Crrust

I have seen a lot of questions on these forums regarding temperatures in CoreTemp and Speedfan. Here is the definitive guide to Intel CPU temperatures written by Computronix over at Tom's Hardware OC forum. The guide is fantastic and answers all the questions.

Here is the link to the original guide posted by Computronix on Tom's Hardware Core 2 Quad and Duo Temperature Guide

I will attempt to keep this post up to date, but this link will always take you to the latest revision of the guide.

Core 2 Quad and Duo Temperature Guide: Update 14 Mar 08


Preface:

The purpose of this Guide is to provide users with an understanding of thermal relationships, so that C2Q and C2D computers can be uniformly tested, accurately calibrated, and properly monitored. This Guide supports 65 and 45 nanometer Core 2 desktop processors. All temperatures in this Guide are referenced to Standard Ambient 22c. As users will be working in BIOS, it is recommended that this Guide be printed for quick reference.

Scope:

This Guide applies primarily to overclocked systems, since temperatures on stock systems are rarely an issue. This Guide is intended for intermediate level enthusiasts. This Guide requires basic familiarity with computer terminology, BIOS menus and SpeedFan, but does not require knowledge of unnecessarily diverse or complex technical details. Certain strict definitions have therefore been relaxed to simplify concepts and enhance comprehension.


Sections:

1: Introduction
2: Specifications
3: Interpretation
4: Thermal Flow
5: Findings
6: Scale
7: Parameters
8: Tools
9: Calibrations
10: Results and Variables
11: Offsets
12: Overclocking
13: Heat Score
14: Recommendations
15: Troubleshooting
16: Comments


Section 1: Introduction

Intel provides separate thermal specifications for 2 different sensor types; a CPU Case (not computer case) Thermal Diode located within the CPU die between the Cores, and Digital Thermal Sensors located within each Core. The Case Thermal Diode measures Tcase (Temperature Case), which is CPU temp, and the Digital Thermal Sensors measure Tjunction (Temperature Junction), which is Core temp. Since these sensors measure 2 distinct thermal levels, there is a constant temperature gradient between them, which is Tcase to Junction Delta. C2Q`s have 1 Tcase and 4 Junction sensors, while C2D`s have 1 Tcase and 2 Junction sensors.

Intel does not provide documentation comparing Tcase and Junction specifications. Consequently, there is much confusion among users regarding temperature monitoring, software utilities, test methods, Calibrations and Offsets, so Results can be difficult to decipher and compare. Therefore, when discussing temperatures, it is very important to be clear. Also, when listing Idle & Load test Results, it is necessary to list the Variables as shown below:

Results

Tcase = Idle & Load
Tjunction = Idle & Load

Variables

Ambient = Room Temp
Chipset = Model
C2Q / C2D = Model
CPU Cooler = Model
Frequency = CPU Clock
Load = Test Program
Motherboard = Model
Stepping = Revision
Vcore = CPU Voltage


Section 2: Specifications

CPU`s can be identified by the product code on the retail box, the Integrated Heat Spreader on the CPU, and by CPU-Z. Use CPU-Z (see Section 8) to read the Revision field below the Stepping field, then record the characters. Use the following link to match the CPU with Intel's Spec# for Vcore, Stepping, Thermal Design Power and Maximum Case Temperature.

*Intel Processor Spec Finder: http://processorfinder.intel.com/Default.aspx

Intel Thermal Specifications:

(*) The thermal specification shown is the maximum case temperature at the maximum Thermal Design Power (TDP) value for that processor. It is measured at the geometric center on the topside of the processor integrated heat spreader.

(**) For processors without integrated heat spreaders such as mobile processors, the thermal specification is referred to as the junction temperature (Tj). The maximum junction temperature is defined by an activation of the processor Intel® Thermal Monitor. The Intel Thermal Monitor's automatic mode is used to indicate that the maximum TJ has been reached.

Additional Specifications

Ambient Temperature = 22c
Thermal Diode Accuracy = +/-1c


Section 3: Interpretation

(*) The first part of the spec refers to a single measuring point on the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). Since a thermocouple is embedded in the IHS for lab tests only, IHS temperature is replicated using a CPU Case Thermal Diode integrated between the Cores. Maximum Case Temperature is determined by Spec#. The CPU Case Thermal Diode is how Tcase is measured, and is the CPU temperature displayed in BIOS and the software utility SpeedFan.

