[SOLVED] 90 Degrees (Celsius) idle CPU

[Andrew_HCC]

Hello there.
I recently bought a used PC with the following specs:
I5 750 2.6GHz
Radeon HD 5750 1GB
8GB Corsair Vengeance RAM
Gigabyte P55-USB3 motherboard
Corsair GS600 PSU
Antec Case (I think it's a 203)

I noticed that the system was very slow and even turned off twice, so I downloaded Core Temp.
It said my CPU cores were running at 95 degrees.
I let the computer cool for a few hours and turned it on again, went into the BIOS and the CPU temperature quickly rose to 88 degrees and stayed there.
The owner says he applied thermal paste last when he built the computer (from the parts I'm guessing 2010-2011)
Would simply replacing the thermal compound fix the issue? The cooler seems to be mounted right and the heatsink feels pretty cool, even while the BIOS says it's at 88 degrees.
Thanks.

 

[clarkjd]

I would definately replace the thermal paste. What have you got to lose?

 

[iyzik]

Replacing the thermal compound would definitely be the first thing to try. Maybe buy a better cooler as well, if its just the stock one. You can get decent air coolers for fairly cheap.

 

[Andrew_HCC]

I have considered getting a new cooler but I'm wondering is it necessary since I don't plan to overclock the system, nor was the temperature caused by oc'ing, I mean the cooler seems to be working.
Do you think it's necessary?

 

[captaincharisma]

it is a really old computer so a new cooler may be best. but replacing the themal paste would be a good place to start. also get a cain of air and clean some of the dust out of it

 

[clarkjd]

The fan on the cooler may be working, but with a CPU temp of 88C-95C at idle, I submit that the cooler is NOT working. Why it isn't working is what we are trying to determine.

 

[Andrew_HCC]

Yeah I'm gonna try and apply the new thermal paste see does it solve my issues.
If not I'll buy a new cooler.

 

[Andrew_HCC]

How could I test to see is it working?
BIOS detects it And detects no failures.
Fan seems to be spinning normally ~1500-1600 rpm

 

[kerberos_20]

if heatsing doesnt get heat, then paste is either dried or there isnt any, or there are air pockets

eitherway it should be warm

 

[clarkjd]

How could I test to see is it working?
BIOS detects it And detects no failures.
Fan seems to be spinning normally ~1500-1600 rpm

The purpose of a cooler is to cool your CPU. If it is not accomplishing that task, then it is NOT working, I don't care how normal the fans are spinning..

 

[Andrew_HCC]

Uhm okay, I just said I thought it was working cause it seems normal.
How can I test to see is it working?

 

[DeadRam]

Core temp might be reporting the temperature incorrectly. You may have to manually adjust the temperature offset in core temp. Do some research.

 

[iyzik]

It is not "working" right now because your CPU is overheating. Yes, the fans are spinning but they are not cooling the CPU effectively, so that pretty much narrows it down to your thermal paste.

 

[Andrew_HCC]

Hm I see, if that's the case what could be causing my problems?

 

[Andrew_HCC]

So I should just get some thermal paste, clean it off and reapply, and see where I am from there?
As in if it's still overheating then get a new cooler

 

[clarkjd]

So I should just get some thermal paste, clean it off and reapply, and see where I am from there?
As in if it's still overheating then get a new cooler

Sounds like a plan to me!

 

[Andrew_HCC]

Okay thanks guys, I'll get that done and see what happens.