Hi. Apparently, my computer has had some serious heat issues for months. When I installed a MB monitor yesterday, I found out the CPU has been running at 68-71 degrees. This explains why my high speed Internet was S-O-O-O slow. So I put a box fan onto my open case and I have the temp down to 59 degrees right now. Obviously, this is not a long-term solution. My Internet screams again. I see from the forums people are suggesting 50 degrees as a good target. Any advice on a decent but affordable CPU heatsink? I bought this chip retail and foolishly believed the included heatsink would be sufficient. I would greatly appreciate your input. Best Regards, Brett
Well first of all welcome to the forums Brett. As far as your problem, the first thing I would do is get a can of compressed air and blow the dust out of your case. Well that is assuming your computer is old enough to have collected dust. If not, I recommend one of the following: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835106038 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118118 Personally I recommend the former, as it is much more powerful, but it is also louder. I think with you runnign those temps you need some serious cooling. But if you are one of those people that absolutely cannot stand noise take the latter. Also, make sure you get some Artic Silver 5, it will make you run around 5* C cooler. That leads me to my next question, did you use the included thermal pad or did you get your own paste? If you did the latter how did you apply the paste?
Thank you for the hearty welcome and thank you for the excellent information. I guess I have some thinking to do. To answer your questions, I believe I used the thermal pad... Whatever was in the retail package. I built this thing two years ago so it's hard to remember. So a new heatsink, some Arctic 5, and compressed air? Any thoughts on the case fans? I have 2 in there now that came with the Antec Lanboy case, but the temp was hovering at 53 or so inside the box. From what I read around the forums that's probably too hot too. Thanks again for your feedback. Great info! Brett
those heatsinks are overkill. 2500+ doesn't put out very much heat. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835103160 I'm using that heatsink and it works great. I'm running a 3200+ under full load 24/7 and I've never hit above 45 even when it's very warm in my room. and be sure to pick up some Artic Silver 5 thermal compound
About fans you can read my "Theres more to cooling than adding fans" guide on the upgrade advice/building section of HF theres a few tips in there that don't require you to spend any money but get a lower temperature. as for the HS, I don't know about athlon XP HSs but as they said, be sure to get some AS5 thermal compund :good:
Thanks for all the great input, everyone! I'll let you know what ends up happening. I should be making a decision tonight. I'll definitely check out that article, zRock. Brett
I think I'll go with the "budget" fan for, well, budgetary reasons. But I am going to pick up the Arctic Silver 5 too. And apply the tips from the post zRock made. Thanks again. Brett
While you're at it, you may want to blow out the thing with some canned air. Dust will do a number on your temps and might be a big reason behind your higher temperatures.
