CPU overheating

WillC · Jun 30, 2008, 11:00 PM

Hey, so I decided to keep my CPU but noticed that it was overheating quite quickly while playing games like TF2/CS:S and apparently WoW too.

I used the free program speedfan, and it shows my "Core 0" and "Core 1" are both around 52C after my computer is on for around 2-3h depending on what I am doing. I tried turning graphics down but it just delays it about 30 mins.

I assumed that Core 0 and Core 1 were my CPU but I don't fully know.

Anyway I have been looking at some CPU fans, my current mobo is GIGABYTE - Product - Motherboard - Overview - GA-965P-DS3 (rev. 1.0) and my CPU is a Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Processor HH80557PH0362M - 1.86GHz, 2MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB, Conroe, Dual-Core, OEM, Socket 775, Processor in Canada at TigerDirect.ca that came with a regular CPU fan that is similar to this PowerUp P4 CPU Cooling Fan - Socket 775, Copper Base TC3G-4009 in Canada at TigerDirect.ca.

I was also wondering that maybe it is not the fan? I really don't know at this point. My GPU seems fine as there is a big fan blowing air on it now as opposed to before there was no fan near the GPU. Also, my CPU has been running hot for about half of its life I guess so could it be melted or whatever?

I was looking at this fan Thermaltake Max Orb Multi-Socket 775AM2939754 Copper Base CPU Cooler CL-P0369 in Canada at TigerDirect.ca but is it a good idea/will it fit in that mobo?

Thanks guys

**kris23** · Jul 1, 2008, 12:50 AM

if your system overheats, the computer will shut off....

did you use a quality thermal paste? or did you just slap on the heatsink as is?

WillC · Jul 1, 2008, 02:42 AM

Ok well it does not shut off, but the core temp turns into a fireball which I assume is bad and I get these really weird in-game random graphic glitches. Like lines and stuff appearing for half a second then disappearing (I was told they were called artifacts but I am unsure how to test for them).
I re-applied thermal paste like 2 - 3 months ago directly onto the CPU, no clue if the paste is real good quality but it's about 3 years old now I think but I can't totally remember.

procupine14 · Jul 1, 2008, 08:26 AM

If you are artifacting you may be having issues with your GFX card overheating. Do these "core" temps show up at the bottom of the list? My 8600GT shows at the bottom of the list in speed fan but im really not sure that that is a set thing. I had an x700 ATi that overheated a couple of times when the fan was giving out and i got more artifacts than Indiana Jones

In addition

some CPU's have a built in mechanism which lowers the clock speed if the CPU reaches too close to the threshold temperature. Eventually they will also shut off but they will first slow down to combat the high temps

**Mousey** · Jul 1, 2008, 02:10 PM

Sounds like Procupine's got the right idea on this one, In game artifacts are normally due to the GPU overheating as opposed to the CPU.
I'd recommend putting some more fans into your case and if possible get one of those GPU Extractor fans that sits in a vacant expansion slot, that should help.
I can't get my head round speedfan so i don't use it, i much prefer the ASUS Utility i've got and PCWizard (Linky) To monitor my temperatures because they're just so much simpler.

procupine14 · Jul 1, 2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mousey

I can't get my head round speedfan so i don't use it, i much prefer the ASUS Utility i've got and PCWizard (Linky) To monitor my temperatures because they're just so much simpler.

I really wish more companies supplied people with temperature monitoring utilities for their boards by the way. Its been a frustration of mine since I've switched my rig to DFI

Also, Some video cards are actually able to function OK at idle even when their fan is shot. You may want to check and see if the fan is running like normal and also check to see how hot the air is blowing out of the heatsink on the card itself. (I have always found also that using the back of your hand and holding it close to the card is also a rough way of seeing if the card is overheating) For example: play a game until you experience the issue and then manually check the temps of your card. Also, a good sign of a graphics card repetitively overheating is a slight discoloration of the PCB on the side opposite the heatsink. (FYI PCB = printed circuit board)

ONE MORE TING....keep in mind also that your graphics card may be pretty hot. as a general rule graphics cards run hotter than CPUS

**Mousey** · Jul 1, 2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by procupine14

I really wish more companies supplied people with temperature monitoring utilities for their boards by the way. Its been a frustration of mine since I've switched my rig to DFI

Yeah you would've thought a company like DFI that caters to overclockers so much would provide them with something to monitor their temperatures

then again i spose overclockers would use something they're familiar with i spose.

