Using AutoGK for XVID encoding - Overheating processor

[jonchill]

Over the weekend I had been using AutoGK and half way through encoding the second film, my PC started alerting me that the Processor was overheating (66 degrees) . I shutdown and let it cool down and everything was OK.

I didn't realise that encoding would cause such a problem.

Presumebly I need to look at the cooling inside my PC? Anyone got any reccomendations on the best way of doing this and what to fit?

Thanks

[sammy7]

First off, u need to give us more info on what setup u have currently (Cpu, Ram, Cd-roms...etc) and what cooling u currently have.

Also video encoding puts your cpu and 100% processing for the entire duratin of the encode process, there by stressing the cpu to the max.

If ur overclocking, then ur surely going to face heat issues if u do not have adequate cooling.

1- For starters, you can do the following, get a slightly bigger CPU fan, that runs faster than ur current fan (look for faster RPM's) but remember the faster the fan the louder it gets.

2- Also look into buying at least one case fan for your system if u currently do not have one, and if u do, consider a second one (those are realy cheap anyways)

3- If your cpu is still running hot (frankly I consider anything above 50 degrees Celsius to be way too hot for a cpu) and your overclocking, then try reducing your overclocking settings a bit.

You cud always run the encoding with the pc covers removed, this alone will drop ur temp by about 4-5 degrees.

Good Luck.

[deckard8]

Just to add to Sammy7's comprehensive reply, I would also, while your changing the fan, apply some decent thermal paste between heatsink and cpu. When I say decent I mean one with some silver in it i.e Arctic silver. This should drop your cpu another couple of degrees. Also check the airflow in the case and tidy up any loose cables and leads. By the way - are you overclocking your cpu?

[jonchill]

I have a AMD 3000XP, 512 MB RAM, OEM DVD-ROM, LG 4040GSE DVD Writer, at the moment I only have a standard fan on the CPU and no case fans.

I'll get a couple of case fans and a better CPU fan are there any fans that are better than others?

Thanks

[miksu]

Get high quality cooler. AMD boxed is kinda crap, there far more better, like Silent Breeze II (can't remember make), yet they are not as loud. Same thing for intel-cpu owners. You get what you pay for, even in coolers.

Proper thermal compound helps lot, preferably silver something. The thing that comes with boxed ice cap is, well, you can guess...

Then, check cables. Wide wild running ide-cables are not meant to be anywhere near cpu.

With extra case fans, notice proper air circulation direction. For atx-case, it's inward from bottom, exhaust from upper parts of case and power supply. "Bottom ones suck, top ones blow"

[thor300]

Get a Glacialtech Igloo 2510 Pro, it is COOOL! I had to change mine coz the noise was a bit over my preference, but i can promise you have to look long and hard for a cooler AMD. A housing fan is good too, so the CP fan dont just circulate hot air, get some fresh air in. I can recommend 80x80x25mm Enermax Silent Fan, adjustable speed for a very low price. Stay away from Titan fans.
Miksu: Silent Breeze II is what i use, its a Glacialtech, looks exactly same as Igloo 2510 Pro, just with "goldplated" instead of silver finish, very quiet, but its said to be on the limit for XP3000. I guess it will do more than well enough combined with a housing fan.

[Gazorgan]

The best CPU cooler in the world (short of water or compressor) won't do any good without decent case ventallation. The biggest problem with overheating Athlons isn't the CPU cooler, it's no case fans, or a non-complient case. You simpley can't use any old ATX case with A new Athlon or P4. Between CPU, RAM, Video card (especially the new ones that have their own fan), you are probably hitting 250 watts inside that case, all of which has to be cooled, don't expect the single fan on the power supply to do much.

[miksu]

And some cases and power supplies are designed by morons, those things have absolutely no ventilation holes or those few holes are completely misplaced

Bro has SilentBreeze II on his XP2700 (Thoroughbred B), works well. Mfg claims it's 19dB, can believe it. Low temps.

SilentBreeze II seems to have been replaced by SilentBreeze III, which can be used with XP3200. It's got 80mm fan at low RPM.

www.glacialtech.com

[jonchill]

I checked what I had lastnight and I have the Silent Breeze II on the chip and a single case fan thats stuck behind the HDD. I have space for two more 4" case fans that would be positioned over the top of the USB, serial ports etc.

Also I noticed that the HDD was running hot even though it has a fan right by it, would it be worth getting a HDD cooling kit, any recommendations?

Should I get the two case fans, any recommendations?

Thanks

[thor300]

One case fan should be enough, place it in front. The adjustable types are much preffered for noise, its not likely you will need to set it at high speed. I mean, since you got a Silent Breeze II you probably want to continue the comfortable noise level, so i still recomend the Enermax Silent Fan (80mm/4"). The most noisy fan in my pc is the nerdy little fan on the screencard.
Talking about misplaced ventilation holes, the chieftec i got is full of holes everywhere, i dont see the point. Originally computers were designed to suck in air from the front, passing by the CPU and then out through the powersupply. Vent holes are not only misplaced, they are unwanted. I sealed off all vent holes to get a controlled airflow, now the air coming out the PSU is colder. Push and pull fans, best IMO.