Core i7 920 temps

[tomstar]

2 days ago I got all the computer parts I needed to start building my first self-build computer ever. Not all went well as at first, the computer just wouldn't boot. Alot of leds would be lighting up red so I started to disconnect everything I didn't need and try to boot every time I disconnected something.

The computer booted up after I disconnected the firewire connection on the mainboard... weird, I know.

Anyway, the computer is now up and running but I have some concerns about the CPU temps.

My system:

Core i7 920
Gigabyte X58UD4P
6GB Kingston RAM (Tri-Kit) running at 1333 Mhz
Stock i7 cooler
640 Samsung HDD
NZXT Hush case
LG drive
500 Watt ModXStream Pro (OCZ)
ATi HD4850 Dual Slot


I just installed Windows XP 32 bit because I didn't have a 64 bit laying around here, I know I'm only utilising 3GB atm.

Anyway I used Core Temp and RealTemp to read the CPU temps and I got following readings:

Real Temp:

Core 0: 51
Core 1: 49
Core 2: 55
Core 3: 48


Core Temp:

Core 0: 50
Core 1: 48
Core 2: 48
Core 3: 55

Now, I'm wondering... Aint this a little high for a computer under 0.3% load? I think it is but I did everything the way it should be done. I used the stock cooler and the pre-applied thermal paste that was on the cooler. I used enough pressure to spread the paste etc...

Cooler is also well connected.

When I google around I find people running their i7 920 stock at 30-40 degrees celcius but I don't know if thats with the stock cooler or not.

I'm going to run 3d mark now and c how high the temps go.

 

[joemehnert]

yes it is running hot. even with a stock heat sink. i personally have been able to benchmark/overclock 3 920's in the past month and all of them idle around 42-45 at the VERY most on average.

it doesnt take much preasure to lock the pins on a stock heat shink. a little trick is to take a screw driver that has an interchangeable bit or anthing of that basic shape. make sure the STRAIGHT line on top of the pin is facing in toward the center of the heat sink and apply preasure. The intel i7 heat sink will click once for each pin. core2 and previous generations in that particular style would click twice.

i hope that made sense

 

[joemehnert]

i also changed the thermal paste on a stock i7 heat sink to ocz freeze and i lost 10c on load temp and about 2 idle. was rather surprising.

 

[Albertwacca]

I had the same problem, idling in high 40's- low 50's, and 100 load at stock 75-76ºc with a NOCTUA NH-U12P cooler, in a NZXT Whisper case. So I reapplied the thermal compound ( the one that comes with the cooler that is a high quality compound), and free the DVD racks in front of the CPU ( the frontal door in this case is good for doing this) and now at 3.33 Ghz idling in 42-44 and in 100% load 77-79 ºC. ( with stock speed 100% load at 65ºC).

 

[Son_ganon]

does anyone know what is a good thermal paste product to use on the i7 core. "i had a faulty mobo and took out my i7 core and my mobo is coming soon so I need to remove the paste and put new one. Also how should I remove the paste. Should I buy this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100010

also is this good paste http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

 

[mizzl]

Wow, here I am thinking I'm the only one! I guess i should consider myself lucky with absolute max temps at 71...

 

[tehramen]

does anyone know what is a good thermal paste product to use on the i7 core. "i had a faulty mobo and took out my i7 core and my mobo is coming soon so I need to remove the paste and put new one. Also how should I remove the paste. Should I buy this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100010

also is this good paste http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

I actually use both of them for every rig I reassemble. Thermal compound is easily removed, just use a lint-free cloth like a coffee filter. I can't say much about AC5, since I have no basis to compare them against another compound; I've only used AC5 all my life. People say it works well.

 

[dkenz]

Glad I read this... My i7 920 runs 50c idle and about 86C under load (80% CPU usage / 10min). With stock fan. I'm thinking I forgot to put some paste on there. I cant remember if i did or not.... Ohh wait i remember.. the stock fan had that little square of paste on it. Ok so i did...Those other pastes work better?

 

[tehramen]

Glad I read this... My i7 920 runs 50c idle and about 86C under load (80% CPU usage / 10min). With stock fan. I'm thinking I forgot to put some paste on there. I cant remember if i did or not.... Ohh wait i remember.. the stock fan had that little square of paste on it. Ok so i did...Those other pastes work better?

Any paste is better than the stock.