One core running hot?

Rikk82

Rikk82

Rikk82

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Joined
14 Oct 2008
Posts
262
Location
Brighton
Hi there, long time lurker, and first post on these wonderful forums.

I have a couple of questions on a build I made last week after downloading Core Temps and CPU-Z. Firstly a few relevant specs:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45
GeIL 4GB (2x2GB) PC2-8500C5 1066MHz Black Dragon EVO ONE
Noctua NH-U12P CPU Cooler w/supplied Noctua fan

Looking at my temperatures on core temp, it's showing core#0 as ~6-10 degrees hotter than the other 3 cores. Is this normal for quads? If not, what can be done? Do you think it would be a good idea to reapply the TIM? I used AS5, and am I little worried about removing the HSF and getting some on my mobo or anywhere else since it's conductive.

The other thing was regarding speed. My CPU should be running at 2.83GHz @stock right? Well my mobo has everything set to auto, yet is only running at 2GHz. What's even more weird is that every 45-60 seconds it 'flicks' from 6 multiplier, to 8.5 multiplier for a couple of seconds before reverting for another minute at x6. What is causing this and how would I fix it?

I've had a dabble at manually setting the FSB and mulipliers in the BIOS, but it didn't seem to make any difference.

Any advise is appreciated.



 
Hi and welcome to the forum. Its pretty normal for a bit of difference between the cores on a quad (about 6'c on mine between few of the cores) you could try reseating the cooler but it may be down to an uneven cpu surface or the base of the cooler. As regard to your speed and multi dropping this will be intel's speedstep and c1e, which drop the speed of the cpu to save power when the system is idle:)
 
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Like setter mentioned it's normal to have a temperature spread accross the cores my q6600 did.
Speedstep can be disabled if required you will need to look for C1E & EIST in BIOS and disable.
 
As they said thats the reason you can lap the cooler this could well help but it might be the cpu surface thats uneven
 
You're certainly not the only one with this, its usual, and my first core runs 10c hotter than my other cores most of the time. Annoying, but what can ya do!
 
Because the copper ontop of the processor could be a MM or more thicker above that one core. Generally they will stay in the same heat range as each other.

I.E. 48-46 and 52 - 49 because it's two dual cores but if the material depth is quite different between the two cores on one set then you'll still get big differences.

One of my friends was getting 3 almost the exact same and one about 6-7 degrees hotter until he lapped the CPU.
 
My first core usually runs a few C's hotter than the rest, would go something like 36,33,32,31.

Underload though they even up to something like 55,55,52,52 - that was after i lapped my CPU though - as others have said its normal and small indifferences of the IHS that causes it
 
OK, cheers guys.
I've had a quick read up of the lapping procedure. It doesn't look that difficult, just requires a lot of elbow grease (and patience), so I might give it a go. :D

Couple of things really. When removing the heat sink, will the TIM be in a runny/liquidy state, or solid?
I've checked out Arctic Silvers instructions, and this time I will remember to spread the paste in a straight line across the CPU, rather than a small blob in the middle.

Where's the best place to purchase lapping paper? OcUK don't seem to stock any, unless I'm looking in the wrong place, or can you just use any old paper from DIY stores ensuring that the grain is right?
 
Rikk82 said:
OK, cheers guys.
I've had a quick read up of the lapping procedure. It doesn't look that difficult, just requires a lot of elbow grease (and patience), so I might give it a go. :D

Couple of things really. When removing the heat sink, will the TIM be in a runny/liquidy state, or solid?
I've checked out Arctic Silvers instructions, and this time I will remember to spread the paste in a straight line across the CPU, rather than a small blob in the middle.

Where's the best place to purchase lapping paper? OcUK don't seem to stock any, unless I'm looking in the wrong place, or can you just use any old paper from DIY stores ensuring that the grain is right?
Click to expand...
The thermal paste wont be runny (feels like smudged toffee lol) you can remove it with isopropyl alcohol. As for the sandpaper required for lapping, if you google "premium lapping kit" or alternatively it can be picked up in halfords (wet or dry grit paper) grades 400, 600, 800, 1200 and 1500. Also bear in mind that lapping will void the warranty on your cpu. I suggest reapplying the paste and reseating your cooler before resorting to lapping.:)
 
Would not consider your temp variance a problem - lapping could well be a major problem.

