computer overheating

[morr1s2]

My asus probe is showing my computer overheating. It boots at about 74C and then starts the alarm. It beeps for a few seconds and then slowly cools down to about 55. It will seem steady between 50 and 55 for some time and then start the alarm again for a few seconds like it quickly rose back into the 70s and then it cools back down. I tried vacuuming and blowing out some of the dust. I need to purchase a small vacuum and try to get in the heatsink more. Just curious if the heatsink might be going bad. All my fans seem to be up to speed and I took the side off my case for now. It used to run idle between 29 and 32. I don't know why the sudden increase.

[Mr. Dweezel]

blowing out some of the dust.

Blow out ALL of the dust!

I use a big air compressor, but those air can dusters might work.

Put a pencil in the fans to prevent them from over-spinning when you
use the compressed air.

Also protect the cables, small items, CD rom opening, floppy drive, etc.

[lordsmurf]

Put a pencil in the fans to prevent them from over-spinning when you
use the compressed air.

I never thought of that.

[aedipuss]

hsf's are cheap and easy enough to replace. why take the chance of it dying and cooking your processor. pick up a new one for small change and do some preventive maintenance, just make sure to clean the chip and apply new thermal grease also. the fans do sometimes die, a slow lingering death in fits and spurts. sometimes with increasing noise and others a quick and sudden silent end.

p.s. you guys should vacuum out the dust not just blow it around in the case.

[Doramius]

I have 2 things going when I clean out my system. A compression tank (the compressor unit is way too big, so I bought a small tank I charge from the compressor) and a vacuum. I start the vacuum, and then start blowing the dust. the vacuum doesn't catch all of the dust, but will catch MOST of it. Especially, the nasty dust bunnies. You couldn't tell a new board from an old one in my PCs, I keep them pretty clean.

[zzyzx2]

I recently had overheating probs. The cure was a little bit more heatsink compund on the cpu. the old stuff had basically dried out and not making good contact to the heatsink.

[takeiteasy]

I have used asus probe in the past and have found it to be terribly unreliable. It had given me many false readings so i finally got rid of it.......Try a differrent program ( e.g. speedfan) and see if it gives you the same results. Also is your computer showing any symtoms of overheating e.g. freezing...rebooting, acting erratic etc. otherwise i would be a little skeptical.

[pchan]

I recently had overheating probs. The cure was a little bit more heatsink compund on the cpu. the old stuff had basically dried out and not making good contact to the heatsink.

Silver based heatpaste is good. Apply too much is no good. Used credit card or calling card is good tool for apply heat paste. Apply heat evenly and make sure the heat sink sits properly onto the CPU. Clamp tightly. Once you smell something burning... it's too late.. you have a fried CPU.

[Cobra]

I recently had overheating probs. The cure was a little bit more heatsink compund on the cpu. the old stuff had basically dried out and not making good contact to the heatsink.

Agreed. My CPU recently needed this done (two days ago) and my temperatures dropped significantly. It was filthy, anyway:



If you're sure your heatsink is good, try sanding the bottom down, working from coarse grade paper to fine. Don't go for a mirror-like shine, though, as some guides will tell you to. Some fine scratching helps heat to be conducted.

Make sure thermal compound is good, and that it is spread thinly, but not too thinly. Too much is as bad as too little.

Finally, ensure that the clip holding it on holds it securely.

Is the CPU heatsink fan thermally-controlled? You may want to turn this off to get steady cooling, as the thermal throttle might be misbehaving.

I'm afraid I need to go to a lecture now, so I'll stop here. If I think of any other solutions, I'll post up!

Cobra

[morr1s2]

I only blew out some of the dust because I ran out of compressed air and my vacuum wasn't working well. I am going to pick up a mini vacuum and some more air after work. If that doesn't work I will change my heatsink. Can other components failing cause my processor to overheat, like a bad video card etc?

