Running a bit too hot

[valdai]

Hi, I recently built an entire new tower and am finding my Q6600 (OEM) running a bit too hot at stock speeds. It's currently 52 50 46 46 idle, and 86 84 74 73 under load according to coretemp.

I'm using a Tuniq tower and am getting ready to reapply the thermal paste as I'm fairly sure I didn't do a great job of that (is the paste that comes with the tower any good? Was thinking of buying Arctic Silver 5), but how thick should the layer be? I was finding it really hard to spread it properly as it was so viscous and couldn't find anything good to spread it with.

Also, with the H plate that holds it down and screws into the backplate, I simply can't screw in the fourth screw, if I do take the motherboard out then screw in the fourth one, I won't be able to use the motherboard-to-case screw in that corner. How much difference does this fourth screw make and which should I choose?

Thanks

 

[jak731]

get that 4th screw screwed in correctly, it should help a lot.

my B3 stepping q6600 runs at about your idle temps when at about 50% load

 

[reflux]

Also, with the H plate that holds it down and screws into the backplate, I simply can't screw in the fourth screw, if I do take the motherboard out then screw in the fourth one, I won't be able to use the motherboard-to-case screw in that corner. How much difference does this fourth screw make and which should I choose?

Thanks

Obviously a lot, because those idle and load temps are way too high. You should be idling mid 30s to mid 40s, and loading at no more than 60. Use it on the Tuniq. As long as you have most of the motherboard standoffs screwed in, you will be fine.

 

[valdai]

get that 4th screw screwed in correctly, it should help a lot.

Obviously a lot, because those idle and load temps are way too high. You should be idling mid 30s to mid 40s, and loading at no more than 60. Use it on the Tuniq. As long as you have most of the motherboard standoffs screwed in, you will be fine.

Wow you were definitely right, I spread the thermal paste a bit better, then put the 4th screw in and now idle is at 21 19 19 20. Under load at 27 24 25 25!
I'm ready to overclock now

Thanks for the help!

 

[bobbydigital]

See you have solved the problem now, but was just away to say I always seem to take the motherboard out of case to get the tuniq tower to screw onto the motherboard correctly and yes those temps look correct now!