hot cpu

[tfg]

anybody know anything about "speedfan", I know its only software but I use it to monitor my system temp, lately when cpu usage goes up above 50% the cpu temp reaches 100c and occasionally the pc shuts down, I dont know why this should suddenly start to happen but I immediately suspected overheating, I dont know any other way of checking whether the temp is ok but at the moment according to speedfan, cpu usage at 1% , cpu temp 68c, system 32%

[rojash]

That IS hot.

Check that both the case fan (at the back) is actually running, and also if the CPU fan is running.

[ACtheTROLL]

that's more than hot ... it's bl@@dy hot
depending on the processor you can expect upto 70c

I suspect with a system temp of 32 the case fan is sort of working
do as roj says though and clean the vents

check the heatsink for fluff ... the intel heat sinks are dust traps - the fins get clogged but often the assembly just looks a bit dusty

I use a stiff modeling paintbrush ... and one of the wife's (apparently very expensive) blusher brushes

gently gently to avoid dislodging the heatsink from the processor - or cracking the thermal paste which gives the conduction

the last option is to check the paste ... it's a one way test ... if it moves ... you have to remove the fan, clean the surfaces and reseal the components ... it's a pig of a job - make sure it IS your last option

[rojash]

And if you do have to remove the paste, I recommend WD40, it works great for dissolving heat sink compound (and it smells nice too!)

[beso]

Dust buildup in the CPU heatsink could cause these symptoms.

[tfg]

just removed all the dust, system temp now 28C, cpu temp 48C, I dont have a case fan so when I put side panel back on the temp went up slightly so with an external fan on it the temp went back down to normal, now running a film and the cpu temp has gone up to 60C with cpu usage at 30%, the pc is less than 6 months old,
intel core 2 duo E7200 1066FSB
asus p5n73-am skt 775
guess a good internal fan will make a difference but I dont know if these temps are normal for my cpu anyway

[fo3nix]

That's more like it.

My laptop CPU (Core 2 Duo) can get up to about 70C.

Watching films is more demanding, especially if it's a codec that the machine isn't optimised for (perhaps H.264 or flash), so the temperature will go up.

Keep an eye out for it, but as long as it doesn't get about 70C ish, then it'll be ok.

[smith134]

You should check about it's cooling system. try to clean it's cooling fan and air ventilation area of laptop.
Just take a look here:
http://www.handstands.com/retail/computer-acce ssories/coollift.php

[tfg]

sorry I should have said, it's a midi tower and I have installed a case fan but hasn't made much difference, was on skype for about an hour last night and temp went up to over 80C so today it's going back to the shop for them to check it out, will post again when fixed

[ACtheTROLL]

from the intel spec
http://ark.intel.com/cpu.aspx?groupID=35348

spec says

Tcase 74.1�C
Max TDP 65 Watts
Core Voltage 0.850v - 1.3625v

so 80c is too hot