Intel i3 2120 temps question

Will82 · 14 Jan 2013 at 21:29

Hey folks, I'm new to this forum and was hoping someone could reassure me about something. I just built a low budget computer comprising an i3 CPU. I'm using the stock cooler and the case I got only has one fan right now. The idle temp is around 35-37c and on 90% load it went up to 69. I'm going easy on it right now with light gaming and web browsing until I get paid and can afford a new heatsink. I have a new case fan on the way to hopefully drop the temp a few degrees but wanted to know if this is a safe level, at least for a couple of weeks? Cheers in advance.

Will82 · 14 Jan 2013 at 21:35

That's great and thanks for the quick reply. It's my first proper PC build and I've had coretemp on more or less permanently out of fear.

Will82 · 14 Jan 2013 at 21:41

So my other question would be, if I were to add another case fan and a moderately priced but well rated heatsink, would I get some decent drops?

Will82 · 14 Jan 2013 at 21:46

I'm using the Cooler Master K280. Very low budget but I've found the cable management was pretty good.

Will82 · 14 Jan 2013 at 21:59

Yeah, it can fit two more 120mm fans, one should be here in a few days and the bottom Cooler Master was one of the heatsinks I was looking at. Would I be able to fit that ok without removing the motherboard? It looks like the same fitting system as the Intel stock.

Will82 · 14 Jan 2013 at 22:04

Thanks for the advice Marine. As I said I have a new fan coming and I'll take your advice and fit it to the rear.

Will82 · 14 Jan 2013 at 22:15

Ha ha, I'll do that Marine. I can imagine that happening to certain people but I'm pretty cautious with this sort of thing and the kind of person who reads manuals, even if they're useless. Fans tend to have an arrow showing the direction of airflow anyway don't they?

Really appreciate the advice everyone. It's nice to be able to join a forum and not be shot down in flames for being a noob. I think I'll be using this one a lot.

I'll fit my new fan at the back, see how it fairs and add a new heatsink, from Overclockers of course, in a couple of weeks time. Thanks again people.

Will82 · 15 Jan 2013 at 14:21

So the fan arrived today, earlier than expected. It was fiddly as hell to fit with the rubber attachments but I figured it would help more with the noise. It's only a tiny bit louder and my idle temp has dropped to 28c from 37c so it actually made a big difference.

Will82 · 17 Jan 2013 at 01:46

Yeah, I don't think I'll bother with a side fan at all. I'll just save the cash and get a better heatsink upgrade.