Excessive PC Heat - Need Help!

[bananastalktome]

So Here's my dilemma. My motherboard is an Asus p5b-e running a Pentium D (Presler) 945 at around 110F idle and the Mobo is around 1112-116F idle as well. Mobo doesnt jump too high under load, maybe reaching a peak of 118F under load, but the CPU gets around 140F and beyond - I stop tests for fear of a meltdown. Ambient room temperature is about 75-80F, but temps were high even when the room was cold last winter. First of all, does anyone know where the P5B-E MOBO labeled temp sensor is located? I assumed N-Bridge, which is why I strapped a fan to the stock heatsink but let me know if I am incorrect. I used both Speedfan and Asus PC Probe to verify temps. My fan layout is as follows:

http://userpages.umbc.edu/~will3/Airflow.JPG

http://userpages.umbc.edu/~will3/DSC00864S.JPG

The processor fan is stock. The fan located on the case door (the orange one in the picture) runs at variable speeds, which I usually set around 3600RPM, while the other 3 case fans are around 2500RPM. The fans on top and front of the case are the stock ones which came with this case. Power Supply is an Antec SmartPower2.0 500W supply. Wires are a mess, but they are (mostly) out of the way of aitflow and close to the sides of the case. I removed processor fan and used Arctic Silver, which did actually lower temps which, before, were even higher. I am terribly frustrated by the high temps, and was wondering if anyone had suggestions. Maybe a second fan blowing out for the back or a more powerful fan in the front? Thanks.

[dfigravity]

My motherboard is an Asus p5b-e running a Pentium D (Presler) 945 at around 110F idle and the Mobo is around 1112-116F idle as well..

YIPES!! 110F Idle!? I would personally suggest getting a new fan with a higher CFM rating (those stock case fans are usually not worth the plastic they're made from) and also get a new CPU heatsink...something with a fan. Your wire are pretty messy, so maybe a $9.00 sleeving kit (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=135&zenid=b7207a32aae91cf60ed7f439fc2af07e)would come in handy. What size are your case fans...80mm (http://www.xoxide.com/smartfan.html) or 120mm (http://www.xoxide.com/th12blledsmf.html)?

Good luck!!

EDIT Here's my favorite cooler for a Socket 775 Pentium D

Zalman CPNS9500 (http://www.xoxide.com/zalman-cnps9500-led-cooler.html)
(I use this one...it's a little large, but I'm running 26C idle (78F)

[bananastalktome]

80mm...and the mobo temp of 1112F idle is a typo, its just 112F. My current CPU is using a heatsink with a fan...just the stock one. A new one would be nice, but I dont want to break the bank (although I realize if I dont I may very well break the PC). I am going to swing by my local computer store to get some new case fans ASAP. Any recommendations on a new processor cooler? Size is an issue, sorta, seeing as my Northbridge heatsink/fan is almost touching the stock cooler.

[dfigravity]

80mm...and the mobo temp of 1112F idle is a typo, its just 112F. My current CPU is using a heatsink with a fan...just the stock one. A new one would be nice, but I dont want to break the bank (although I realize if I dont I may very well break the PC). I am going to swing by my local computer store to get some new case fans ASAP. Any recommendations on a new processor cooler? Size is an issue, sorta, seeing as my Northbridge heatsink/fan is almost touching the stock cooler.


If I were you, I would honestly order the 80mm thermaltake smartfan offline...it's one of the highest CFM fans I can find...with all those HDD's right up front, you're blocking most of the airflow coming into your case...you need the strongest fan you can find...you might also consider modding the case window and adding another 80mm intake right over your CPU. As far as the cooler goes...I like Xoxide.com (http://www.xoxide.com). They have a decent selection...you might consider removing that fan from your northbridge to greate a little more space for the CPU cooler. I think the Zalman would fit nicely...use arctic silver thermal paste too..I think most people here will agree its the best. Also, you're exactly right about breaking the back...better to spend $60-$80 now than have to replace your entire PC.