(**) The second part of the spec refers to mobile processors without Integrated Heat Spreaders (IHS). Although desktop CPU`s have an IHS, both variants measure the hot spots within each Core using Digital Thermal Sensors (DTS). Maximum Junction Temperatures are determined by factory Calibrations. The Digital Thermal Sensors are how Tjunction is measured, and are the Core temperatures displayed in the software utility SpeedFan.


Section 4: Thermal Flow

Heat originates within the Cores, where Tjunction sensors are located within the hot spots of each Core. Heat dissipates from the bottom of the Cores through the CPU Case, which creates a thermal gradient toward the center of the Die, where the Tcase sensor is located. Heat then dissipates through the socket and motherboard to air inside the computer case. Heat also dissipates from the top of the Cores through the Integrated Heat Spreader and CPU cooler to air inside the computer case. Safe and sustainable temperatures are determined by CPU cooling efficiency, computer case cooling efficiency, Ambient temperature, Vcore, clock speed and Load.

* Tjunction is always higher than Tcase.

* Tcase is always higher than Ambient.


Section 5: Findings

(A) Tcase is acquired on the CPU Die from the CPU Case Thermal Diode as an analog level, which is converted to a digital value by the super I/O chip on the motherboard. The digital value is Calibrated in BIOS and displayed by temperature software. A BIOS flash can affect the accuracy of Tcase.

(B) Tjunction is acquired within the Cores from Thermal Diodes as analog levels which are converted to digital values by the Digital Thermal Sensors (DTS) within each Core. The digital values are factory Calibrated and displayed by temperature software. A BIOS flash can not affect the accuracy of Tjunction.

(C) Tcase and Tjunction are both acquired from Thermal Diodes. Tcase to Tjunction analog to digital (A to D) conversions are executed by different devices in separate locations. BIOS Calibrations, factory DTS Calibrations and temperature software are frequently inaccurate.

(D) Intel shows Maximum Case Temperature (Tcase Max) in the Processor Spec Finder, which is the only temperature that Intel supports on Core 2 desktop processors. Ambient to Tcase Delta at Idle has a known Offset which averages 3c.

(E) Intel does not provide documentation for Maximum Junction Temperature (Tjunction Max) on Core 2 desktop processors. For Throttling and thermal Shutdown protection, Intel uses the Digital Thermal Sensors (DTS) to monitor Delta to Tjunction Max, which is a relative value, and not an absolute temperature.

(F) Tjunction Max must be known to calculate absolute temperature, which is Tjunction. Without this information, popular software utilities incorrectly estimate Tjunction Max, which results in excessive Core temperatures and inconsistent Tcase to Tjunction Delta among C2Q and C2D variants.

(G) Existing independent test data instead agrees with other Intel documentation which shows Tcase to Tjunction Delta has a known Offset which peaks at ~ 5c under Load with stock configuration.

*Ambient can be used to Calibrate Tcase.

*Tcase can be used to Calibrate Tjunction.


Section 6: Scale

Safe and sustainable temperatures vary according to Spec#. The temperature Scales shown below illustrate the Delta between Idle and Load, and the typical 5c Delta between Tcase and Tjunction among C2Q / C2D variants. Although the Delta between Tcase and Tjunction is relatively consistent, temperatures do not always scale in a precisely linear manner with respect to one another due to Variables such as Vcore, clock speed, Stepping and Load. Low Vcore and clock may cause Tcase to Tjunction Delta to indicate as low as 2c at Idle, while high Vcore and overclock may cause Tcase to Tjunction Delta to reach 8c at 100% Workload.

If temperatures increase beyond Hot Scale, then ~ 5c below Tjunction Max, Throttling is activated. The Digital Thermal Sensors (DTS) are used to trigger Intel`s TM1 and TM2 technologies for frequency, multiplier and Vcore Throttling within individual Cores. If Core temperatures increase further to Tjunction Max, then Shutdown occurs. Since Tcase indicates CPU Die temperature only, it is not used for Throttle or Shutdown activation, however, as Tcase Max will be exceeded before Tjunction Max is reached, Tcase Max is always the limiting thermal specification.

