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Thread ID: 90517 2008-06-05 20:17:00 AMD Athlon 64 X2 Overheating Problems blasebbg (13838) Press F1
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675927 2008-06-05 20:17:00 I recently purchased an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Processor, and I am having cooling problems . The processor runs between 65 and 70 Celsius with no load (BIOS readings) . The computer will then randomly shut down during operation, I guess because the processor is too hot . I am told that hte maximum operating temperature for this dual core is 65 C, and so I troubleshooted it .
First, I thought the thermal paste was too thick, and somehow limiting conductivity and making the processor hotter . I removed it using lens cloth and High Purity Isopropyl Alcohol . The thermal paste was Arctic Silver 5 . I applied a thinner layer of the paste and spread it slightly before using the weight of the heatsink to spread it across . I followed the instructions from Arctic Silver .

I also added more fans to the updated machine, a 92 mm from intake fan, a 92 mm chassis exhaust fan, and an 80 mm chassis exhaust fan, in addition to the CPU fan and the 120 mm system fan that came with the Thermaltake SopranoRS101 case .

Lastly, the additions of the fan depressed the temperature on the motherboard to a low 30 C .

Yet, the system runs even hotter now than it did before . Can anyone help me out? (See Specs Below)

Processor: AMD Atholon 64 X2 5000+
Video Card: PCI Geforce FX 5200
HDD: Maxtor 300GB 7200 RPM
ODD: Microadvantage DVD/RW
Fans: 5 : 2 (92) 1 CPU 1 system (120) 1 (80) .
Motherboard: Asus M3A-H/HDMI
blasebbg (13838)
675928 2008-06-05 20:58:00 It shouldn't be overheating, after what you've done.

If you touch the side of the heatsink, is it very hot to touch? I'm wondering if you have a faulty CPU temp sensor.
wratterus (105)
675929 2008-06-05 22:13:00 Is the HSF seated correctly? pctek (84)
675930 2008-06-05 23:44:00 Update:

I removed all the Non-essential PCI cards and USB devices to troubleshoot an insufficient Power Supply Problem . Result: No Success

To both of your suggestions:

I just checked the heatsink: It is not warm to the touch . Interestingly thought i had problems while operating the computer that are consistent with processor over-heating: sluggish and studdering performance, intermittent cursor movement, etc . I was thinking, couldn't a cool heatsink be a symptom, not a solution? What if there is no conductivity happening, wouldn't the processor then just steadily rise the 65-70 level? Let me know if anyone has any further advice .

To address the other suggestion: I am curious about the fan too . it certainly works, but I'm wondering if it is mounted backwards (ie . blowing air in the wrong direction) Does anyone know if the fans are supposed to blow air into or out of the processor?

Thanks for your help
blasebbg (13838)
675931 2008-06-05 23:51:00 It should be blowing air into the processor. Are you definitely sure you have mounted the heatsink properly? It does sound like it isn't conducting heat properly. wratterus (105)
675932 2008-06-06 00:11:00 Fairly Certian. I've built 5 PCs before this and mounted all those heatsinks successfully. I could rotate it around and see if that works, but that would go against the little instruction manual illustration that AMD sent me. Think its worth a shot? blasebbg (13838)
675933 2008-06-06 00:27:00 Where are you getting the temp reading from? BIOS? If so, Update the BIOS and see what happens. pctek (84)
675934 2008-06-06 03:20:00 Some temperature sensors are horribly wrong...

If your heatsink is cold then either your CPU is cool or something is insulating it from the heatsink which would cause that too... You did take the plastic cover off the heatsink first, right? :lol:

I'd check the temp of the motherboard on the opposite side, underneath the socket - if that doesn't burn your finger then I'd say your sensor is lying
Agent_24 (57)
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