As already mentioned - bang goes your warranty if you lap. :(

Would agree with setter's suggestion.

But before doing that :-

1.Download RealTemp and run - see if you get same /similar results (btw with my q9550 realtemp shows 5c less on all cores than core temp.) It probably is a waste of time but a double check does not go amiss.

2.Test temps when running under load - the temp differences do ,often, even out.

3. Give it a bit of time to settle - I found that with both an E8400 and a Q9550 that the temp differences between cores appeared to reduce , a little, over time.
 
PaulyD said:
Did you do your Heatsink as well?
Click to expand...

Nope fitted a new heatsink which had a mirror finish already so no need.
lapping didnt even out the cores on my CPU, which i was hoping for.
I sent a email to intel answer is below.

Hello Scott,
>
> Thank you for contacting Intel(R) Customer Support.
>
> I understand you are looking for information on the operating temperature of the Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q9550.
>
> The maximum operating temperature of the Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q9550 is 71.4 degrees Celsius. As long as the processor is operating under this temperature it is operating within specifications. We do not have a normal operating temperature for the processor as this temperature will vary depending on the chassis and other hardware installed on the system as well as the actual load the software is placing on the processor.
>
> You may verify the thermal information for this processor here:
> http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLB8V
>
> There is always going to be a 10-to-15-degree difference between cores because there is a main core, which is going to have the constant load of the system (even when this is at idle conditions) and a secondary core that the motherboard and the operating system would determine when to function.
> So the behavior that you are describing is considered as a normal behavior.
>
> I would recommend updating the system BIOS to the latest revision available.
>
> To reduce overheating you will need to use a thermally advantaged chassis. A Thermally Advantaged Chassis will help reduce overheating to a minimum. Please check the following website to identify a thermally advantaged chassis:
> http://support.intel.com/support/processors/pentium4/sb/CS-008537.htm
>
> Additional thermal information is available at the following web sites:
> http://support.intel.com/support/processors/pentium4/sb/CS-007999.htm
> http://support.intel.com/design/pentium4/guides/252161.htm
> http://support.intel.com/design/pentium4/guides/249889.htm
> http://support.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-015912.htm
> http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/res...top/proc_dsk_p4/technical_reference/99346.htm
>
> Also, high CPU utilization is almost always caused by an application or program, in many cases a virus or spy ware; therefore, make sure that your antivirus is up to date since this could end up in an overheating issue.
>
> I would also recommend running the Intel(R) Processor Identification Utility to properly identify your Intel(R) processor.
>
> The Intel(R) Processor Identification Utility was developed by Intel(R) Corporation to enable consumers the ability to identify and, in some circumstances, determine if their Intel(R) processor is operating at the correct speed intended by Intel(R) Corporation. You can download this utility at:
> http://www.intel.com/support/processors/tools/piu/
>
> Also “overclocking” is neither recommended nor supported by Intel(R).
> Information on this subject can be found at:
> http://www.intel.com/support/processors/tools/frequencyid/sb/cs-007627.htm and
> http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/cs-001614.htm
>
> By overclocking the processor the warranty will be voided since that will make the processor run out of specifications.
>
> For information on our warranty policies please visit the following websites:
> http://support.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-020033.htm
> http://cache-www.intel.com/cd/00/00/05/03/50372_50372.pdf
>
> Please do not hesitate to contact us again if you need further assistance.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Adolfo S.
> Intel(R) Customer Support
 
Great stuff, thanks Sayso. Am getting all my bits and pieces on Monday and was wondering about the max temperature that a Q9550 will handle. There's a thing in the BIOS for the Asus Rampage Formula that's a Max Temp and its default is 90 degrees as far as I remember. Will adjust that to 70 now so that the thing will shut down if it gets too toasty. :D
 
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