Zardon · Jul 1, 2008, 06:27 PM

52c is not really a "fireball" for idle, im guessing your load temps are high 60s? Again this isn't wonderful but its not really dangerous.

The artifacting you are describing is more than likely due to your graphics card, have you a temperature readout for it? You dont seem to detail the GFX you have however there are many free tools to which allow you to monitor your card. You can also try underclocking it slightly on both core and memory to see if the issues disappear.

I think we would need more information to help you further however. I do suggest you clean the case out, check all the fans are working, remove any dust from the coolers and reapply paste, certainly if it was three years ago, this is long overdue.

WillC · Jul 2, 2008, 04:17 AM

Ok, I assumed my GPU problems were fixed when I switched to the NZXT. Products. mostly because of the big fan aimed at the GPU. Also, sorry about not mentioning my GPU, it is a HIS Graphic Cards - Power Up, Gamers!.

I cleaned mostly everything off when I moved it into the new case last month so I think it should be good. Now I was unsure about "convection" as my brother talks about with cooling, so I directed all my fans so they blow air into the case. Should I reverse the rear fan to blow the warm air out or should it stay as is (would it make the problem worse or better)?

Zardon: Unsure about the load temps but Speedfan says Core 0 and Core 1 are around 58-60C when the artifacts are bad. Also I am using CCC and I have never familiarized myself with it because I was worried I could damage it more. Oh and what I meant was that the paste itself is 3 years old. I reapplied paste about 3 months ago. It is kind of a pain what with the fastening system so I thought it was good as is.

Thanks again

PS if it helps in the PC Wizard 2008 program, currently says my GPU is at 42C but it has been only sitting on for 3 hours with only 1 hour of stress.

Dark Lord · Jul 2, 2008, 04:52 AM

if i understand this correctly, you have all your fans sucking air in, and none blowing air out?

if thats right, then thats your problem. you need the rear fans to be exhaust fans.

**Mousey** · Jul 2, 2008, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Lord

if i understand this correctly, you have all your fans sucking air in, and none blowing air out?

if thats right, then thats your problem. you need the rear fans to be exhaust fans.

Rear fans should be the exhausts, pulling warm air out of the case, any fans on on the front should be the other way round blowing cool air in.
Set your fans up properly (if they are all blowing air in) and your temps should just start plummeting. Because they're all blowing air in, when the air collides in the center it heats up and you've effectively got dead air which is bad enough, but it's also hot air which is even worse because this is effectively cooking your system unless you've got an exhaust fan on the top which tbh not many cases do.

procupine14 · Jul 2, 2008, 02:52 PM

switch the back fan around quick!

ChaosMinionX · Jul 2, 2008, 07:55 PM

Positive pressure in a case (all fans as intake) is not good for temperatures.

A good rule of thumb would be to have the CFM intake going into the case match the exhaust of the cast.

So in theory say you have 100CFM worth of intake, you need 100CFM worth of exhaust from your fans.

WillC · Jul 2, 2008, 08:35 PM

Ok good to know. I found out I don't have a front HDD fan so I put the one in there blowing in and the side fan blows in. I think my PSU blows air out and now I moved the rear fan to blow out. I'll check to see if this works but it sounds good to me.

Thanks

Judas · Jul 2, 2008, 09:32 PM

genereally from experience, you always want a smidge more exhaust then you want for intake.... the slight "negative" presure helps

Syndicate2083 · Jul 3, 2008, 12:54 AM

I agree. I've always found that it helps keep heat buildup as the expansion of the air particles is tough to overcome with a 50/50 in/out ratio. Usually the extra buildup slows down air flow and the exhaust isn't able to keep up as well.

