dzalias

I do believe my processor is running way too hot. I've got it overclocked from 3.2 to 3.8 GHz, and idle it runs in the 60's and on load it runs in the 70's. I've tried getting it to 4.0GHz but no go, it's unstable.

I'm aware that replacing the heatsink with an aftermarket one will (most likely) drastically improve performance, but is this normal for a stock heatsink? It seems pretty extreme.

Since I'm obviously a n00b, here's the requisite smileys:
lol***bbqroflcopterzorz

tweakboy

My friend, 65c is 20c higher then what it should be and what CPU likes 45idle ,That some will say is still not low enough idle. Whats important is the load, and it shouldn't go above 65c on full load, Take out your heatsink clean it and clean paste off it and the CPU then install it again using little thermal right in middle a thin line, then put on your HSF,, make shure its tight tight,, and your set..... let know ur temps then also please fill in your system specs so we can help you better.. thx,,

Faster_is_better

For the stock HSF that's probably about right, depending how much vcore you gave it, why dont you fill in your system specs so we can see

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dzalias

Already done, my friend. Once, when I initially built the computer, and then again just earlier today to see if it would help. It made a difference of 5 degrees, but only because the first time I left the default paste on the heatsink (I was in a hurry to build my pretty new computer.)

I didn't touch the voltages, but only because I can't find them in my BIOS for the CPU. It's at a stock 1.35V.

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811103014

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136067

PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817517002

Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103674

RAM:
I got it off eBay. It's from Nanya. PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz 2GB RAM. I have two installed, and one extra. I'm waiting to get another stick to have 8GB total as opposed to 4.


Anything else you need to know? I'm using Dynex thermal compound, which isn't the greatest, but it's not going to cause a 20 degree difference.

Also, what's CPU VDDC? The voltage on that's displaying 1.475V. That might be what I've been altering in the BIOS, as opposed to the CPU voltage...

EDIT: I has a question. Most of the aftermarket heatsinks I've seen are advertised as supporting just about every cpu socket ever, except AM3. In general, will an AM2+ heatsink fit an AM3 socket, or such? I know fitting's damned important, but I don't know if the difference between sinks is as specific to only function for certain sockets...

EDIT2: Dropping the CPU multiplier from 19 back to 16 (the default) cools it further by about 10-15 degrees. :3

shnur

I have pretty much the same issue with original heatsink, got myself the too-expensive V8 since it was the best deal at my local store and I just couldn't wait a week for a newegg order, now I'm sitting at 29 idle and 35 load. Haven't tried overclocking it yet since my heatsink is leaking (... don't ask, the bearing of the fan probably got too hot thanks to the great design of the V8) so I'm waiting for a new HSF before doing anything.

And about AM2/AM2+/AM3, it's the same layout, just a pin count difference/arrangement. So I'd recommend the Xigmatek Dark Knight
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-029-_-Product
Great cooler for the price you pay, you can do a push/pull with it and it's even better.
I realized that my CPU was crashing at 60c on my stock fan.

oxymorosis

Xigmatech will block your first two ram slots unless you get a custom mount done for it. If your ram is standard height its fine, just gotta put the ram in before the Xiggy or you're screwed. You could also get a Prolimatech Megahalems with the optional AM3 bracket to avoid the blocking issue, costs a bit more than Xiggy but performs better too.

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kyleax1

Please tell us your ambient temperature

rjaayyx3

what are your stock temps for your phenom 955 on stock ghz?

JadedFloridian

29C idle and 35C load? No offense but yeah right man.

As to the OP, if your CPU VID in CPU-Z is 1.475 that's your problem right there. There is far too much heat being produced and the stock heatsink can't keep up, thus very high temperatures. As far as AM3 sockets go, anything that will mount on AM2 will mount on AM3 (AM3 chips are backwards compatible with AM2+).

I would also advise against going with the Xigmatech, as with AMD chips you are forced to mount the heatsink horizontally in your case. I would recommend a Scythe Mugen 2, great price and you can mount the heatsink any way you'd like.


Edit: Added a picture to give you a better idea of what real idle and load temperatures look like. The difference is far more than 6C!

chas1723

I would also recommend the Mugen 2. I idle at 31 and load is around 52 with prime. I am running 3.7ghz @1.38.

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