Athlon XP Overheating

[dchilder]

So... I overclocked an Athlon XP 1800+ to about 2400+ speeds for a year or so on a Biostar M7NCD Pro, with no problems and heat in the 50+ range at full load. I moved, but didn't change any settings, and noticed some instability after a short while. When I started checking my temps again, I noticed that they were going 60+ frequently, topping at around 70 degrees at times. When I throttled everything back to stock speeds, I still got over 60 degree temps at full load. I took everything apart, cleaned the CPU, HS, fans, etc., put some Arctic Silver on (used generic thermal paste the first time around), and still got the same temps.

I figure my overclocking eventually did something wrong - but I'm wondering if it is the CPU or the motherboard. I've been thinking of dropping a faster XP processor in there, but considering how cheap Athlon 64 combos are right now, I don't want do buy an XP if there is a decent chance it is the motherboard causing the problems. However, I'd prefer to continue using this motherboard on this computer (building another Athlon 64 box), because it is a little cheaper if it is just the CPU.

Any advice or comments?

Thanks,

David

 

[aGreenAgent]

If you moved somewhere with different humidity things like that can happen. Also - the fan may have started working much slower if it got hit hard or just broke, etc. I'd buy a new HS/Fan and try that. If it helps, problem solved. If it doesn't, take it back and get the A64

 

[dchilder]

Thanks for the reply greenagent. Humidity is the same here (same city), and the fan seems to be working just fine in terms of the RPMs. Considering I took the whole thing apart and put it back together, I know it isn't anything like blocked vents, dirt, etc., lowering the HS's efficiency. I'm wondering if the extra heat or juice required to overclock the processor may have done some damage, and if it is more likely something on the motherboard causing the problems, or if it is the CPU. Anyone else have any similar problems?

 

[Fardringle]

When you took the system apart and put it back together again, did you thoroughly clean the CPU and heat sink and apply new AS5 thermal paste? Whenever you remove the heat sink, you need to use new thermal paste or you will see a dramatic increase in processor temperature similar to what is happening with your PC.

If it doesn't work, then it doesn't work and you'll need to look at possibly failed hardware, but thermal paste is easy (and cheap) to try...

 

[DaiShan]

First things first, how much thermal compound did you put on the core? Thermal compound is meant to be applied very thinly as its purpose is to fill in the pits on the heat sink. Too much compound is actually detrimental to heat conductivity.