CPU Temperature always over 100c

[KPD]

I built this machine sometime in September last year with an Athlon 860k. I never got to use it as much as I would like but I recently started using this for some gaming. My CPU temp is always above 100C. To be specific it is always hovering around 114C mark irrespective of the usage. Sometimes I just start the machine and it is already doing 114C by the time I open the application that monitors temp. Also, it is very loud, like a jet engine. I am using an Antec case and have installed 2x120mm fans on the side and one small exhaust at the rear.

The CPU is not overclocked and I am using the stock cooler. I am planning on buying a Thermal Paste (Cooler Master V1 IC VALUE THERMAL COMPOUND) to see if that's the issue. I also have a Hyper T2 on me but since I have injured my dominant hand I don't want to stress it by installing the new cooler.

 

[darkguset]

Is the computer behaving normally under stress conditions or are you having problems with it? If it freezes up or is very slow, then temperature could be a problem although I doubt the CPU would sustain itself on those temps for too long without burning up.
Where are you reading the temperature from? The CPU die or the motherboard? It could be a dodgy motherboard sensor (seen a few over the years).

Download this utility from here:
http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/

This will read the sensors off the CPU itself. If that also says 100+C then looks like your CPU is dying slowly... If you see normal temps then it is probably just a dodgy sensor that shows 100+C

 

[KPD]

I use a free software called HW Monitor. I am not sure how to verify the accuracy of this software. I will try the software you recommended and report back.

So far I have not faced any performance issues like freezing or restarts. But the fan spins too fast right from the start and it's too loud.

It has been a year, too early for the CPU to die considering it's hardly used. What do you think?

 

[synphul]

You might try using amd's overdrive and take a look at the thermal margins. Chances are the cpu would be throttling and/or have shutdown to protect itself if it were anywhere near those temps. If the thermal margin on aod match (remember that thermal margins don't read temp 0-100, they display degrees until throttle temp) then it's more than likely a bad sensor or reading from the motherboard.

 

[KPD]

Since I have never done this before, could you show me how to identify issues with thermal margin? You mentioned that thermal margin on aod should match, so is it like a number that should be matching.

 

[madmatt30]

Download amd overdrive

http://www.amd.com/en-us/innovations/software-technologies/technologies-gaming/over-drive

Install it , run , open the CPU status tab.

It'll show 4 cores , all with spped load & thermal margin boxes.

The thermal margin box shows temp allowance left until the danger zone (0c) & throttling temp (-10c)

Aa long as that thermal margin remains above 0c you are OK.

Under idle use/desktop it should ideally show 30-40c.

Ignore hwmonitor temp readings with the fm2 chipset - they are 99% likely to be completely wrong.

 

[synphul]

Sorry I wasn't more clear, I meant the current temps you're looking at are showing 114c which is extremely hot. Hotter than intel's throttle temp which is well above amd cpu thermal limits. If it were anywhere close to accurate then amd overdrive's results should reflect that also and tell you that you have exceeded the thermal threshold with no thermal margin left.

madmatt30 explained it better. It can be a bit confusing, most thermal monitors measure like a thermometer telling you how many degrees it is and the degrees increase as it gets hotter. 40c, 50c, 60c etc. The thermal margin works backwards, if it says 15c it doesn't mean your cpu is running at 15 degrees C. It means you have 15 degrees C to go until reaching the thermal threshold. In aod, 5c is hotter than 10c because you have fewer degrees left.

 

[KPD]

Thanks Madmatt and Synphul. I will report back with temps.

 

[darkguset]

Are you also using the latest version of HW Monitor? If not, download and try the latest version - Not sure if it has improved, but HW Monitor used to read system sensors (off the motherboard) and not directly off the CPU. That is why I asked you to use CoreTemp.

 

[KPD]

I downloaded mine sometime in November. Not really sure if it's the latest.

 

[KPD]

So the thermal margin is between 6-9C with no apps running. That really does not sound good.

What's the next step?

 

[darkguset]

Did you use CoreTemp and it reports the same temperatures?

 

[KPD]

I just used AOD the machine restarted twice in 15 mins and it was quite late in the night. So did not get a chance to use CoreTemp.