Message:
Subject: 96C temp CPU! Please help!!!
By: Brandon (IP: 71.140.146.*)
Written on: 25-09-2006 13:51

I recently built my own computer, and its been up and running fine for about a month now. However, tonight the computer shut down automatically twice, without warning. On restart, I got an error message telling me that the cpu had overheated. I went into the BIOS and found the cpu temp to be 96C degrees, 204F. I panicked, and found a utility called speedfan on the internet to double check. Speed fan reports my fan speed to be at 2096 RPM's.

My case has been exposed to open air (side panels removed) for quite some time, so I know this isnt a matter of airflow. In addition, I installed thermal paste myself, so I dont think this is the issue (although I admit I used some generic paste from Fry's). The heatsink fan is Intel branded, and appears big enough to do the job (although I'm hoping you can tell me whether this is true).

On reading this website, it appears that anything over 86C (I have a 2.8ghz Pentium D CPU) will cause my computer to shut down. I think my motherboard shut down temp is higher than this though.

I'm getting ready to buy a new heatsink with some Arctic 5 thermal compound, but I was hoping you might be able to tell me if there is another possible issue here. I'm NOT overclocking the computer or doing anything crazy. Thanks so much in advance for helping out. =)

Brandon

Replies:
By: Ray (IP: 84.65.66.*)
Written on: 27-09-2006 15:08

Using a purpose-made-for-CPUs thermal paste is a good idea! Let us know how you get on after using it.
By: Edward (IP: 24.5.93.*)
Written on: 28-09-2006 20:41

Brandon

"I recently built my own computer, and its been up and running fine for about a month now. However, tonight the computer shut down automatically twice, without warning. On restart, I got an error message telling me that the cpu had overheated. I went into the BIOS and found the cpu temp to be 96C degrees, 204F. I panicked, and found a utility called speedfan on the internet to double check. Speed fan reports my fan speed to be at 2096 RPM's."

SOMETHING HAS CHANGED. With the temperatures moving that high (though you do not indicate the "normal" temperature for the CPU), it is likely the heat sink has separated from the CPU. It is also possible that this CPU as never properly been cooled, has always been on the "brink" and is failing due to dirt and/or dust accumulation, though this is not as likely as the previous thought. The Cooler shipped with Pentium D is typically adequate, if not overclocking the CPU. Are you disrupting the airflow across the heatsink with an external fan? Try the Zalman CPS9500 (I think it is the 9500 $69-$79 US)

My case has been exposed to open air (side panels removed) for quite some time, so I know this isnt a matter of airflow. In addition, I installed thermal paste myself, so I dont think this is the issue (although I admit I used some generic paste from Fry's). The heatsink fan is Intel branded, and appears big enough to do the job (although I'm hoping you can tell me whether this is true).

THE THERMAL PASTE should be fine for a stock appplication though you may want to concider Arctic Silver or another high performance paste if you decide to attempt overclocking.

On reading this website, it appears that anything over 86C (I have a 2.8ghz Pentium D CPU) will cause my computer to shut down. I think my motherboard shut down temp is higher than this though.

YOU SHOULD NOT BE ANYWHERE NEAR 86c!
I am running a Pentium D 805 (2.66GHz) with a Zalman cooler at 4Ghz at an average temperature of 42-45c

I'm getting ready to buy a new heatsink with some Arctic 5 thermal compound, but I was hoping you might be able to tell me if there is another possible issue here. I'm NOT overclocking the computer or doing anything crazy. Thanks so much in advance for helping out.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHECKING TO ENSURE THAT THE HEAT SINK IS PROPERLY CONTACTING THE CPU!

Good Luck
By: Lox (IP: 24.18.206.*)
Written on: 28-09-2006 23:10

Umm... well i agree with the first reply in the fact that you probably arent getting a good contact with the cpu, might not be clamped down properly etc. Also check if every fan is spinning and everything has enough power. Another problem you have is the side panel being open. THAT IS A BAD THING! it is illogical at first, at least thats what i thought when i first heard it, but the thing is, computers have side panels for a reason. SIDE PANELS ARE MEANT TO BE KEPT CLOSED! youre killing air flow if you keep the side open because computers are built to keep air going out the back with the fan and if possible a fan from the front bottom pulling air in from the bottom and going out the back top, thats optimal air flow. Just a little note to keep in mind.
By: Ray (IP: 81.79.213.*)
Written on: 30-09-2006 02:00

Good reply Lox but I can't agree with the open-side panel criticism (although all my stuff has the panels on because I think PC's innards are ugly!). Many if not all hardware review pics show a totally open setup i.e,. no case at all. The only really practical reason I can see for a side-panel is to stop children/liquids/mice etc from inadvertently entering the PC. As for airflow ... that's a different subject and I totally agree with the cool-in bottom front, hot-out rear principle.
What I suspect from the original post is that the PC is eating itself over time. Probably because it was not built properly at the outset - working components are hard to kill, but it's not impossible.
HTH, Ray
By: Pete (IP: 220.239.29.*)
Written on: 09-10-2006 13:31

I know this reply is late but Lox is absolutely right about the case. The current spec is to create negative pressure in the case to get good airflow. You may think the open air of the room is cool, but cooling is about convection.

Cheers
By: Ry (IP: 84.71.101.*)
Written on: 20-10-2006 00:09

Repeat ... "As for airflow ... that's a different subject and I totally agree with the cool-in bottom front, hot-out rear principle."
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