cpu temp too high, need heatsink/fan recommendation

[golfnut]

Have Amd Athlon 2400xp and cpu heat is too high expecially when running backup dvd software, DVDShrink. Can anyone recommend a good fan for this processor, also need recommendations for case fans. Thank you for your help, my complete computer specs can be found in my profile. Thank you.

[rallynavvie]

Thermalright SLK series heatsinks are my favorites. Get the SLK-900 if you've got the room. As for fans with those big Thermalrights any good ball-bearing 80mm will do. I have Thermalright SK-7s in my case with Sunon 80mm fans on top of them. Best get ones with 3-wires for monitoring purposes, though not all motherboard CPU fan connectors are set up for that. As for case fans most use 80mm fans again, so get more of the same. If your case has 120mm fans all the better, though stockers for those cases are usually pretty good.

I use www.sidewindercomputers.com for most all of my aftermarket cooling needs.

[gmatov]

What is too high? That might be the first thing you give us.

[Mattsensei]

Have Amd Athlon 2400xp and cpu heat is too high expecially when running backup dvd software, DVDShrink.

I'm also keen to know what's too high. Mine is running at 56c at the moment (Shrink is encoding in the background). Is that too high, I'm not sure? How do you tell? I need to get a new fan as mine is making an annoying, drone-like sound.

[golfnut]

Good question, what is too high? I do not really know nor do I really know how hot mine is running (in a separate post I ask how I could check this, no reply). This subject came up in another topic when I asked for advice on what could be wrong when DVDShrink(a dvd backup software program) kept freezing during backup and locking up my computer). Several replies to this topic stated it sounded like probably my CPU was overheating hence this is why I am seeking advice on a good fan for my CPU, and I may need to buy a need case with room for plenty of fans. Thanks for everyone's advice.

[golfnut]

rallynavvie, thank you for the suggestions, I will check these out.

[Mattsensei]

Good question, what is too high? I do not really know nor do I really know how hot mine is running (in a separate post I ask how I could check this, no reply). This subject came up in another topic when I asked for advice on what could be wrong when DVDShrink(a dvd backup software program) kept freezing during backup and locking up my computer). Several replies to this topic stated it sounded like probably my CPU was overheating hence this is why I am seeking advice on a good fan for my CPU, and I may need to buy a need case with room for plenty of fans. Thanks for everyone's advice.

I use a (freeware) program called AIDA32, it gives you a full system report. Under the Computer > Sensor section, I get temp readings for my mobo and PCU. Currently, my mobo is 26c and the CPU is 52c. Search for the program in google, I recommend it. Gives all the info you could ever need on your own pc.

[golfnut]

mattsensei thank you very much for the tip on aida32, great tool. My mb is running at 40*C and Aux(is this cpu?) is running at 57*. I have no clue what normal or safe temps should be, do these look normal/safe? What range should they stay in. I am not an overclocker by the way, just your average consumer user but with lots of software and programs. Thanks again for your help.

[Mattsensei]

No probs, it is a useful tool. I *think* up to 60c is ok. I think it depends on the chip. I did once find a site that showed max temps for different chips but that was a while back and I can't find it, though keywords in google might throw it up? Unfort I don't know much about cooling. Your chip is a lot more powerful so needs more cooling by the sounds of it!

[Craig Tucker]

57 degrees is well within normal operating temperatures for that chip, nothing to worry about there, Athlon XP's do run hot. My XP2800 runs in the high 50's to low 60's. Another good tool for monitoring temps, fan speeds etc it motherboard monitor.

[golfnut]

Thanks a million guys, you have educated me again. Have a great day.

[redwudz]

A low tech way to check your case temp is to just hold your hand behind the output fans. 70-85F is OK, lower is better. Same with your PS fan. I went with a 'server' type tower. It has the intake fan in front of the HD's and blows air over them. Two exhaust fans to the rear. Not the quietest, but very efficient. Also low tech, if the ouput of the PS or the case fans 'smells' hot, it probably is too hot. (I do use MB monitor also)