Overheating

Skirrow

Skirrow

Skirrow

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Joined
2 Nov 2003
Posts
108
Can anyone help me with this?

I build the following PC in October:

Abit Fatality F-I90HD Aicro ATX mobo
2GB Crucial 5300 dual channel kit
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13GHZ 1066FSB
Antec NSK 4480B Mini tower case

It's all been fine as far as I am aware until yesterday when for no apparent reason it started that warning beep that you get when you are overheating.

I shut down all the running programs which stopped the beeping and started Abit EQ which showed CPU temps in the high 70s and low 80s.

Restarted PC and before it booted to windows the warning beeps started again.

Current temp is 66 degrees C, that's with a few bits int he system tray (symantec PC anywhere and SQL server express being the most notable) and 1 instance of Firefox with 1 tab open.
When I open programs it shoots up very quickly into the 70s and then drops off again but once I get a few programs running and start working it sits in the high 70s and keeps going into the 80s.

Thing is the air coming out of the case feels quite cool, marginally cooler then the air around the outside of the case.

System temp is a steady 38 degrees and PWM 41 degrees.
Fans seem to be spinning OK and it's nice and clean inside the case.

Any ideas what to try next?
 
-CPU fan not spinning properly (though im sure you've checked the RPM)
-Heatsink unseated off the CPU, possible by knocking the PC (happens).
-BIOS reading temps wrong.

Now, try and feel the CPU heatsink when it's running, if it doesn't feel hot, then BIOS is lying or it isn't seated properly (so not transfering heat).

Now i've had both happen to me, i've had BIOS say my P4 went to 100C and still boot, which is theoretically impossible.

If the heatsink is like touching hot metal, not just luke warm, then it's probably running above 60C and the BIOS is right. If thats the case, then i'm not sure, only suggestion i could think of is the fan/heatsink isn't upto the task of removing the heat properly.
 
Just noticed you didn't mention a fan, so i assume you've got the stock one that came with the processor.

Replace it,not only is the retention method crap, but the fan ain't that great either, and espeically, nor is the thermal pad that's attached to it. :)
 
V3g3tto said:
-Heatsink unseated off the CPU, possible by knocking the PC (happens).
Click to expand...

I love a simple fix! Cheers mate, you are a star!

Running in the high 30s / low 40s now I've put it back on properly. Are these temps OK? I know I should probably buy some more thermal paste and refit the heatsink (or a new one as you suggest) but if these temps are safe then I'll stick with them for now.
 
They are typical temps for the E6420. If you buy an aftermarket cooler, you will see better temps. I have my 6320 at 3.2Ghz with an Akasa Evo 120 strapped to it and it idles between 30c-36c.

Your fine and glad you got it sorted :)
 
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