Temp question on quads?

The amount of load across all 4 cores isn't constant until the machine is put under load and maxes out all 4 cores.

If you are still concerned you can replace the thermal paste and reseat your H/S to make sure, but i'm 99% sure that is what is causing it.

Cheers

Comps

Is it because of which way i have the heat sink? pipes on one side = lower temps

most of these q9650's have stuck sensors.my last one had idle temps like this
26-16-36-36, sensors 1,3,4 were stuck at 26-36-36 because i used chilled water
my temps were below 16c.if i put a light load,say super Pi 32m which puts about
50% load, temps would rise to 27c-27c-36c-36c.thats because at 50% load it did
not raise the temps above 27c.once i put 100% load temps all raise to about 50c
to 60c.both my Q9650's had the and so did my E8400/E8500's.

All quads will have different core temps, partially from windows distributing the load. The other problem is the cpu hsf and your cooler may have a slight concave or convex to it. This has happened with my last q6700 and my current i7 (sig). The best way is to lap your cpu and cooler.

I agree with the others,this isn't all that unusual.Normally for me cores 0,1,2 are about the same(maybe 1 to 2 degree difference)while 3 will differ 2 to 5 degrees.Stressing pulls them all within each other,I wouldn't worry about too much.

Don't sweat it, and don't worry about idle temps. Load temps are what matter, and at that point even if you have a stuck sensor, it wouldn't be under load.

As for your cpu cooler, it isn't the greatest, but how is it working for you?

Idle temps are not accurate readings, so there will be huge fluctuations. The sensors are only designed to identify load temps, thus as long as your CPU is within the safe temperatures, then it is fine.

As others have said, it is normal. Between the software and quality control, they are not perfect. Idle temps don't matter anyways.