[progbuddy]

The 945's generally do put out a lot of heat. I think it might be the contact of your PC to the heatsink. I suggest getting some Arctic Silver 5 and put a rice-sized drop on the cleaned CPU, then spread it with a laminated card of sorts. Makes a dramatic difference. Also, you might want to think about installing another intake fan. From the illustration it looks like you have more exhaust than intake. Also, some wire management would help.

[simon275]

I think you mean 112 degrees right as opposed 112 Fahrenheit is only 45 degrees which is normal. While the room temp is the right scale I think you have got the scale that the computer is displaying mixed up there mate.

Yeah higher speed fans with a higher CFM raiting will be a good investment.

[bananastalktome]

I think you mean 112 degrees right as opposed 112 Fahrenheit is only 45 degrees which is normal. While the room temp is the right scale I think you have got the scale that the computer is displaying mixed up there mate.

wait...are you saying that 112 degrees Fahrenheit is a safe idle temperature? If so, how is the 113 degrees Fahrenheit on the Motherboard sensor (which I think is on the Northbridge)? Asus Probe has 113 as a danger temp for the MoBo, but is it wrong and instead a safe temp? I really dont want to spend $80 on a new CPU fan and case fans if I am not in temperature danger.

[simon275]

wait...are you saying that 112 degrees Fahrenheit is a safe idle temperature? If so, how is the 113 degrees Fahrenheit on the Motherboard sensor (which I think is on the Northbridge)? Asus Probe has 113 as a danger temp for the MoBo, but is it wrong and instead a safe temp? I really dont want to spend $80 on a new CPU fan and case fans if I am not in temperature danger.

113 Degrees Fahrenheit (45C) is fine in my book. Your computer should have no problems. Now 113 Degrees Celsius which I have seen a graphics card hit is bad.

You can always invest in quality fans and also some cable management can reduce air turbulence will work wonders. Is your system actually having overheating issues though? Like slow downs, errors, funny smells of burning plastic?

[bananastalktome]

Is your system actually having overheating issues though? Like slow downs, errors, funny smells of burning plastic?

Well, I run Asus Probe II, and it gives me "warnings" on the mobo temp and, under load, the processor temp; thus I assumed I had a problem. When playing Oblivion for upwards of 2 hours I begin to see some major slowdowns and occasionally experience a system lockup. No burning plastic smells though.

[Kabniel]

Generally I thought the MoBo runs about 10C under the CPU temps.

For example, my CPU is usually around 43-45C (109.4-113F) and my Mobo is somewhere around 31-36C (87.8-96.8F). This is with an ambient around 78F/25.5C. While playing games I hit 49-50C for my CPU and ??C for the mobo.

With that thinking in mind, I'm wondering if your measurements are wrong. I trust Asus Probe, it's what i use, but I can't help but wonder. Any way you can get an IF temp gauge or anything? Take your own measurements? Also, nothing is blocking the exhaust fans, right? No desk parts in the way, or walls?

Also i'd agree with DFIgravity's comment on the harddrives blocking airflow. Could you remove a few to see if your temps change significantly? Run like that for a day or two to make sure it isn't really a fluke? It makes more sense than your temp gauge being broken/off.

[progbuddy]

Well, I run Asus Probe II, and it gives me "warnings" on the mobo temp and, under load, the processor temp; thus I assumed I had a problem. When playing Oblivion for upwards of 2 hours I begin to see some major slowdowns and occasionally experience a system lockup. No burning plastic smells though.

Sounds like a CPU/heatsink contact problem to me...

Thermal paste is only around 10 bucks for the good stuff off of newegg. Also, 2 fans so close together (one on top of the other) doesn't sound like a good idea. I think the two fans are working against one another. Try taking off the orange fan on the side of the case.

[dfigravity]

Sounds like a CPU/heatsink contact problem to me...

Thermal paste is only around 10 bucks for the good stuff off of newegg. Also, 2 fans so close together (one on top of the other) doesn't sound like a good idea. I think the two fans are working against one another. Try taking off the orange fan on the side of the case.

Yea...that would be an inexpensive way to bring your temps. down

EDIT I just realized that orange fan was in the case window...I thought it was the CPU cooler...I need to get my eyes checked :)