-Syn

ChaosMinionX · Jul 3, 2008, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

genereally from experience, you always want a smidge more exhaust then you want for intake.... the slight "negative" presure helps

I would hold that to be solid advice as well.

WillC · Jul 3, 2008, 11:08 AM

Alright so I left my computer on most of the day and it shot up to about 56C for a while but for some reason it has calmed down do 45C and its running fine now. Althought I have noticed that big rear exhaust fan (140mm or whatever they are, maybe 180mm - standard size anyway) is not moving a lot of air out of the case, when I put my hand over it, it's just a very slight breeze and I'm sure its blowing out. Do the larger fans move less air than the smaller ones because my older small-fan case would really pound the air out.

**temeteus82** · Jul 3, 2008, 01:20 PM

Larger fans has more area to push air out so they don't have to push it so fast to get the same airflow speed than the smaller fans. So 120x120 fan with 1200 rpm can push about the same amount of air out than 80x80 fan at 2000 rpm.

WillC · Jul 3, 2008, 11:39 PM

Ok, I was worried about removing the side of my computer to actually check if the fan was blowing in/out because there is a fan attached to the case wall and I didn't know if it was SO powerful that it would rip it out of my hands and blow up my moniter so I decided to check while the whole thing was together. Is it possible that even an intake fan could shoot some air out? If it's not then I am perfectly fine with this. Also thanks guys for all your advice. My computer seems to be running much cooler now

.

WillC · Jul 9, 2008, 06:42 AM

Sorry for double post, unable to edit old post...

I ran into trouble today after my computer being on for the day and trying to use it again now. Its been going good for a bit, still having artifacts after a long while but I don't really think there is much more I can do.

But, 2 mins ago my computer just shut down in the middle of a game. The graphics are turned right down as to prolong the non-artifact play. No warning or anything, the whole computer froze with looping sounds. Seemed to start up fine and the current GPU temp is 43C while Cores 1 & 2 are both 51C.
Hard drive is 44C (Sata 120gb maxtor).

I have no clue why this happened, or what happened exactly but I think my CPU may have overheated. However doesn't the computer shut down not freeze if this happens?

Thanks for the help.

Jun 30, 2008, 11:00 PM	#1
WillC HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 114 Rep Power: 0	CPU overheating Hey, so I decided to keep my CPU but noticed that it was overheating quite quickly while playing games like TF2/CS:S and apparently WoW too. I used the free program speedfan, and it shows my "Core 0" and "Core 1" are both around 52C after my computer is on for around 2-3h depending on what I am doing. I tried turning graphics down but it just delays it about 30 mins. I assumed that Core 0 and Core 1 were my CPU but I don't fully know. Anyway I have been looking at some CPU fans, my current mobo is GIGABYTE - Product - Motherboard - Overview - GA-965P-DS3 (rev. 1.0) and my CPU is a Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Processor HH80557PH0362M - 1.86GHz, 2MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB, Conroe, Dual-Core, OEM, Socket 775, Processor in Canada at TigerDirect.ca that came with a regular CPU fan that is similar to this PowerUp P4 CPU Cooling Fan - Socket 775, Copper Base TC3G-4009 in Canada at TigerDirect.ca. I was also wondering that maybe it is not the fan? I really don't know at this point. My GPU seems fine as there is a big fan blowing air on it now as opposed to before there was no fan near the GPU. Also, my CPU has been running hot for about half of its life I guess so could it be melted or whatever? I was looking at this fan Thermaltake Max Orb Multi-Socket 775AM2939754 Copper Base CPU Cooler CL-P0369 in Canada at TigerDirect.ca but is it a good idea/will it fit in that mobo? Thanks guys

