CPU Overheating

[cyclones]

CPU Athlon XP 2.2ghz 3200
mobo ASUS A7N8X-E
O/S MS XP Pro SP3
Overheating info via ASUS PC Probe Software
CPU 47C 117F
Mobo 24C 75F
Indoor ambiance 20/22C Outdoors 11C

CPU was normally running at 36/37C
Yesterday went up to 53C. Erratic mouse movements gave indication of problem.
Increased CPU Fan to 4326 rpm and it cooled to the same as before changing the
CPU Antec Compound. ie 47C
The Graphics card has a fan working fine plus two other small fans.

Removed CPU and reset using Antec Reference Silver Compound

CPU Fan 4326 rpm
Chassis Fan 2300/2400
Still 47C

All working well but this increase in temp is worring me.
PSU fine with all voltages correct..only 12mths old 700w
No sign of distortion on capacitors.
All ideas most welcome
TIA

 

[Gustavus]

If the CPU fan is running just as it was before the temperature increase, then the most obvious explanation is that the cooler is not making good thermal contact anymore. You have already done the first thing I would have suggested -- cleaning off the old thermal compound and replacing it with a new film. The next thought is that the cooler assembly is not making good physical contact. Since most are held down with some sort of spring clips it is possible for them to be in place but slightly tilted. There is usually some movement possible -- try gently twisting the heat sink back and forth to seat it as securely as possible. I always do this on a new install anyway to spread and get the thermal compund as uniform as possible.

You didn't say if you were overclocking or not. If you are and have been using a higher core voltage to up the speed, the CPU itself may have been damaged -- electromigration. Extreme overclockers often do this to their CPUs, but if you are running in spec this should never happen.


I assume you checked that the fins on the cooler are not clogged with dust etc. If you have a can of compressed air, it may be worth blowing out any dust in the cooler fins.

 

[techmanc]

Download EVEREST Ultimate Edition and see what shows for problems

http://www.lavalys.com/product...p?ps=UE&lang=en&page=1

 

[cyclones]

No overclocking.
Had the chip from new..quite a while really.
I build pooters for folk so it really is a case of "the Cobblers children poorest shod"
Imagine F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone driving a 1999 Fiat !
I can have a new machine but I would really like to know the reason this is playing up before consigning this rig to the bin.
It is still working fine and stable but at 10C over what I think it should be.
The next chap who responded suggests Everest Ultimate...it told me nothing except......
send cash to remove trial version.
If SiSoft Sandra won't tell me the problem . for sure dear old Everest won't.
No disrespect to Everest because I use it for a quick audit together with Belarc.
Will try another "wiggle" of the seating on the chip on Monday.
Ready for some more food and drinkie just now.
Thanks for you interest.
Tony