Use CPU-Z (see Section 8) to read processor information including the Revision field below the Stepping field, then choose a Scale below which matches the CPU being tested. Scales are ordered from highest to lowest Tcase Max.

Scale 1: Duo
E4x00: Tcase Max 73c, Stepping M0
E2xx0: Tcase Max 73c, Stepping M0
E8x00: Tcase Max 72c, Stepping C0
E8x90: Tcase Max 72c, Stepping C0
E6x50: Tcase Max 72c, Stepping G0
E6540: Tcase Max 72c, Stepping G0

-Tcase/Tjunction-
--70--/--75--75-- Hot
--65--/--70--70-- Warm
--60--/--65--65-- Safe
--25--/--30--30-- Cool

Scale 2: Quad
Q9x50: Tcase Max 71c, Stepping C1
Q9300: Tcase Max 71c, Stepping M1
Q6x00: Tcase Max 71c, Stepping G0

-Tcase/Tjunction-
--70--/--75--75--75--75-- Hot
--65--/--70--70--70--70-- Warm
--60--/--65--65--65--65-- Safe
--25--/--30--30--30--30-- Cool

Scale 3: Quad
QX6x50: Tcase Max 65c, Stepping G0
QX6800: Tcase Max 65c, Stepping G0
QX6700: Tcase Max 65c, Stepping B3
QX9650: Tcase Max 64c, Stepping C0
QX9775: Tcase Max 63c, Stepping C0

-Tcase/Tjunction-
--65--/--70--70--70--70-- Hot
--60--/--65--65--65--65-- Warm
--55--/--60--60--60--60-- Safe
--25--/--30--30--30--30-- Cool

Scale 4: Quad
Q6600: Tcase Max 62c, Stepping B3

-Tcase/Tjunction-
--60--/--65--65--65--65-- Hot
--55--/--60--60--60--60-- Warm
--50--/--55--55--55--55-- Safe
--25--/--30--30--30--30-- Cool

Scale 5: Duo
E6x00: Tcase Max 61c, Stepping L2
E4x00: Tcase Max 61c, Stepping L2
E21x0: Tcase Max 61c, Stepping L2
X6800: Tcase Max 60c, Stepping B2
E6x00: Tcase Max 60c, Stepping B2
E6x20: Tcase Max 60c, Stepping B2

-Tcase/Tjunction-
--60--/--65--65-- Hot
--55--/--60--60-- Warm
--50--/--55--55-- Safe
--25--/--30--30-- Cool

Scale 6: Quad
QX6800: Tcase Max 55c, Stepping B3

-Tcase/Tjunction-
--55--/--60--60--60--60-- Hot
--50--/--55--55--55--55-- Warm
--45--/--50--50--50--50-- Safe
--25--/--30--30--30--30-- Cool


Section 7: Parameters

(A) NO temperatures can be less than Ambient.

(B) Normal Ambient temperature is specified at 22c.

(C) Vcore Load should not exceed 1.4 volts on 45nm processors.

(D) Vcore Load should not exceed 1.5 volts on 65nm processors.

(E) All temperatures increase as Ambient, clock and Vcore increase.

(F) Tjunction average should Idle no less than 2c higher than Tcase.

(G) Tcase to Tjunction Delta is typically ~ 5c during Prime95 Small FFT`s.

(H) Tcase and Tjunction Load should not exceed Hot Scale for the CPU being tested.

(I) Tjunction Idle and Load Results are average temperatures.

(J) Idle to Load Delta may exceed 25c when overclocked.


Section 8: Tools

CPU-Z and SpeedFan will be used to Calibrate Tcase at Idle. Prime95 will be used in addition to CPU-Z and SpeedFan to Calibrate Tjunction at Load. SpeedFan will then be used to permanently monitor temperatures.

Use the following links to download and install these utilities:

* CPU-Z 1.44.1: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

* Prime95 25.6: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Prime95_d4363.html

* SpeedFan 4.33 displays Tcase and Tjunction: http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

Note 1: Prime95 - When run for the first time, it is necessary to click on Advanced, then click on Round off checking so that errors caused by instabilities will be flagged as they occur. Prime95 will expose insufficient CPU cooling and computer case cooling, or excessive Vcore and overclock. At no other time will a CPU be as heavily loaded, or display higher temperatures, even when OC'd during worst-case loads such as gaming or video editing. Prime95 can be used with SpeedFan to observe CPU temps, while stress testing for system stability. During single threaded gaming and applications, Core 0 typically carries heavier loads and higher temps than other Cores.