Jul 1, 2008, 12:50 AM	#2
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,990 Rep Power: 121 System Specs	if your system overheats, the computer will shut off.... did you use a quality thermal paste? or did you just slap on the heatsink as is? __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jul 1, 2008, 08:26 AM	#4
procupine14 Why is it Beeping!?!?! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA, Missouri Posts: 1,400 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	If you are artifacting you may be having issues with your GFX card overheating. Do these "core" temps show up at the bottom of the list? My 8600GT shows at the bottom of the list in speed fan but im really not sure that that is a set thing. I had an x700 ATi that overheated a couple of times when the fan was giving out and i got more artifacts than Indiana Jones In addition some CPU's have a built in mechanism which lowers the clock speed if the CPU reaches too close to the threshold temperature. Eventually they will also shut off but they will first slow down to combat the high temps __________________ HTPC/file server: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom x4 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 800 (2x2GB) - 1TB WD Black - 4 x 1TB Hitachi DeskStar in RAID 5 - ATi TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner - HIS Raedon 4850 512MB - ASRock N68C-S UCC mobo - OCZ ModExtreme Pro 500W PSU GF's Gaming PC: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 1066 - 500GB Western Digital GP - HIS Raedon 5770 1GB - ASUS M3A78-EM - Zalman 650W PSU Media Streamer: Win 7 Pro 64-bit - AMD Athlon x2 3200+ - 4GB SuperTalent DDR2 800 - 250GB SeaGate Barracuda - MSI K9N6PGM2-V2 - ASUS Raedon 5450 SILENT - FSP group 250W PSU

Jul 1, 2008, 02:10 PM	#5
Mousey Synth's Long Lost Bro Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Web Design Hell Posts: 7,156 Rep Power: 243 System Specs	Sounds like Procupine's got the right idea on this one, In game artifacts are normally due to the GPU overheating as opposed to the CPU. I'd recommend putting some more fans into your case and if possible get one of those GPU Extractor fans that sits in a vacant expansion slot, that should help. I can't get my head round speedfan so i don't use it, i much prefer the ASUS Utility i've got and PCWizard (Linky) To monitor my temperatures because they're just so much simpler. __________________

Jul 2, 2008, 04:17 AM	Thread Starter #9
WillC HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 114 Rep Power: 0	Ok, I assumed my GPU problems were fixed when I switched to the NZXT. Products. mostly because of the big fan aimed at the GPU. Also, sorry about not mentioning my GPU, it is a HIS Graphic Cards - Power Up, Gamers!. I cleaned mostly everything off when I moved it into the new case last month so I think it should be good. Now I was unsure about "convection" as my brother talks about with cooling, so I directed all my fans so they blow air into the case. Should I reverse the rear fan to blow the warm air out or should it stay as is (would it make the problem worse or better)? Zardon: Unsure about the load temps but Speedfan says Core 0 and Core 1 are around 58-60C when the artifacts are bad. Also I am using CCC and I have never familiarized myself with it because I was worried I could damage it more. Oh and what I meant was that the paste itself is 3 years old. I reapplied paste about 3 months ago. It is kind of a pain what with the fastening system so I thought it was good as is. Thanks again PS if it helps in the PC Wizard 2008 program, currently says my GPU is at 42C but it has been only sitting on for 3 hours with only 1 hour of stress. Last edited by WillC; Jul 2, 2008 at 04:33 AM.

Jul 1, 2008, 02:42 AM	Thread Starter #3
WillC HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 114 Rep Power: 0	Ok well it does not shut off, but the core temp turns into a fireball which I assume is bad and I get these really weird in-game random graphic glitches. Like lines and stuff appearing for half a second then disappearing (I was told they were called artifacts but I am unsure how to test for them). I re-applied thermal paste like 2 - 3 months ago directly onto the CPU, no clue if the paste is real good quality but it's about 3 years old now I think but I can't totally remember.

Jul 1, 2008, 06:27 PM	#8
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	52c is not really a "fireball" for idle, im guessing your load temps are high 60s? Again this isn't wonderful but its not really dangerous. The artifacting you are describing is more than likely due to your graphics card, have you a temperature readout for it? You dont seem to detail the GFX you have however there are many free tools to which allow you to monitor your card. You can also try underclocking it slightly on both core and memory to see if the issues disappear. I think we would need more information to help you further however. I do suggest you clean the case out, check all the fans are working, remove any dust from the coolers and reapply paste, certainly if it was three years ago, this is long overdue.

