72 degrees close to TCase
... processor runs at 71-72 degrees ...
Is there a link between them?
Is the computer freezing problem in the processor at 71-72 degrees? On the site of Intel, the TCase value is given as 71.9 degrees.
CPU: Core2 Quad Q9505
Furkan1771,
On behalf of Tom's Moderator Team, welcome aboard!
There is no link between your Core temperatures and Tcase. For the benefit of other Forum Members and our visiting readers:
Tcase is not Core temperature
Intel's Tcase specification is very misleading and has been confusing users since 2006. The temperature value of 71.9°C that you see on Intel's
Product Specifications website is indeed Tcase. However, Intel desktop processors have not just one, but
two thermal specifications; "Tcase"
and "Tjunction".
Tjunction is also known as "Tj Max" or "Throttle" temperature. This is the Core temperature at which the processor will reduce Core speed and Core voltage to safeguard against thermal damage. If you download and run "
Core Temp" you can see Tj Max. For your
Core 2 Q9505, Tjunction is
100°C, but that does
not mean it's OK to run it that hot.
Here's the nominal operating range for Core temperature:
Core temperatures above 85°C are not recommended.
Core temperatures below 80°C are ideal.
Intel's
Datasheets (which most users
never read) are detailed technical documents that show
both Tcase and Tjunction specifications (see pages 66 & 73). Intel's Product Specifications website (which some users
have seen) is instead a quick reference that shows
only "Tcase" for 6th generation and earlier processors (
including Core 2 processors),
or "Tjunction" for 7th generation and later, but
not both. The processor's generation determines which of the two thermal specifications is shown on the Product Specifications website.
In the Datasheets "Tjunction" (
Temperature
Junction) is called "Tj Max" (
Temperature
Junction
Maximum) or "Throttle" temperature. Likewise, in the Datasheets "Tcase" (
Temperature
Case) is called "Tcase Max" (
Temperature
Case
Maximum), which is "IHS" (
Integrated
Heat
Spreader) temperature.
Since the Tcase specification pertains to CPU coolers, Intel's intended purpose for providing this specification was primarily for developers of aftermarket cooling solutions. Unfortunately, a great deal of widespread misinterpretations among users could've been avoided if Intel had limited Tcase to internal use and those with non-disclosure agreements, and had instead used the Tj Max specification on their Product Specifications website for
all their processors.
Moreover, since the cooler on laptop (mobile) processors is seated directly on the silicon "Die" which contains the Cores, they don't have an IHS, so they don't have a Tcase specification; only Tj Max. Regardless, unlike the Product Specifications website, the Datasheets use proper terminology. Referring to the Datasheets instead of the Product Specifications website eliminates the confusion surrounding Intel's specifications.
As per the Datasheets, and
for the record:
Tcase
Max is a specification for CPU coolers
Tcase is
IHS temperature
Tj
Max is a specification for Throttle protection
Tjunction is
Core temperature
Tcase is completely unrelated to your "PC case" or "chassis". Users can't measure Tcase because it's a
factory only thermal measurement performed on
engineering samples using a
thermocouple sensor embedded in the external surface of the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), which is the CPU's protective metal "case" whereupon the cooler is seated.
Retail processors do not have this sensor, so it's not possible for you to monitor IHS temperature.
Core temperatures are instead measured by individual
Digital
Thermal
Sensors (DTS) located deep within each Core at the transistor "Junctions" which are the heat sources where temperatures are highest. This means IHS temperature (Tcase) is significantly lower than Core temperature (Tjunction). As such, Tj Max (Throttle temperature) is your thermal limit;
not Tcase. For end users, this means
Tcase is irrelevant.
Also, keep in mind that
Core temperatures increase and decrease with ambient temperature, for which the International Standard for "normal" ambient (room) temperature is 22°C or 72°F.
At the top of our Forums you'll see "STICKY THREADS" which are valuable information resources that are permanently "stuck" in place so they're always available for everyone's benefit. If you look at the top of the CPUs Forum where you posted your thread, you'll see a Sticky that has all the information you need:
Intel Temperature Guide - you might want to give it a read.
Once again, welcome aboard!
CT
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