Strange Overheating Issue on Old PC

[Lee]

Ok got a strange one here. The PC I built the father-in-law nearly 5 years ago has an issue where it's just switching off about 15 mins after boot.

The CPU is a AMB Phenom II x2 555 on an Asus M4A88TD-M EVOUSB3 (socket AM3).

I've had a look and the machine appears top be over heating and shutting itself down. It's getting to something like 98C, with no real usage.

This is where it gets strange, the CPU usage varies from 10% to 80% when nothing is happening. Individual process CPU usage (in task manager) is next to nothing even when it's showing overall usage at say 60%. I can see the CPU fan is spinning and strangely the machine doesn't feel hot or even warm.

I have a feeling that the CPU/ system board is reporing a spurious temp and usage resulting in system shutdown.

Anyone got any othewr thoughts or ideas ?

 

[TechMinerUK]

Ok got a strange one here. The PC I built the father-in-law nearly 5 years ago has an issue where it's just switching off about 15 mins after boot.
The CPU is a AMB Phenom II x2 555 on an Asus M4A88TD-M EVOUSB3 (socket AM3).
I've had a look and the machine appears top be over heating and shutting itself down. It's getting to something like 98C, with no real usage.
This is where it gets strange, the CPU usage varies from 10% to 80% when nothing is happening. Individual process CPU usage (in task manager) is next to nothing even when it's showing overall usage at say 60%. I can see the CPU fan is spinning and strangely the machine doesn't feel hot or even warm.
I have a feeling that the CPU/ system board is reporing a spurious temp and usage resulting in system shutdown.
Anyone got any othewr thoughts or ideas ?

My advice would be to rule out as many variables as possible so you can get to the root of the problem. In other words, take the heatsink off and remove all the old thermal paste and make sure it is clean then apply new heatpaste as sometimes the TIM can dry/get gunky etc and become ineffective over time. Also make sure the heatsink has any dust removed.

If that doesn't resolve it then it's an issue with the CPU/Motherboard

 

[Lee]

Cheers TechMinerUk, was going to do that when I had time although dust doesn't seem to be an issue at first glance.

I'm erring on upgrading him to an i5, should make his experience a bit more snappy and last him another 5 years plus.

 

[Lee]

Ok, I'm thinking of upgrading him to an i5-6400. Is there any real difference in the chipsets for the 1151 system boards (H110, H170, Z170) ? He's a basic user. Internet and M/S Office.