65w AMD 4000+ running hot...

[Vcize]

Hi, I just recently set up a computer with a 65w AMD 4000+ Brisbane processor. I was under the impression these things were supposed to run pretty cool, however the thing is currently idling at 47C.

Now, I'll go ahead and mention that there are a lot of factors that could heat this thing up. It's using the stock heatsink and thermal grease, and is in a small case (3.5" high, 12" wide) with little clearance over the heatsink. I'm also in Florida.

However, right next to it is sitting a notoriously hot Socket A 2600+ (albeit in a full size case w/ Arctic Silver and a 3rd party heatsink) that idles in the low 40C's even on the hottest days.

I know the cooling setup isn't optimal, but should this thing be running this hot even under these conditions? It's for an HTPC so the idea is small and quiet, but the quiet part is hard when it's running this hot, I was hoping to be able to crank down the fan speed some.

So given those conditions, does this temp sound about right or could I have seated the heatsink incorrectly or something?

 

[mechBgon]

Different motherboards can be calibrated much differently as far as their temperature readings, so you can't really make direct cross-comparisons between the two systems. Given the scenario you described, 47C doesn't sound too crazy.

If you want a quiet-running CPU cooler that might fit into your HTPC, I can vouch for the Alpha PAL8150 with this fan. But I use a full-sized case with no airflow issues... given your scenario, it might require a little more airflow than that fan provides, in which case a Panaflo L1A might be a better pick.

 

[vanvock]

What about air flow in the case, wire placement, vent openings...?

 

[Vcize]

Ok I am more confused than ever now.

I installed Speedfan, Everest Home, and PC Wizard 2007 to get temperature readings.

-Everest Home's only reading was "Aux" which is measured at 10C idling with the case open.

-I wasn't sure which sensor was the CPU under speedfan, but I'm guessing it was temp1, which it gave..
Temp1: 10C
Core: 16C

-PC Wizard gave about the same..
CPU Temp: 10C
Core1: 20C
Core2: 16C

I'm guessing core1 and core2 are each of the CPU cores (it's dual-core)? If so, how does that make sense that the temp of each are less than the temp of the chip as a whole?

Also, is it just me or does 10C seem way too low to be an accurate reading, even with the case open (though all 3 programs did give the same)? Also, why would these be reading differently than the bios, aren't they all using the same physical sensor? Which one is right?

When I touch the heatsink with the temp readings as such, it is not even the slightest bit warm to the touch.

Aaaaaahhh I'm so confused

 

[Vcize]

Bit more of an update...

I closed the case back up and ran those programs for a temperature reading and the temperature very quickly jumped all the way up to 46C, so maybe it is just the awful airflow in the case. It's odd however that the bios and those programs would read similarly (46C-50C) with the case closed but wildly different (10C-36C) with the case open...

Also, even after sitting at 46C for almost an hour the heatsink is still only mildly warm to the touch.

 

[montag451]

I really wouldn't worry about 46Cels.
In a perfect world, a little cooler would be great. Anything under 55 should be ok.

 

[Vcize]

Originally posted by: montag451
I really wouldn't worry about 46Cels.
In a perfect world, a little cooler would be great. Anything under 55 should be ok.

As I mentioned in the OP, 46C is just after booting up. Put any kind of load on it and it immediately jumps higher despite the fan running at 3k RPMs.

The goal is to get the fan running at about half that speed and still maintain stable temps (which given the reviews of this processor should not be a problem). Currently I am nowhere near that. It's not that I'm worried that it's running at 46C, it's that it's running at 46C after just booting up even with the fan spinning at 3k RPM.

 

[CrystalBay]

I don't know if this has anything to do with your problem, but interesting neverless.