i7 running too hot

[leatherface7]

Put simply, my machine is running too hot and i can't figure out why...

So I tested some things out last night.

My Build:
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Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor BX80605I7860

ASRock P55 DELUXE3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS

Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"

1 x HIS H587FN1GD Radeon HD 5870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP

Scythe Mugen 2 Rev b Cooler.
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Just built this about a week ago, and my system seems to be idling at 45, hits about 70 with full effects on CoMW (Only game I really have right now to test), and when running Prime 95 Small FFT's, will instantly hit 80, and hit 95 after about 30 seconds.

Ambient Temp of my room is around 28.
Bios shows VCore to be 1.24, though I noticed while running Prime95 that it only sat around 1.10
VTT was set at 1.264, but I had reduced this to 1.219
DRAM is at 1.559
I had barely OC'ed, just moving the Bclk to 136 as I don't even want to mess with it with my temps being the way they are. I have changed my RAM profile to Profile1 making it run at 1600 as opposed to 1333.
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Things I have tried:

Removing side panel - no effect

moving my case above my desk for better airflow, currently it is in an enclosure just barely bigger than the case (dropped about 2 C)

Moved Vcore and VTT down even further - no effect ?

double check heatsink - seemed to be on properly

I then decided to remount and apply AS5, though I may not have completely cleaned it from the cpu before applying just a pea sized drop this time and letting the heatsink flatten it out. After restarting my idle temp is sitting at about 51 now and loads are 5-6 degress higher as well....

I then tried to install the cpu fan differently, and now it idles at like 65. I think putting even minor pressure on the mugen 2 made it lose slight contact with the cpu? It is mounted on there pretty damn good but idk what is going on here...

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To monitor temps, I am using real temp, core temp, and the ASUS OC software that came with my mobo. The ASUS OC software shows my cpu temp to idle at about 45, and only hit a max of 75 when running Prime 95 small fft's (and the mobo at about 45) and it takes time to build up that high, while the other 2 applications shows it to immediately jump to 90+ instantly.

Lastly, I ran the sensor test that real temp provides, and I'm not sure how relevant this is but at the following loads, the temp was x distance to TJMax
5% 42
15% 17
27% 7
40% 0.9
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Could realtemp and coretemp just be providing wrong readings? I have tried to provide as much info as I could the first time around, but any questions/comments/answers would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!!

The last thing I can think I want to try, is it just mount the stock cooler when I get home and see if that changes anything. If that works better, perhaps I will buy a more secure/lighter cooler or something.. i dont know

 

[Kenmitch]

I'd try to remount the HSF again as it sounds like it's not correctly on. Clean both surfaces and follow the AS5 directions using the line method.

 

[leatherface7]

I'd try to remount the HSF again as it sounds like it's not correctly on. Clean both surfaces and follow the AS5 directions using the line method.

Remounting that thing is a pain in the ass =p. Is there any household product that can be easily used to help clean the surfaces? As for the AS5 application, I have used the pea sized method without spreading it both times, though I have read about the line method.. though I will have to re-read to see which direction it goes in with the i7's.

So on this note.. I guess I will try to remount this one more damn time and see the results? I have noticed with this board and cooler that I have trouble getting it to align 100%, though it is very very close. With that being said though, it can be difficult to properly thread the screws from the backplate into the cooler.

 

[nipplefish]

Remounting that thing is a pain in the ass =p. Is there any household product that can be easily used to help clean the surfaces? As for the AS5 application, I have used the pea sized method without spreading it both times, though I have read about the line method.. though I will have to re-read to see which direction it goes in with the i7's.

Rubbing alcohol. The higher concentration the better.

I've always spread AS5 in a thin layer with a credit card (or other flat object) applied to the CPU only.

 

[Kenmitch]

Rubbing alcohol. The higher concentration the better.

I've always spread AS5 in a thin layer with a credit card (or other flat object) applied to the CPU only.

Yep rubbing alcohol and a coffee filter is what I use.

OP....As far as AS5 I just to the line method as it's the easiest way. Also the possiblility of tiny air bubbles is smaller with the line method as the clamping action of the HSF will spread the AS5 outwards. After you clean both of them good it wouldn't hurt to rub a little into the HSF before you put it back on. Not much at all just a little dab at contact point and rub it gently in with a coffee filter....Pretty much just enough to discolor the HSF.

 

[leatherface7]

Yep rubbing alcohol and a coffee filter is what I use.

OP....As far as AS5 I just to the line method as it's the easiest way. Also the possiblility of tiny air bubbles is smaller with the line method as the clamping action of the HSF will spread the AS5 outwards. After you clean both of them good it wouldn't hurt to rub a little into the HSF before you put it back on. Not much at all just a little dab at contact point and rub it gently in with a coffee filter....Pretty much just enough to discolor the HSF.

