Help - 90 degree PC

[ian4355]

SiSoft Sandra reports my PC running at 88°C. I hope this isn't right, but it does occasionsally shut down by itself. A better-than-supplied CPU fan is on its way, but i want something else. The idea of chopping up my case to install bigger fans does not appeal (I'm no kind of handyman) so are there any alternatives, like PCI card-style things that are known to work?
TIA all

[VCDHunter]

SiSoft Sandra reports my PC running at 88°C. I hope this isn't right, but it does occasionsally shut down by itself. A better-than-supplied CPU fan is on its way, but i want something else. The idea of chopping up my case to install bigger fans does not appeal (I'm no kind of handyman) so are there any alternatives, like PCI card-style things that are known to work?
TIA all

A few case fans and a decent Heatsink and Fan with a good quality, well applied thermal paste - job done, unless your overclocking . . . .

[redwudz]

I would go into BIOS when you start up the computer and check the motherboard and CPU temperatures there. Sandra may be right, but it doesn't hurt to double check it. Also pay attention to the case temperature that BIOS reports, that somewhat shows you how well your air circulation is working within the case.

Don't know your computer case, but with most newer processors, you really need a front (intake) fan and at least one rear (exhaust) fan. If your case doesn't have these options, might look into changing it.

Small things like changing your IDE cables to round style will also improve airflow. Unless you have a really cramped case, add on fans are usually not necessary.

Your processor should be running around 50-60C. 88C is getting close to causing damage to the CPU.

You didn't say if that temp was at idle or under load. At idle, that is way too high. Are you sure there is thermal compound on the heatsink?

[miksu]

Sometimes those programs report something absurd, because they don't always correctly recognise system monitoring chip or it's sensors.

Cross check from bios.

[DVD_Ripper]

Sometimes those programs report something absurd, because they don't always correctly recognise system monitoring chip or it's sensors.

Cross check from bios.

Yes, double check you temps... my bios will report one temp range and a program that came with my MB will report another. although they will only vary about 15 degrees max.

some CPU's run hot. My P4-2G runs around 40 to 55... while Intel tells me that some CPU's will run between 55 and 75.

[ViRaL1]

Not that it's you'll see a huge difference, but it's not abnormal to see an increase in temp over what the BIOS reports if you're using an app in Windows to check it. Checking out yout BIOS is way toward the low end of the spectrum as far as utilization. BIOS temp should be used as more of a baseline.

[indolikaa]

Arctic Silver between your new heatsink/fan and the processor.

[ian4355]

Thanks to all