I left my computer off overnight and took the side off. This morning I checked the bios and it was at 75C and the temperature started to drop after that. Would it heat up that quickly? I would think it would be its coolest at bootup. Also if my fan is already running at full speed what is making the temperature drop back down to the 50's?

[aedipuss]

while the computer is in bios mode it is running at 100% so yes you will see max temp quickly at that time. after booting to windows it will cool off to normal temp, until doing processor intensive work like video encoding.

[dwill123]

I have a PC setup very similar to yours Instead of a 3.2 Northwood I have a 3.2E Prescott (same motherboard). The Prescotts actually run hotter. Mine runs at a constant 33-34C. I couldn't tell for sure but it sounds as if you are using the stock heatsink and fan that came with your Intel processor. First I would recommend that you get rid of the stock HS & fan. My recommendation is what I've been using for over a year. ThermalRight XP-90 HS with a Panaflo 92x25mm fan:



Next go get some Artic Silver 5 thermal compound. The setup will set you back about $40 but your temps will drop dramatically.

[SingSing]

With what you described, your CPU is overheating whenever it is doing anywork, including loading windows.

I found Compaq solved that problem pretty effectively by adding a case fan. Most motherboard support one or two case fan.

[Mr. Dweezel]

vacuum out the dust not just blow it around in the case.

I'll add my .03 cents again!

The panels should be taken off the computer to blow it out. I do it in the garage.
That way the entire inside of the PC can get attention.

When I use the big compressor I regulate the air pressure!
Otherwise the 150psi would blow the PC apart.

[INFRATOM]

ASUS has heat management and monitoring .. either the program is not working well or your cpu fan is sticking. In bios the is a setup for it temperature and all. If your cpu is overheating if it is intel it will slow down you could tell, anyhow make your bios setting to go full blast on the fan by adjusting temperature or by disabling monitor see if it still is overheating. If it is the fan you have to replace it or fan/ heatsink together. if you have AMD make sure you get the best heatsink and fan, most AMD CPU's don't have temp control so need to have a v.. good cooling.
A funny qoute from someone " ( Electronics work on smoke, if you let it out .. it won't work any more)"

[ROF]

Just thought I'd mention that someone a few months ago called me with a PC they had recently attempted to clean using compressed air in a compressor. After doing this the computer failed to boot properly. When I got the thing in the shop I noticed that several motherboard jumpers were missing. Just remember those tiny little plastic/metal pieces protruding from the board are important and must be securely in place for your PC to work properly. Do not use extreme high pressure or shake your case upside down to drop the dust bunnies out. You may loosen one of those jumpers and because of their size and the dust flying around you may not notice it falling to the ground.

[Tom Saurus]

I just noticed today, that my case fan isn't spinning around. I am going to get it replaced. I have a MSI motherboard and a program came with it called PC Alert 4. I have noticed that the computer is about ten degrees warmer than normal, so I am having that fan replaced very soon.

The guy who works on my computer is going to put a new fan, and only charge me 15 bucks and that includes him putting it in and the cost of the fan. I am really grateful that he is going to replace that for me. I don't want my computer to overheat.

[SingSing]

$15.00 means he is doing it for free, buy him a large Coffee.

I think the case fan and the fan inside the PC Power supply is the same. Just a 12volt Muffin Fan.

[ROF]

SingSing

You are correct on the charge. I usually charge $10 for case fan installation/replacement. It's a no money maker but a just a service offered. I also in most cases(no pun) get a "tip" from the customer.

[SingSing]

Is the case fan same as the one in the PC Power Supply ?

[redwudz]

Most PS's use a 8CM fan, same as the case fan. The difference is usually the power connectors. Most use a 2 pin connector, some are soldered in, some are 3 pin (With a temp sensor), and some use special connectors. If you plan to replace a PS fan, have a soldering iorn and some heat shrink tubing available in case you have to splice the wires.

[Mr. Dweezel]

Most PS's use a 8CM fan

But some power supplies have 2 fans. All of the PCs that I've recently built
have 2 fans in the power supply. I always use Antec cases, so other ones
might be different.

