What should CPU and PC Case Temp be?

[golfnut]

My CPU temp is at 55* C and case temp at 30* C, this is under normal conditions while I am working on the computer, surfing, downloading etc. Is this a normal range, is it too high? Just asking because I have no clue what normal should be. Thank you for your help.

[Jayhawk]

Here's a link to another forum where the question you asked came up. It does seem your temps are too high. I have an Intel so that won't help since AMD's tend to run hotter. My P4 2.4ghz is running at 93F, case is at 90F, and core cpu kernal temp is at 156F which are all normal to low for my processor. Here's the link:

http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/23284/

[golfnut]

jayhawk thanks for the link.

[flaninacupboard]

I have an Intel so that won't help since AMD's tend to run hotter.

ummm, ok. haven't seen an AMD chip with over 100watts TDP yet, so that's not really true.

Golfnut: i wouldn't worry with that at all. i have an XP2000 which sits around 50*C when idling and goes up to 65*C under full load. it's well within the CPU's spec.

[wulf109]

If your motherboard allows it try under-volting the CPU. Lowering the CPU core voltage by .15 can lower operating temperature by 10C.

[golfnut]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the replies and advice.

[gmatov]

Jayhawk,

Your 156 F is 69 C, hotter than the majority of AMD users get alarmed at.

Intels don't really run cooler, they have circuitry to slow thwm down when they hot up too much.

AMD has only in the past few years put a thermal shudown circuit in their chips.

AMD site says most of its newer CPUs have a 90 C high limit, older ones were good to 95 C.

Cheers,

George

[Ducatti20]

55C load is not dangerous to your AMD XP. That is a little high for my tastes, but as 70C is considered the "danger" level on the XP you are fine. If you are worried about it, replace the CPU cooler (you're probably running the stock cooler??) with a decent replacement. I'm liquid cooled now, but with a coolermaster heatsink/fan I was at 42C load on my XP2200.

[golfnut]

Ducatti20 thank you for the advice, could you recommend a good cooler for me, do I need to replace the heatsink and fan or just one or the other. I am sure everything there is just cheap stock parts. Thanks for your advice.

[Ducatti20]

You'll want to replace the heatsink and fan, they usually come together when you purchase a replacement. Depending on your budget, the number one rated heatsink is the Thermalright SLK900. I liked my Coolermaster Jet 7, but others did not have my success with it. You couldn't go wrong with the Thermalright setup though. Application of the thermal grease is critical to your cooling performance, as well as the type of compound you use. I'm a fan of Artic Silver 5, their website has application instructions to follow that are pretty good. Your case temp will almost always be around ambient air temp, but adding another case fan will just bring in even more air so you might think about that as well. If you went with the Thermalright heatsink, you'd have to buy a fan for it, 92MM tornado would be they way I went..

[golfnut]

Ducatti20 thanks much, any idea who may have the best prices?

[Ducatti20]

I'm partial to www.newegg.com, trustworthy company. But for a heatsink/fan, any online vendor with a decent rating should do. If you are willing to pay the extra $$ go to a local computer store... I don't know where you are located but Fry's carries a pretty good selection of HS and fans, as well as CompUSA.

[golfnut]

Thanks for all the help and advice. Have a great day.

[mujahid7ia]

I'm partial to www.newegg.com, trustworthy company. But for a heatsink/fan, any online vendor with a decent rating should do. If you are willing to pay the extra $$ go to a local computer store... I don't know where you are located but Fry's carries a pretty good selection of HS and fans, as well as CompUSA.

I second that, newegg.com is great.
Might also want to try tigerdirect.com

[gmatov]

Golfnut,

If you bought a "boxed" CPU, with fan/heatsink, and it burns out within 3 years, AMD will ask you the fan Serial number, to see if you ran the AMD recommended fan/HS combo.

If you use a liquid nitrogen spray and get it to 100 below zero and it burns out, they will tell you to get screwed.

We tested this with this and it is acceptable to us. If it burns up, we will replace it. If you use that instead, tough.

Just a word of caution. Everybody thinks they know better than the mfg..

Cheers,

George

[golfnut]

Thanks George.