Note 2: SpeedFan - Very flexible and configurable, SpeedFan is the preferred temperature monitoring utility, however, do not expect SpeedFan to be accurate until Calibrations have been completed, and Offset corrections have been Configured. SpeedFan detects and labels thermal sensors according to various motherboard, chipset and super I/O chip configurations, so the Tcase label can be CPU, Temp 1, Temp 2, or Temp 3. Even if Tcase is labeled as CPU, it is still necessary to confirm the identity of Tcase prior to conducting Calibrations.
[*]Repeatedly start and stop Prime95 Small FFT`s at 15 second intervals, while observing which SpeedFan temperature scales with an Idle to Load Delta similar to the Cores. This will identify the label corresponding to Tcase. Labels can later be renamed using the Configure button. See Section 11.

If a temperature shows a flame icon, this indicates alarm limits which require adjustment. Use the Configure button to set CPU and Core temp alarms to Warm Scale. If a temperature shows Aux 127, this is simply an unassigned input which can be disabled using the Configure button. See Section 11.

Note 3: TAT - The software utility (TAT) Thermal Analysis Tool at maximum settings will simulate 100% Thermal Load, which would equal Prime95 Small FFT`s at 114% Workload ~ 5c hotter. This provides the most extreme testing available for CPU and system cooling efficiency. Since TAT is coded to measure Notebook temps, it identifies a C2D as Pentium M. As Notebooks have no Integrated Heat Spreader, thermal scaling differs from desktop CPU`s, so TAT indicates ~ 2c lower, and depending on Variables, temps may be Offset by more than 15c. It is therefore recommended that TAT be used for extreme thermal testing only, and temps regarded as unreliable.


Section 9: Calibrations

Prerequisites:

(A) CPU cooler correctly installed.

(B) Record or photo or Save Profile of BIOS settings for quick restore when Calibrations are complete.

The following procedures are designed to achieve three objectives:
[*] Calibrate Tcase at Idle.
[*] Calibrate Tjunction at Load.
[*] Verify Tcase to Tjunction Delta at Load.

These objectives are accomplished by manually setting BIOS to maximize cooling capacity, and minimize Idle power consumption, in order to minimize Idle temperatures, so that accurate Calibrations can be achieved among C2Q / C2D variants and motherboards. These lowest common denominators can be summarized as; connectivity offline, Windows programs closed, Auto Vcore and Auto frequency (SpeedStep) enabled, and computer case covers removed, with all fans at 100%.

Setting these Variables eliminates cooling issues, and allows Tcase to decrease to ~ 3c above Ambient, which provides for accurate Tcase Offset correction. Tjunction is then Calibrated at Load, which establishes accurate Tcase to Tjunction Delta.

Note 1: It is preferred that Idle and Load Tests be conducted as close to 22c Ambient as possible to allow for a normal temperature ceiling for Load Testing, and to maintain environmental consistency for more uniform comparisons among C2Q / C2D variants and system platforms.

Note 2: When configuring Offset corrections, it is desirable to favor positive values, which will provide a safety margin by calibrating displayed temperatures slightly higher than measured temperatures.


Part 1: Test Setup

Computer Case Covers = Removed
Computer Case Fans = Manual 100% RPM
Connectivity Status = Offline
CPU Fan = Manual 100% RPM
CPU Frequency = Auto
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Enabled
Enhanced C1 Control (C1E) = Enabled
Memory Frequency = Auto
PECI (If Equipped) = Enabled
Speed Step (EIST) = Enabled
Vcore = Auto
Vdimm = Auto
Windows Programs = Closed

Note 1: PECI (Platform Environmental Control Interface) is a BIOS feature on some recent motherboards which determines the method by which chipsets interpret and manage temperatures. When enabled, thermal accuracy is enhanced, and if disabled, temperatures are typically inverted, where Tcase is higher than Tjunction.

Note 2: Windows programs, background processes, SETI, Folding and Tray software must be closed. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete, click on Task Manager, then click on the Performance tab to confirm CPU Usage is less than 2%. Use the Applications and Processes tabs to close programs if necessary.


