still get the same problem.

I know believe that my PC is overheating but wondered if there was a way that i could prove this? Are there any applications that provide you with cpu temps so I can see what temp it was at when it stopped working.

Thanks,

Matt
 
Hi. Thanks for the replies.

I have an AMD 64 (socket 754 [or something like that]) 3200+. The reason I think it's over heating is that the DVD encoding uses 99% processor power so I guess it generates heat. However, it doesnt shut the computer down completely it just freezes, the screen is visible but i cant move the mouse etc. I'm not sure how reliable the bios temps will be because by the time ive discovered it has frozen its normally sat idle for ~7 hours!
 
hmmmm, i think its running a little hot:

temps.jpg


edit:

Temp3: 102c
Core: 103c

Is this even safe??
 
Last edited:
BAMBI said:
Its strange Ive got a 754 3000+ and the HSF was copper and quite effective. Well something is very wrong here. There is thermal paste between the CPU and Heat sink fan isnt there?
Click to expand...

Don't know its been a while since i attached it. I seem to remember there being some pink stuff already in place. The Core is now at 110c... maybe the readings arent accurate. Either way i guess this explains why leaving the side off the case didnt help much!


edit: just burnt my finger touching the heatsink... i guess it is actually hot.
 
Last edited:
BAMBI said:
I would have a look if your ehat sink is seated properly and perhaps reapply some new thremal paste.

You can always test if the readings are correct by touching your heat sink. Touch a metal part of your case and or PSU to get rid of any static first though.
Click to expand...

as edit above: I touched it and it is hot, i burnt my finger doing it. Would it get so hot if it wasnt seated properly? 115c atm.
 
ok, i thought speedfan might not be accurate so i rebooted and went into bios. It was indeed running at 106c! I noticed cpu warning wasnt on so i enabled that and now it wont boot (obviously). I don't think ive messed around with voltages etc but ill try your suggestion. Im using a gigabyte k8nspro (or something like that)
 
BAMBI said:
Reset CMOS and see what temperatures you get.
Click to expand...

I've opened her up to get a proper look and there appears to be a thick layer of dust beneath the fan... Im gonna try cleaning that up and resetting cmos to see what happens.
 
InvaderGIR said:
100oC?! Never got mine that hot, about 80 was the max, and I'd overclockerd it and was seeing what I could do! Running a 2Ghz chip at 2.5Ghz and pushing it with programs...but then I had an aftermarket cooler.

Removal of dust is always helpful, if that doens't help much toy'll need to get an aftermarket cooler.

InvG
Click to expand...

Right after i removed the dust (there was LOADS!) i discovered i had a spare heatsink/fan so i just swapped that in. It looks like its never been used. However the computer wont boot now, im guessing its to do with the cpu warning i enabled in bios so i guess i just have to wait it out.

Im putting the temps down to the fact that the fan wasnt actually shifting any air due to the huge carpet of dust... i'll let you know the results when i can turn my machine on again :P
 
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