CPU is running a bit hot, can I still use it til I receive new cooler?

[Brent H]

I just built a computer using an i5 3570k. According to the BIOS, it's running at about 50C which seems high without any sort of overclock... I'm pretty sure I'm going to order a CM 212+ and some new thermal paste, but could I use the computer until those things arrive? Or would that potentially damage the CPU?

 

[InvalidError]

A typical full-load temperature for IB on stock cooler is 65-75C, 50C is a non-issue.

 

[po1nted]

You are below normal temps. I wouldn't even worry about spending money on a different cooler. You are no where near a temperarture threshold, it appears.

 

[das_stig]

50c if at idle is high, all the heatsink legs clamped down?

 

[InvalidError]

50c if at idle is high

BIOS temperatures are often higher than idle temperatures with an OS loaded because the BIOS uses a busy loop instead of low-power sleep states like an OS' per-core idle loops do.

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

50C in the BIOS is definitely too high (not "true" idle in the BIOS, but it should still be lower than 50C). I agree with das_stig's assessment that it sound's like the HSF isn't seated well. Check the pins, and if you can easily pull any of them out without unlocking them, it's not correct.

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

BIOS temperatures are often higher than idle temperatures with an OS loaded because the BIOS uses a busy loop instead of low-power sleep states like an OS' per-core idle loops do.

Agreed, but 50C in the BIOS is too high, regardless.

 

[Brent H]

It's seated appropriately. I had some trouble with the thermal paste that might be the problem... I had to reapply new stuff because I got interrupted the first time I started building, but the stuff I got was more of a clay than a paste so it didn't spread well and probably isn't thick enough. I just ordered the CM 212+ and some Arctic 5. In the mean time, can I still use my computer without damaging it?

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

As long as you're not constantly at something like 80C+, you'll be fine.

 

[InvalidError]

Agreed, but 50C in the BIOS is too high, regardless.

IB does have a reputation for running around 10C hotter than previous Core CPUs of a given TDP.

 

[InvalidError]

I just ordered the CM 212+ and some Arctic 5. In the mean time, can I still use my computer without damaging it?

You should download a program to monitor CPU temperature from the OS rather than BIOS. On my PC (C2D-E8400), I get 45C from BIOS, 33C idle under Windows, 55C at full-load... BIOS temperature is about half-way between Windows idle and full-load.

What matters is the temperature under your typical load with an OS loaded, not temperature readout in BIOS. At 50C, you are nowhere near Ivy Bridge's 105C thermal limit.