Part 2: Offset Correction - Tcase Idle

(A) Measure Ambient, preferably near computer case air intake, clear of warm exhaust. A trusted analog or digital thermometer will suffice.

(B) Boot Windows, close programs. Open CPU-Z and SpeedFan. Observe CPU-Z for Core Voltage, Core Speed and Multiplier to decrease to minimums. Observe SpeedFan, allow 10 minute at Idle to ensure that temperatures decrease to minimums, then record Tcase.

(C) Tcase should indicate Ambient + 3c.

(D) If Offset correction is required, Configure SpeedFan as shown in Section 11.


Part 3: Offset Correction - Tjunction Load

(A) Open Prime95 Small FFT`s. Observe CPU-Z for Core Voltage, Core Speed and Multiplier to increase to maximums. Observe SpeedFan. Heat saturation is typically reached within 7 to 8 minutes, so allow 10 minutes at Load to ensure that temperatures increase to maximums, then record Tjunction.

(B) Tjunction average should indicate Tcase + 5c with a tolerance of +/- 2.

(C) If Offset correction is required, Configure SpeedFan as shown in Section 11. Enter identical correction values for each Core.

(D) Close Prime95, then allow the system to Idle for 10 minutes. Tjunction average should Idle at least 2c above Tcase. Readjust individual Cores which indicate excessively high or low temps, then repeat items (A) thru (D).

(E) Repeat Item (A) and allow Prime95 to run beyond 10 minutes while reinstalling covers. If temperatures increase, then computer case cooling should be improved.

(F) Restore the system to original or custom BIOS settings and hardware / software preferences.


The Load Test should verify that a Tcase to Tjunction Delta of ~ 5c is indicated. If temperatures do not meet the Parameters, then repeat Parts 1 through 3. Remember that Tcase does not always scale in a precisely linear manner with Tjunction due to Variables such as Vcore, clock speed, Stepping and Load. A heavily overclocked 65nm Quad with high Vcore may reach Tcase to Tjunction Delta 8c at 100% Workload.

If temperatures are allowed to increase beyond Hot Scale, then ~ 5c below Tjunction Max Throttling is activated. If Core temperatures increase further to Tjunction Max, then Shutdown occurs. Since Tcase Max will be exceeded before Tjunction Max is reached, Tcase Max is always the limiting thermal specification.
[*] It is not recommended to continually operate processors, overclocked or stock, at Hot Scale for reasons of stability and longevity.


Section 10: Results and Variables

The following Examples each represent typical overclocked systems, which have moderately high Vcore settings, yet still maintain Safe temperatures at 100% Workload.

Example 1: Quad

Tcase = 25c Idle, 60c Load (SpeedFan: CPU or Temp x)
Tjunction average = 30c Idle, 65c Load (SpeedFan: Core x)

Ambient = 22c
Chipset = P35
CPU = Q6600
CPU Cooler= Tuniq Tower
Frequency = 3.6 Ghz
Load = Prime95 - Small FFT`s - 10 minutes
Motherboard = Asus P5K Deluxe
Stepping = G0
Vcore Load = 1.45

Example 2: Duo

Tcase = 25c Idle, 60c Load (SpeedFan: CPU or Temp x)
Tjunction average Core = 30c Idle, 65c Load (SpeedFan: Core x)

Ambient = 22c
Chipset = X38
CPU = E8400
CPU Cooler= AC Freezer 7 Pro
Frequency = 4.0 Ghz
Load = Prime95 - Small FFT`s - 10 minutes
Motherboard = Asus P5E
Stepping = C0
Vcore Load = 1.35

Idle to Load Delta will vary among systems due to inconsistencies such as Ambient temp, Vcore, clock speed, CPU cooling, computer case cooling, graphics card(s) cooling, and software processes. Excessive background processes running simultaneously may not allow low Idle temps. Low Vcore and stock clock may result in low Idle to Load Delta. High Vcore and overclock may exceed the max spec of 25c Idle to Load Delta, as shown above.