That's why it's necessary to remove the panels to get at everything inside.

(The second PS fan on the Antec is on the underside of the PS)

[Mr. Dweezel]

Just thought I'd mention that someone a few months ago called me with a PC they had recently attempted to clean using compressed air in a compressor. After doing this the computer failed to boot properly. When I got the thing in the shop I noticed that several motherboard jumpers were missing. Just remember those tiny little plastic/metal pieces protruding from the board are important and must be securely in place for your PC to work properly. Do not use extreme high pressure or shake your case upside down to drop the dust bunnies out. You may loosen one of those jumpers and because of their size and the dust flying around you may not notice it falling to the ground.

That's why I wrote...
"Also protect the cables, small items, CD rom opening, floppy drive, etc. "
... in my first post!

But you're right, things always happen that you don't expect!

[Mr. Dweezel]

and that it is spread thinly, but not too thinly. Too much is as bad as too little.
Cobra

I want to add a bit of info that I once read.

The paste should be spread EVENLY WITHOUT ANY AIR BUBBLES.
The article said that if air bubbles were present there might be hot spots
that would cause a failure.

[ROF]

and that it is spread thinly, but not too thinly. Too much is as bad as too little.
Cobra

I want to add a bit of info that I once read.

The paste should be spread EVENLY WITHOUT ANY AIR BUBBLES.
The article said that if air bubbles were present there might be hot spots
that would cause a failure.

The easiest method I have found for spreading thermal compound is to place two dots on either side of the chip. These dots should be no bigger than a piece of uncooked white rice. Using a plastic baggies insert your index finger all the way into the baggy so you create a taut surface. Using your baggy covered finger spread the compound evenly across the entire surface making sure not to overspread or underspread the core. When you are done you can just throw away the baggy.

[SingSing]

It also depends on what type of CPU socket you are dealing with. The worst i think is LG775, and the easier are the PGA types like socket A and socket 478.

[SingSing]

Most PS's use a 8CM fan, same as the case fan. The difference is usually the power connectors.

PS is a higher failure rate item. I have a few. Now I have the incentive to take out the fan before I tossed it out.

[Tom Saurus]

SingSing & ROF: I had a feeling he was wasn't going to make anything by only charging me fifteen bucks. I am going to get more computer work, done at his business. I am quiet pleased with the work he has done so far. I think I will try to come up with some kind of tip for him, because he will save me a whole ton of heartache by installing this new fan. I hate to think of my computer getting overheated and getting damaged.

He cleaned my computer back in February, and installed a new power supply. It is a 650 watt power supply. I have been recommending him to my friends, trying to drum up some business for him. If I have another computer built, I want to hire him to build it. I am glad that I have a custom made computer that was made locally.

I want to say once again, that I am grateful for this website and also Lordsmurf's website. I have learned so much from both websites. I also want to say thankyou to those of you who have given me advice on various topics I have posted since joining. I also want to appologize incase I have hijacked this thread.

[ROF]

It also depends on what type of CPU socket you are dealing with. The worst i think is LG775, and the easier are the PGA types like socket A and socket 478.

You use thermal compound on a 775? Most if not all coolers come with compound pre-installed. You just peel and install the cooler. The socket A and it's cousins were a pain because of the size of the actual chip surface. I can't tell you how many DIY computers I saw where compound was spread across the entire die wafer and not just on the chip in the center of the wafer.

[TBoneit]

One other thing to keep in mind many air compressors are not proerly drained and will blow some moisture out along with the air.

I am frugal but I'm not cheap.... I'l keep on buying a can of air that I know won't have to high a pressure or have any moisture in it.

I seem to recall somebody damaging the chip on the old socket a Athlons when they were installing the heat sink by doing it wrong. I have a small collection of old AMD socket A CPUs that are dead. On most when you trun them over the bottom is showing signs of overheating, darkened IOW. And I've seen many CPU heatsink/fan assembly's that are mostly to totally clogged. Sometimes it doen't take that long. Floor standing computers seem to be the worst.