How are my temps w/ Zalman CNPS7000-AlCu?

[karmasalad]

I just put together a 2.6C on an Intel D865PERL mobo, and I'm currently getting CPU temps of 42 ~ 44C in the BIOS. Ambient temps tonight are around 21C.

Does this seem okay? I think I've seen some people with lower temps when using this same HSF, so I'm wondering if I should go through the hassle of cleaning and reinstalling the thing. This is running in an Antec SX835II case, side open, with two Panaflo L1As plugged in (front and back).

 

[Corporate Thug]

temps seem fine

 

[Vonkhan]

hmmm... strange. my room temp is 32C, 42C @ idle, 54C @ load

P4 2.8/533 @ 3.3
IC7

 

[RalfHutter]

Maybe that's a tad warm. I'm running a 2.4C on an Intel 875PBZ and am using an SLK900(U) (quite comparable to the Zalman) with a 92mm L1A @ 8 volts. It's about 20°C in here right now and my idle temps (taken from the BIOS) are 32-33°C.

How hot does your proc get during load? Are you using a WIndows-based temp monitoring app like Intel Active monitor or Motherboard Monitor?.

I'd expect yours to be almost like mine. Your CPU is a little faster, but your cooling fan is too. Same MoBo manufacturer, you'd think that the temp sensors would be calibrated the same. BTW, my case temp is 29°C.

Those temps are fine though. If you're really worried about it you might try pulling off your HSF and reapply the thermal compound (after you thoroughly clean off the old compound). Make sure the Zalman's mounting clip is putting sufficient force on the HSF to hold it securely to the CPU IHS. Some online review of this HSF noted that their clip wasn't providing sufficient clamping force so they bent it until it was clamping down tightly.

 

[Slammy1]

I suppose it's a positive I seem to be running significantly lower in temps with this combo than others I've read. I run a 2.4C @ 270FSB, idle is 27-28C and full load is 42-44C (Prime95, a bunch of multimedia programs). The controller allows you to increase fan speed, I set it to max. I applied it using AS Ceramique as a lapped HS (less than a paper width application). I made sure to clean everything really well with coffee filters, IPA, and compressed air. It was my first mounting of a HS, I've always bought retail before. My room temp is around 75F.

 

[karmasalad]

Yeah, this is my first mounting of an after-market HSF as well, that's why I'm wondering if I did it right. I'm only able to check the temps in the BIOS as I haven't had a chance to install Windows yet. I wanted to double-check the temps against others before I proceeded any further.

Seeing how low you two have your temps, I think I'll probably try to reinstall it later today. I think I'm going to try the credit card method of applying the thermal grease as I wasn't really able to get a smooth even coat using the plastic baggy way.

Can I just use a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to clean up the processor and heatsink?

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

that's what my temp is on my 2.4c at 2.6c (horrible overclock, but running the memory 1:1)

 

[Slammy1]

Originally posted by: karmasalad
I wasn't really able to get a smooth even coat using the plastic baggy way.

Can I just use a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to clean up the processor and heatsink?

The baggie method is only for the HS, not the CPU. I couldn't get a smooth, even coat either but I did my best. You can use rubbing alcohol, just make sure it's dry (compressed air). I'd get 99% for cleaning the CPU, however; ask your pharmacist. Tell him you're using it for cleaning electronics, not mfg crack cocaine .

 

[karmasalad]

Well, I took off the HSF today, cleaned the surfaces with some rubbing alcohol, and then applied the thermal grease using the razor blade method this time around. I also made sure the screws were in real nice and tight to apply maximum pressure on the core.

Result? Knocked off ~6C on my idle temps. I also added in an extra set of intake/exhaust Panaflos, and I'm now idling around 32C with the FanMate all the way down.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: karmasalad
Well, I took off the HSF today, cleaned the surfaces with some rubbing alcohol, and then applied the thermal grease using the razor blade method this time around. I also made sure the screws were in real nice and tight to apply maximum pressure on the core.

Result? Knocked off ~6C on my idle temps. I also added in an extra set of intake/exhaust Panaflos, and I'm now idling around 32C with the FanMate all the way down.

Thanks for the input guys!

wow, I might have to follow your lead.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

which "thermal grease" did you use? the one supplied with the heatsink or some AS3?

 

[karmasalad]

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
which "thermal grease" did you use? the one supplied with the heatsink or some AS3?

I just used the supplied thermal grease that came with the HSF.

 

[anazoal]

...on a P41.6 @ 2.4

Intel HSF -> Idle: 32 C Full load: 49 C

CNPS7000-Cu / Fan @ ~11 V* -> Idle 32 C Full load: 39 C
CNPS7000-Cu / Fan @ ~6-7 V* -> Idle 32 C Full load: 41 C

*Zalman ZM-MFC1 Fan Speed Controller is undervolting, I think.

I'm not sure why I don't see a temp difference at idle.

 

[sep]

P4 3.06@3.22 w/Zalman CNPS7000-AlCu (2500rpm) & ASIII

Case temps 25-8c

Idle = 31-2c
load = 38-9c

-JC