The typical 5c Delta between Tcase and Tjunction will vary among systems between Idle at low Vcore, and Load at high Vcore. Erroneous BIOS releases and temperature utilities are often the source of thermal inaccuracies. Intel's Thermal Diode spec is +/-1c, so temperatures may be very accurate on hardware / firmware / software platforms free of manufacturer's deficiencies. Temperatures which have Offsets can be accurately Calibrated in SpeedFan.


Section 11: Offsets

SpeedFan 4.33 can be configured to correct for inaccurate Tcase (CPU or Temp x) and Tjunction (Core x) Offsets, if temperatures don't meet Parameters.

(A) From the Readings tab, click on the Configure button, then click on the Advanced tab, and click on the Chip field, directly under the tabs.

(B) Next, go to SpeedFan`s installation Program Group, and click on the Help and HOW-TO Icon.

(C) Under Contents, click on How to configure, then click on How to set Advanced Options. Read this section, including Other interesting options, with emphasis on Temperature x offset.

(D) If additional help is needed, click on the following link to SpeedFan`s homepage, then click on the F.A.Q. tab: http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

When configured, SpeedFan will display Tcase and Tjunction temperatures accurately. SpeedFan is also extremely useful for observing temperatures and Vcore using the Charts tab, while thermal benchmarking with Prime95 Small FFT`s.

Tips:

(A) Tcase may be labeled as CPU, Temp 1, Temp 2 or Temp 3, but is most frequently labeled as Temp 2. Follow Section 8, Note 2 to correctly identify which label corresponds to Tcase.

(B) Tjunction is labeled Core 0, Core 1, etc.

(C) Graphics Processors are labeled Core.

(D) Graphics Cards which display a sensor labeled Ambient, must not be used for measuring room temperature.

(E) SpeedFan flame Icons are alarm limits which can be adjusted using the Configure button.

(F) SpeedFan Aux 127 is an unassigned input which can be disabled using the Configure button.

(G) Core 0 typically carries heavier loads and higher temps during single threaded gaming and applications, so SpeedFan should be configured to "Show in Tray" Core 0.


Section 12: Overclocking

Intel's Thermal Design Power (TDP) spec can be exceeded by over 50% when CPU frequency is aggressively overclocked, and Vcore is increased to maintain stability. When Intel's Vcore Default spec of ~ 1.35 (65nm) or ~ 1.25 (45nm) is increased much beyond 10%, which is 1.5 Vcore (65nm) or 1.4 Vcore (45nm), it becomes difficult to maintain Safe Scale with air cooling. As Ambient temperature increases, overclock frequency and Vcore may need to be decreased.

Every CPU is unique in it's overclock potential, voltage tolerance, and thermal behavior. If the maximum stable overclock is known at 1.35 Vcore (65nm) or 1.25 Vcore (45nm), then each increase of 0.05 volts will typically allow a stable increase of ~ 100 Mhz, and will result in a corresponding increase in CPU temperatures of 3 to 4c. Ambient and Vcore are the most dominant Variables affecting temperatures.

At 1.35 Vcore (65nm) or 1.25 Vcore (45nm), ~ 300 Mhz of additional overclock remains until Safe Scale is exeeded due to increased Vcore. Example; at 22c Ambient, if a CPU is stable at 3.2 Ghz (65nm) or 3.7 Ghz (45nm) - 1.35 Vcore (65nm) or 1.25 Vcore (45nm) @ 100% Workload, then it may also be stable at 3.5 Ghz (65nm) or 4.0 Ghz (45nm) - 1.5 Vcore (65nm) or 1.4 Vcore (45nm) @ 100% Workload, with highly effective CPU cooling and computer case cooling.




Section 13: Heat Score

The following items will enable users to estimate cooling efficiency, identify problem areas, and visualize how environment and system configuration impacts real-world thermal performance. Graphics cards which Recirculate heat are a major cause of high temps in gaming rigs, therefore, cards designed with Rear Exhaust are preferred.

