CPU's temps change and smudges

[MimiHD]

Hi! I used to have an enormous problem with temps on my cpu Phenom x4 965. To help myself with that I bought CM hyper 212 evo and applied thermalpaste that came with a package. Everything was great. Temps were about 29 C idle, 38 during average load (3d game + music + chrome). However, once that I assembled my computer back from a short fix (connected hdd sata cable) temps were way higher than that. I was running over 50 during mediocre stress and rarely fell below 40 idle. I think that something must have moved. Anyway, I got proper thermalpaste and new case since then. I reassambled everything and hoped for amazingly low temps again to no avail. Right now, on a higher quality thermalpaste and case, I'm running 36 idle and 55 C degrees stress. Even though those temperatures are decent, I'm curious what was the reason behind the fall in temps, especially considering higher-class equipment. Also I've noticed there is a darker smudge on CPU that is uncleanable and there seemed to be one more during most recent thermalpaste change.

 

[Gee Bee]

are the dark smudges central to the heat spreader?

 

[Alec Mowat]

Are you overclocking?

55 is hot, but it's nothing to worry about.

Did you clean the old thermal paste off properly, witha coffee Filter and 99% isopropyl alcohol?

 

[MimiHD]

are the dark smudges central to the heat spreader?

They (2) are coming from the sides towards the middle, but pretty far off from the center.

I'm not overclocking. Yes, I did use coffee thing and isopropyl alcohol, same thing now and back when temps were pretty cool.
I just wonder whether I should try to apply thermalapaste again? I'm concerned about those smudges and those higher temps as well.

edit: maybe I should mention that I'm pretty shaky when it comes to mounting the cooler. I always have to try at least 2-3 times, clean stuff and begin again. I don't know whether that could contribute to those smudges, but the first must have been there before I started using aftermarket cooler.

 

[Gee Bee]

are the dark smudges central to the heat spreader?

They (2) are coming from the sides towards the middle, but pretty far off from the center.

I'm not overclocking. Yes I did use coffee thing and isopropyl alcohol, same thing now and back when temps were pretty cool.
I just wonder should I try to apply thermalapste again? I'm concerned about those smudges.

I would not be concerned then. Coming outside in and not central indicates nothing to worry about.

 

[Alec Mowat]

are the dark smudges central to the heat spreader?

They (2) are coming from the sides towards the middle, but pretty far off from the center.

I'm not overclocking. Yes, I did use coffee thing and isopropyl alcohol, same thing now and back when temps were pretty cool.
I just wonder whether I should try to apply thermalapaste again? I'm concerned about those smudges and those higher temps as well.

How did you apply the thermal paste, just a small spot in the center?

Are you using the stock heatsink?

Check your cable management too, make sure nothing is blocking airflow. You may have moved cables and blocking the intake fan from blowing air in properly.

 

[MimiHD]

I used a pea method (spot in the center) now and back then. I have been using Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo in both (good temps, bad temps) situations.

 

[Alec Mowat]

I used a pea method (spot in the center) now and back then. I have been using Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo in both (good temps, bad temps) situations.

I question the reliability of the measurements.

What program are you measuring temps with?

 

[MimiHD]

I start with BIOS's CPU temp and then I follow up with Core Temp and CPU Thermometer.

 

[Alec Mowat]

What brand of motherboard? You should use their official monitoring software. The core temp is not the CPU temp, it's a different measurement. And it's known for it's inaccuracy on AMD chips.

 

[MimiHD]

asus m5a99x evo. Oh well. But wouldn't it be correct in BIOS itself?

http://garyes.stormloader.com/its.html