CPU temp normal?

[CletusVanDamme]

running HWMonitor I get this

that's just just standard start-up stuff running, with browser open with multiple tabs<like 7-8> up it goes to around 50-55, gaming it can get to around 80. Was talking to someone from the company I bought the system from and they're making it sound like if these temps keep up I need to replace my motherboard, but then I look around to various places online and I'm seeing a good deal of people saying temps like this are pretty normal, is there something else in that info that points to what he's saying or is he exaggerating?

 

[hybird9012]

If that is your CPU idle temp then it is high. You want to try and get somewhere in the 30's or 40's. Your system temp looks fine so it probably isn't your case, airflow or case fans.

Here are some things you can do:
1) If you're using a stock fan, you may want to purchase an after market cooler. Usually stock fans have thermal pads on the bottom and once you take it off it is nearly ineffective after as the thermal pad has a specific thickness. Get an after market fan and you'll easily drop your cpu temperature.
2) Check your thermal grease. Make sure you have thermal grease in between your heatsink and cpu. If you add too much it will be as effective as barely adding any. You want to use a grain of rice or pea size of thermal grease. Use the dot method as you allow the heatsink and the cpu to do more of the work filling in the grease to microscopic cracks or divots.

Recommended air heatsink and thermal grease:
Heatsink: (Zalman CNPS9900Max) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118074
Thermal Grease: GELID Thermal Grease (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835426020)

Gelid Thermal Grease is the best thermal compound I've ever used. I've used Arctic MX-2, 3, 4, Antec Diamond, Arctic Silver 5... Gelid Thermal Grease is the best.

Have any more questions?

 

[Max_x2]

Hi CVD,

Are you on intel's stock cooler? If so, i believe those temperatures to be pretty normal, since the cooler Intel's providing is... Well let's be polite, it's not quite it.

Also, is your computer overclocked? If not, leave it at stock clocks, at least until you buy a better cooling solution. I personally went for a Thermaltake Frio that i bought for about 30$ on ebay. Needless to say that your case needs good ventilation as well to make the cpu cooler effective

On the "buy a new motherboard" suggestion from your computer store, they were probably trying to sell you a new one, which you may not need

Max

Update: hybird9012 answer should do it

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Your idle temps on the hwmonitor screenshot 40's are just a little bit high but not bad.

Do you have any aftermarket cooling?

 

[RetiredChief]

Would realy help if you identify:
.. WHAT CPU
.. Is it Overclocked
.. Are you using the stock HSF, or a 3rd party HSF
.. What is your room (ambient) temperature - Has a big effect on what "normal temps should be, and is a big variable depending on where you life, and if in hot climate - are you running Air cond.

If This is an Intel Sandy or Ivy Bridge on Stock HSF, then:
.. If Room temp around 22 C (72 F) then Idle is on the warm side - Typical is around 30->40 C
.. While 80 C is below max for SB/IB (Max =>95C), I personally keep mine at or Below 70C.

I personally would look to bringing those temps down, ie
.. Get a 3rd party HSF and get rid of junky Intel stock HSF.
.. Might improve Case Airflow (Did not provide info on your case and Fans).

PS for AMD CPU someone else can respond but end effect is probably the same - Should try to lower temps.

 

[CletusVanDamme]

CPU is Intel Core i7 2600k 3.4GHz, it is overclocked
Corsair H60 Liquid CPU cooler
Case has 3 fans, 2 exhaust one on front one on back and an intake on top.
as for room temp, it's fairly cool atm, Summer heat hasn't really kicked in yet.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I would say that your system readings are normal based on your last post.

 

[hybird9012]

Check to see if your corsair water block cooler fans are low speed or off. If they are on and working fine then your corsair water block pump cooler isn't seated properly. Check the mounting bracket on the back and front of the motherboard as well as how the cooler is mounted on top of the CPU.

Also, you will need new thermal grease as those water block pumps usually have thermal pads on the base that will be ineffective once you take it off.

* It's also highly unlikely that it is your motherboard.

 

[CletusVanDamme]

ok I put in an order for the thermal grease that was recommended earlier, will wait til I get that in and see how things go from there, thanks for the input all.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Keep us posted.

 

[RetiredChief]

On Case fans.
Normally you want lower Front fan as intake and upper Rear fan as exhaust. For top fan I prefer exhaust (Hot air rises).
Added: If case located on floor, then air close to floor is cooler than air above case. In my case during the summer The air intake at front of the case is MUCH cooler when A/C kicks in. End added.

I have a i5-2500K, Your i7 will get hotter per same work load.
Using Air HSF (Zalman 9900 Max), 1 exhaust (rear), 2 front Intake, and top as exhaust.
Room temp approx. 25C (78F)
NO OC Idle approx. 32 C, Loaded Prime95 approx. 50C
4.2 GHZ OC, Prime 95 Load - Hottest core, 63C
Stable up to 4.8, Backed off 4.2 as 4.8 only 14% > clock

 

[Max_x2]

On Case fans.
Normally you want lower Front fan as intake and upper Rear fan as exhaust. For top fan I prefer exhaust (Hot air rises).
Added: If case located on floor, then air close to floor is cooler than air above case. In my case during the summer The air intake at front of the case is MUCH cooler when A/C kicks in. End added.

I have a i5-2500K, Your i7 will get hotter per same work load.
Using Air HSF (Zalman 9900 Max), 1 exhaust (rear), 2 front Intake, and top as exhaust.
Room temp approx. 25C (78F)
NO OC Idle approx. 32 C, Loaded Prime95 approx. 50C
4.2 GHZ OC, Prime 95 Load - Hottest core, 63C
Stable up to 4.8, Backed off 4.2 as 4.8 only 14% > clock

On the other hand tho, the closer to the floor it is, the more dust it will eat... And dust build up will mak the whole thing go hotter. So for a few a degree or 2 of difference, better have it higher

 

[RetiredChief]

You are correct on dust, But that also is dependent on individual conditions. I do NOT have a dust problem. Clean my intake filters maybe once a month, some times two months. Inside case maybe every 6 months. My wife's has been running for over a year.
People with Cats and Dogs will have a increased problem with dust + hair (ie my Sister's system).

Also My system is not directly on floor, sits on plexiglass and about 1 in elevated.

On temp differential - Much greater than a couple of degrees FOR ME. The front of one case is only 2 ft away from the A/C vent and 2nd Computer is like 3 feet away. I use a Indoor/outdoor Thermometer. The outdoor sensor is located approx. 1" from the HSF. My A/C air coming out of the vent is approx. 20 F lower than room temp.

 

[Max_x2]

Great! I just figured it should be mention since a lot of people don't think about that, and dust is the enemy

Nice setup btw!

 

[CletusVanDamme]

Got my thermal grease in today and applied it, I seem to be down a good 10 degrees so looking good

 

[hybird9012]

Got my thermal grease in today and applied it, I seem to be down a good 10 degrees so looking good

Nice! That grease is amazing. As for fans, the more positive flow (intake) the less dust build up. The more negative pressure/flow the more dust build up. People usually think its the reverse. Make your front fans intake and top rear exhaust. If you have more intake there will be less build up as exhaust tends to force dust into cracks and keep it there. More intake circulates the air