C2D X6800 cooling issue

[freew67]

Specs: Homebuilt machine in Aug 06
C2D X6800 2.93
4 GB DDR2
ATI 5750 1GB
SB Audigy
ASUS P5W DH Deluxe
3 case fans, 2 in, 1 out
Thermaltake SpinQ cpu cooler
Windows 7 Pro
700W psu

Just installed the SpinQ which dropped my idle temps from mid 50's to mid 40's. Right now my idle is around 44-46 and while playing games in the 60-66 range (was mid 70's with old cooler). Checking with CPUID and Core Temp. Only noticed the temps when BFBC2 started to act up a bit. I just upgraded to Win 7 and had XP Media installed till last week. Handful of my buds have C2's duels and quads (none have 6800) and their temps are 10-15 deg c lower then mine. One person has a very similar setup to me, and he even has his board o/c so he can run the quad chip on it. Yet mine is still hotter then his. The only big difference is we live a few miles apart. They live in the UK were I live in KY.

I have not o/c anything nor really messed with to many settings in the bios. Could there be an issue with my setup or is this normal? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[saaiello]

Well like all temps your Ambient temps in your room play a big part on your temps also your 6800 is a 65nm chip maybe your buds have a newer C2 Quad that is 45nm which will run a little bit cooler.

 

[logainofhades]

Also the stepping of your CPU could be a reason why yours is running warmer. IIRC the B* stepping 65nm cpu's ran warmer than their G* stepping counterparts. Regardless, those temps are plenty safe with a 65nm C2D quad.

 

[freew67]

Good point on the 65 vs 45. Their comps are new so Im sure that is part of it. I think I bought this a few weeks after the C2D's were released (if that helps on exactly which one it is). So yes, that means I spent over $1000 for it lol. Ive had this for just about 4 years, so I figured its about time to play with it. I just wanted to make sure that these temps were safe before I o/c it a bit.

 

[Lmeow]

Well, temps are OK, but I wouldn't say it would be safe enough to overclock. According to Intel, it's max CPU case temperature is 60°C or so, but I'm assuming that Intel's trying to play it safe here. Apparently it starts to throttle down at around 85°C core temperature, so try to keep it below 70°C if possible.

 

[logainofhades]

Max CPU temp is 100c on most Intel CPU's.

 

[freew67]

Took the comp off the floor and put it on the desk. After switching a fan around, idle is around 40 and in game 57. I just never realized the lack of air movement in this room. Once the A/C kicked on, I saw idle temps around 35-36. I would love to do water, but thats not in the budget right now... unless someone wants to donate it!! I just couldnt find solid info on the net anywhere and knew this is the place to ask.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Lmeow]

You're welcome.

Max CPU temp is 100c on most Intel CPU's.

With the Core 2 Duo X6800, it's 85°C. You are right though, most Intel CPUs' max, absolute temperature before throttling down on Intel CPUs is ~ 100°C, however, it's not exactly a good idea to run near that temperature often, which would probably degrade the CPU's lifespan.

 

[logainofhades]

You're welcome.



With the Core 2 Duo X6800, it's 85°C. You are right though, most Intel CPUs' max, absolute temperature before throttling down on Intel CPUs is ~ 100°C, however, it's not exactly a good idea to run near that temperature often, which would probably degrade the CPU's lifespan.

Yea personally I do not like getting over 65-70c with an Intel CPU.

 

[freew67]

I added another fan inside the case, but didnt really see any changes. The only odd thing is when I take the side of the case off, my temps drop 2-3c. Any suggestions?