Jul 2, 2008, 04:52 AM	#10
Dark Lord HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 5,945 Rep Power: 124 System Specs	if i understand this correctly, you have all your fans sucking air in, and none blowing air out? if thats right, then thats your problem. you need the rear fans to be exhaust fans. __________________

Jul 2, 2008, 02:52 PM	#12
procupine14 Why is it Beeping!?!?! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA, Missouri Posts: 1,400 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	switch the back fan around quick! __________________ HTPC/file server: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom x4 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 800 (2x2GB) - 1TB WD Black - 4 x 1TB Hitachi DeskStar in RAID 5 - ATi TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner - HIS Raedon 4850 512MB - ASRock N68C-S UCC mobo - OCZ ModExtreme Pro 500W PSU GF's Gaming PC: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 1066 - 500GB Western Digital GP - HIS Raedon 5770 1GB - ASUS M3A78-EM - Zalman 650W PSU Media Streamer: Win 7 Pro 64-bit - AMD Athlon x2 3200+ - 4GB SuperTalent DDR2 800 - 250GB SeaGate Barracuda - MSI K9N6PGM2-V2 - ASUS Raedon 5450 SILENT - FSP group 250W PSU

Jul 2, 2008, 07:55 PM	#13
ChaosMinionX USB 3 dot oh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,910 Rep Power: 45 System Specs	Positive pressure in a case (all fans as intake) is not good for temperatures. A good rule of thumb would be to have the CFM intake going into the case match the exhaust of the cast. So in theory say you have 100CFM worth of intake, you need 100CFM worth of exhaust from your fans. __________________ ::Heatware:: How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!

Jul 2, 2008, 08:35 PM	Thread Starter #14
WillC HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 114 Rep Power: 0	Ok good to know. I found out I don't have a front HDD fan so I put the one in there blowing in and the side fan blows in. I think my PSU blows air out and now I moved the rear fan to blow out. I'll check to see if this works but it sounds good to me. Thanks

Jul 3, 2008, 12:54 AM	#16
Syndicate2083 HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Framingham, MA Posts: 228 Rep Power: 23 System Specs	I agree. I've always found that it helps keep heat buildup as the expansion of the air particles is tough to overcome with a 50/50 in/out ratio. Usually the extra buildup slows down air flow and the exhaust isn't able to keep up as well. -Syn __________________ -Crash the silence for the sake of memory. Intrinsic Realities, Veteran-USN.

Jul 3, 2008, 11:08 AM	Thread Starter #18
WillC HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 114 Rep Power: 0	Alright so I left my computer on most of the day and it shot up to about 56C for a while but for some reason it has calmed down do 45C and its running fine now. Althought I have noticed that big rear exhaust fan (140mm or whatever they are, maybe 180mm - standard size anyway) is not moving a lot of air out of the case, when I put my hand over it, it's just a very slight breeze and I'm sure its blowing out. Do the larger fans move less air than the smaller ones because my older small-fan case would really pound the air out.

Jul 3, 2008, 11:39 PM	Thread Starter #20
WillC HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 114 Rep Power: 0	Ok, I was worried about removing the side of my computer to actually check if the fan was blowing in/out because there is a fan attached to the case wall and I didn't know if it was SO powerful that it would *rip it out of my hands and blow up my moniter* so I decided to check while the whole thing was together. Is it possible that even an intake fan could shoot some air out? If it's not then I am perfectly fine with this. Also thanks guys for all your advice. My computer seems to be running much cooler now .

Jul 9, 2008, 06:42 AM	Thread Starter #21
WillC HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 114 Rep Power: 0	Sorry for double post, unable to edit old post... I ran into trouble today after my computer being on for the day and trying to use it again now. Its been going good for a bit, still having artifacts after a long while but I don't really think there is much more I can do. But, 2 mins ago my computer just shut down in the middle of a game. The graphics are turned right down as to prolong the non-artifact play. No warning or anything, the whole computer froze with looping sounds. Seemed to start up fine and the current GPU temp is 43C while Cores 1 & 2 are both 51C. Hard drive is 44C (Sata 120gb maxtor). I have no clue why this happened, or what happened exactly but I think my CPU may have overheated. However doesn't the computer shut down not freeze if this happens? Thanks for the help.