(A) Ambient:
3 = Over 24c
2 = 22c to 24c
1 = Under 22c

(B) CPU Cooler:
3 = Stock or Low End
2 = Mid Range
1 = High End

(C) Computer Case Cooling:
3 = Needs Improvement
2 = Fair
1 = Excellent

(D) Frequency:
3 = Heavy OC
2 = Moderate OC
1 = Stock or Lite OC

(E) Graphics Cooling:
3 = Recirculate - SLI
2 = Recirculate - Single Card
1 = Rear Exhaust - Single Card / SLI / CrossFire

(F) Hard Drives:
3 = 4 or More
2 = 2 or 3
1 = 1

(G) Vcore: 65nm Processors
3 = Over 1.425
2 = 1.35 to 1.425
1 = Under 1.35

(OR)

(G) Vcore: 45nm Processors
3 = Over 1.325
2 = 1.25 to 1.325
1 = Under 1.25

Total: (Example System)
(A) = 2
(B) = 2
(C) = 1
(D) = 3
(E) = 1
(F) = 2
(G) = 3
Heat Score = 14

Scale:
17 - 21 = Hot
12 - 16 = Warm
7 - 11 = Safe


Section 14: Recommendations

For information on CPU Coolers, please refer to the following links:
http://www.anandtech.com/casecooling...spx?i=3005&p=4
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/200..._tx2_and_212/6
http://www.frostytech.com/articlevie...id=2045&page=4
http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=get...91&articID=519


Section 15: Troubleshooting

Notice: A significant percentage of 45 nanometer processors are being reported with defective DTS sensors, which can be characterized as displaying unresponsive Core temperatures, particularly at lower Scale. Also being reported are excessive Offsets between Cores of as much as 8c. These issues apply to E8000, Q9000 and QX9000 series processors.

(A) Vcore will typically droop at least 0.025 volts under full Load.

(B) Offsets between Cores of up to 5c for Quad`s and 3c for Duo`s are normal.

(C) Any hardware and / or software may misreport Tcase and / or Tjunction temps.

(D) BIOS updates will affect the accuracy of Tcase, but will have no affect on Tjunction.

(E) If Tcase is higher than Tjunction, then enabling PECI (if equipped) in BIOS may correct inverted temps.

(F) CPU's manufactured with concave / convex Integrated Heat Spreaders may indicate high Idle to Load Delta.

(G) An improperly seated CPU cooler is the leading cause of abnormally high temperatures.

(H) Ambient and Vcore are the most dominant Variables affecting temperatures.


Section 16: Comments

This Guide may be frequently updated as new processors and information becomes available.

~~~ I hope this helps to bring Core 2 Quad and Duo temperatures into perspective. Thank you for reading. ~~~

CompuTronix :sol:

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tehpwnerofn00bs

Looks nice. Could you maybe go through and underline the section titles, and maybe do a couple other little things to make it an easier read? Nevertheless, +rep.

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Crrust

Sections are now in Bold and Highlighted. The original guide had some nice coloring in the temperatures sections and if someone will give me a quick how to I will update it with those as well.

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GigaByte

Perfect guide... now I fully understand Tcase and Tjunction

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Crrust

Fixed a few of the links that had been garbled in translation and started making it pretty.

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GigaByte

Ok this is confusing, Tcase is supposed to be always below Tjunction temps but above ambient correct? Well this is what I get with 21c ambients and no offsets as of yet:



On load Tcase and Tjunction like to BOTH sit at 74c for TAT and 70c for orthos small FFT. This is not correct since Tjunction is always higher than Tcase..? Also I have the E4500 M0 (only stepping of the E4500's) and Core Temp tells me it's Tjunction Max is 85c while here its said to be 100c? Which one is it? Iam not about to try and cook my CPU to find out what the Tjunction max is (let it shutdown)

I also understand the Tcase to Tjunction delta is 10c on my CPU correct? Well since Tcase is supposed to be lower and by following the calculations (very hard to follow...) I ended up setting an offset of -15c to Tcase giving it 19c while ambients are 21c? So thats not right..

Can anyone shed some light on this?

EDIT: I read the part about PECI and the misread Tcase... well what if you don't have that option in bios? On Intel's site it says PECI is enabled by default for E4500 so....??

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Crrust

Start by calibrating your Tcase following the part 2 below. This should give you the correct offset in speedfan. You already know that no temps can be below ambient with air cooling so the 19C Tcase is not possible with 21C ambient. Make sure that when you underclock the processor and boot into windows that your CPU usage is <2%. This will ensure an accurate offset in Speedfan. Looking at your screenshot I would say an offset of -12C would be where you want to be, assuming that the screenshot was taken before your -15C offset.