CPU overheating?

ajmackdaddy · 10-31-2003, 08:43 PM

I was just having problems with Windows rebooting and games crashing to Windows, but it was the RAM. I fixed that problem, but games still crash to Windows after about 20 minutes of playing. I'm using Motherboard Monitor to see what the CPU temp is and after it immediately crashes to Windows, the temp is about 58 degrees Celsius. This seems a little high, but the temperature drops very quickly. Is it possible I need a better CPU/heatsink (I'm using the basic fan that came with the CPU, a Pentium 4 2.8 GHz) to keep the CPU cool enough to not quit to Windows because of overheating? If so, any recommendations for a reallllly good P4 heatsink?

Volt-Schwibe · 10-31-2003, 09:54 PM

58 celcius shoulndt cause a game to lockup.

maybe someone else might have an idea of what is going on.

~BoB~

**johnwill** · 11-01-2003, 07:34 AM

The P4 will not crash, even if you remove the HS, it will just slow way down to protect the chip. With that being said, if the CPU is getting hot, chances are other components are too. 58C is way too hot for the P4, even with the stock HS. I've never seen either of mine get out of the mid 40's under sustained 100% processor usage.

I'd start with case cooling. Remove the covers and run to see how high the CPU temperature gets. If it helps in a signficant manner, you need better case cooling. If it doesn't make much difference, you should see if the HS is improperly clamped on. Some motherboards don't properly attach the mounting base, and the HS doesn't properly seat on the processor when you clamp it down.

jgvernonco · 11-01-2003, 11:58 PM

You keep teaching me like this, JW, I might give you a shot at one of mine! (Pistols, that is).:guns:

ajmackdaddy · 11-02-2003, 10:22 AM

Thanks for the tips. I'll check by opening the case. Others have suggested I use a house fan on the parts when I open the side of the case. I have a Thermaltake Xaser III case. It has 7 case fans, all of which I believe are in proper working order (the case is only 4 months old). I'll check on them though too. Thanks for the help!

Volt-Schwibe · 11-02-2003, 11:32 AM

sounds like enough fans, maybe you should check for dust rhinos

dust rhinos are sorta like dust bunnies, but usually are so big they clog fans and heat sinks.

~BoB~

ajmackdaddy · 11-02-2003, 11:37 AM

I will. I'll clean out each fan (they have filters on the Xaser III case). I'm also gonna check and make sure each fan is blowing air in the right direction.

10-31-2003, 08:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
ajmackdaddy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 9 OS: Windows XP	CPU overheating? I was just having problems with Windows rebooting and games crashing to Windows, but it was the RAM. I fixed that problem, but games still crash to Windows after about 20 minutes of playing. I'm using Motherboard Monitor to see what the CPU temp is and after it immediately crashes to Windows, the temp is about 58 degrees Celsius. This seems a little high, but the temperature drops very quickly. Is it possible I need a better CPU/heatsink (I'm using the basic fan that came with the CPU, a Pentium 4 2.8 GHz) to keep the CPU cool enough to not quit to Windows because of overheating? If so, any recommendations for a reallllly good P4 heatsink?

10-31-2003, 09:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager Emeritus, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	58 celcius shoulndt cause a game to lockup. maybe someone else might have an idea of what is going on. ~BoB~ __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

11-01-2003, 07:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Microsoft MVP Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 48,383 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	The P4 will not crash, even if you remove the HS, it will just slow way down to protect the chip. With that being said, if the CPU is getting hot, chances are other components are too. 58C is way too hot for the P4, even with the stock HS. I've never seen either of mine get out of the mid 40's under sustained 100% processor usage. I'd start with case cooling. Remove the covers and run to see how high the CPU temperature gets. If it helps in a signficant manner, you need better case cooling. If it doesn't make much difference, you should see if the HS is improperly clamped on. Some motherboards don't properly attach the mounting base, and the HS doesn't properly seat on the processor when you clamp it down. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

11-01-2003, 11:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
jgvernonco Admin Emeritus (Retired) Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern Arizona Posts: 7,954 OS: Vista Home Premium, SP 27	You keep teaching me like this, JW, I might give you a shot at one of mine! (Pistols, that is).:guns: __________________ Donations keep TSF moving forward. Please help. http://www.myspace.com/speedbumpthecelt

11-02-2003, 11:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager Emeritus, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	sounds like enough fans, maybe you should check for dust rhinos dust rhinos are sorta like dust bunnies, but usually are so big they clog fans and heat sinks. ~BoB~ __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

11-02-2003, 10:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
ajmackdaddy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 9 OS: Windows XP	Thanks for the tips. I'll check by opening the case. Others have suggested I use a house fan on the parts when I open the side of the case. I have a Thermaltake Xaser III case. It has 7 case fans, all of which I believe are in proper working order (the case is only 4 months old). I'll check on them though too. Thanks for the help!

11-02-2003, 11:37 AM	#7 (permalink)
ajmackdaddy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 9 OS: Windows XP	I will. I'll clean out each fan (they have filters on the Xaser III case). I'm also gonna check and make sure each fan is blowing air in the right direction.