Stock Heatsink for Athlon64 x2 3800+??

[nevski]

Hi

Just built a new pc using AM2 athlon64 x2 3800+ chip. Is the stock heatsink that comes with this chip good enough, or will I need to buy a better one? I am not a gamer or overclocker, I simply use my pc for surfing the net. In this case will the retail heatsink keep my cpu cool enough?

Thanks

AM2 athlon64 x2 3800+
m2n sli deluxe mobo
1GB GeIl memory
Maxtor 80GB hard drive
Asus 7300GS 256mb

 

[jaykay]

Yes it should keep the cpu cool enough.

 

[YoungBlood]

If your not overclocking the stock hs/fan will be fine. If it's a new build just watch the temps for a while to make sure all is good.

 

[nevski]

What is a good steady temperature for the cpu?

 

[jaykay]

Around 40C is alright.

 

[nevski]

Mine is running at 55-57, is that bad?

 

[jaykay]

Thats a bit to high is it secured propely.

 

[BAMBI]

Processors can take quite a beating temp wise. Most would run at 70C all their lives with no problems though obviously the cooler the better.

 

[mattyrigby00]

do you have any case fans? i have a machine with a 4200 x2 with the stock hsf and 1 80mm exhaust fan and it runs around 38-42 idle, just under 60 or so under 100% load. the stock hsf is fine when not ocing, if it couldnt keep processors cool enough at stock speed, well there would be a lot of complaints

 

[nevski]

Thats a bit to high is it secured propely.

It is secured properly. I'm slightly concerned now because I used Arctic Silver 5 which I've had for about 4 years, but it's always had the lid on & stored in my cupboard. That wouldn't have anything to do with it running at slightly high temperatures would it? Do you think the particles in the arctic silver have broken down too much that it's not doing it's job aswell?

 

[LizardKing]

Doubt the artic silver would go off! im still using a tube of AS1 thats god knows how old! Even then it wouldnt cause a hike in temp by that amount.
Whats your case temp? could be just bad ventilation.
My 3800 clocks to 2.5ghz on the stock cooler so it aint a bad cooler at all

 

[Roll]

If it's the stock AMD copper heatpipe cooler that you've got then theres no reason at all to upgrade. They really are excellent coolers, mine keeps my CPU at no higher than 37 at idle.

Like others have said, with the temperatures you seem to be getting it sounds like your cooler may not be installed properly or tightly enough.