And I will do exactly this! Detach everything , clean cpu and hsf, apply as5 with the line method and a small bit on the hsf, then attach it all again!

I will report back tonight. Hopefully this is the problem; though I will feel retarded if it is.

 

[Burner27]

I have had many a 'brainfart' when installing CPU coolers and one time I forgot to take off the plastic protective 'cover' that came with one of my heatsinks that protected the baseplate of the HSF from damage during shipping/packaging. It caused very similar issues with my i7 temps.

 

[leatherface7]

I have had many a 'brainfart' when installing CPU coolers and one time I forgot to take off the plastic protective 'cover' that came with one of my heatsinks that protected the baseplate of the HSF from damage during shipping/packaging. It caused very similar issues with my i7 temps.

. I did double check for any covers! One thing I did during 1 installation was wipe off previous TMI with my fingers.

This may be an odd question but, when installing a heat sink that requires installation from the back side of the mobo, how do you go about doing so? Do you find it easiest to put the mobo on its side, that way you can hold the HS in place and screw it in from the back? Or do you find it easier to just put the heatsink upside down, place the mobo on top and go at it that way?
Odd question but the whole process of having to install it this way just pisses me off =p

 

[leatherface7]

I tried to re-install the mugen 2, no avail. I can tell something is wrong though, it just is not mounting properly. Anyhow, I then installed the stock cooler, and temps are at like 45 idle 75 load right now.. still high but better than before and I'm sure that was the problem.

Anyhow, rather than even pissing around with the mugen 2 I have now, I am just going to buy another cooler, one that does not need the mobo removed to install. With that being said, does anyone have any suggestions? Around the $20-$60 range? 1156 chipset.

 

[Blitz1776]

Sorry that I have to ask the "dumb" question, but are you by chance are you using the pwm settings in the bios, because I have the same cooler and whenever I used it my temperatures seemed to hovered around that point. If so try disabling it and having the fans run at max power. With a push-pull system on it now with a OC 3.8 ghz i7 940 (it's 45-50) Idle and caps at 70 celsius running prime 95 for hours on end.

 

[leatherface7]

Sorry that I have to ask the "dumb" question, but are you by chance are you using the pwm settings in the bios, because I have the same cooler and whenever I used it my temperatures seemed to hovered around that point. If so try disabling it and having the fans run at max power. With a push-pull system on it now with a OC 3.8 ghz i7 940 (it's 45-50) Idle and caps at 70 celsius running prime 95 for hours on end.

I tried playing around with the smart fan crap, didn't seem to do much. I will try when I get home some more though.

In the mean time, any cooler suggestions?!?

 

[joetekubi]

Something is definitely wrong. I know the Mugen2 is a top rated cooler, but I don't have any experience mounting it. My i7 930 runs about 28-30C at idle. My cooler cost $55 at Frys, and runs very quiet at about 900RPM.
HTH,

 

[leatherface7]

Something is definitely wrong. I know the Mugen2 is a top rated cooler, but I don't have any experience mounting it. My i7 930 runs about 28-30C at idle. My cooler cost $55 at Frys, and runs very quiet at about 900RPM.
HTH,

I couldn't agree more. I have heard many great things about the cooler. I'm not sure if this units mounting brackets are just worn out or what exactly is going on. Either way I just don't want anymore hassle with this one. I have built plenty of computers in the past and have never had this kind of temperature problem; hence my frustration!

Thus, now I am looking for a new cooler with easy installation, and don't really care what I spend =p

 

[leatherface7]

How about a ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 for $25 ? Seems to be a decent cooler, not too expensive, easy install.

 

[Juddog]

OP can you post some pics of how you have it set up? That might help.

 

[leatherface7]

OP can you post some pics of how you have it set up? That might help.

It is no longer setup and already repackaged or I would do so. I should have taken pics in the first place but this will serve as a lesson learned for next time i suppose. Regardless, now I just want a different cooler

 

[theAnimal]

How about a ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 for $25 ? Seems to be a decent cooler, not too expensive, easy install.

For $25 you're better off with a CM Hyper 212+.

 

[leatherface7]

For $25 you're better off with a CM Hyper 212+.

Thanks. Again I'm really willing to spend any amount that is needed. I only OC casually, nothing major. Just want something beter than stock and an easy install (no taking out the mobo).

 

[rickon66]

Another vote for CM Hyper 212+ Once mounted you do not have to take out the motherboard to remount. This issue of motherboard removal is why now insist that there be an opening behind MB on any case I buy.