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Alpha8045 on Epox w/Panaflo - 41C - Too hot? Help!

M

Mithrander

Member
I just recently bought the alpha heatsink with a Panaflo L1A80mm fan. Been running it on the following system:

AMD XP 1600+ at 140fsb (~1700)
Samsung 512 PC2100 DDR RAM
Gainward GeForce2 Ti450 64mb Golden Sample
Epox 8KHA+ mb
Sparkle 350w power supply
SB Live!
Evercase E4252 case

When I first boot up, temps are around 29 degrees C, but it steadily climbs to 41C before it somewhat stabilizes. I'm using a layer of Artic Silver II paste, so that shouldn't be the problem. The only oddity is that I forgot to install the intake cover between the fan and the heatsink (I'll get to it as soon as I find a small enough screwdriver), but I don't think that should cause the temperature to jump so much. On a side note, there was a thin yellowish layer on the bottom of my Alpha 8045. I initially thought it was a sticker, but it seemed stuck on pretty tightly, so I didn't take it off and just spread the ASII over it. Should I have taken it off first?

Here's my voltage readings using MBM5 for my sparkle 350w:
(They also seem to be a bit low, so any comments on these readings would be greatly appreciated)
CPU Temp: 41¢ªC
Case Temp: 31¢ªC

(All averages)
Core 0: 1.79 V
Core 1: 0.00 V
+3.3: 1.50 V
+5.00: 4.87 V
+12.00: 11.62 V
-12.00: 1.91V
-5.00 : .54 V

Most of the posts for the alpha seem to have temps hovering around 35-45¢ªc. However, I replaced my FOP32-1 HS with the Alpha, and the FOP32 was giving me a temp of 37 to 40¢ªc.

I have a hard time believing the FOP32 is a better cooler, especially since the noise level of the Alpha really isn't that much quieter.

Any ideas?

 
First of all, let me address the issue of the yellow sticker. If I am correct, you and many other people have mistakenly thought that the copper insert was a sticker. Do not try to remove it! That is a layer of copper that is fit-pressed into the aluminum for better heat transfer. If you somehow removed that I would be very impressed (it would probably take a few grams of nitroglycerin 🙂)

As for your temps, do you have the fan blowing air into the heatsink or sucking air from it? Alpha recommends the latter, although results vary based in airflow, fan placement, and other factors.

By "intake cover" do you mean the aluminum shroud that sits on the heatsink below the fan? That is used to make sure that the fan when set to "suck" mode draws air from the base of the heatsink, and thus closer to the CPU. It probably doesnt make too much of a difference but I'm sure its probably better to have it.
 
The fan is currently blowing (sticker on top) from the heatsink.
As for the yellow sticker, I'm glad I didn't stubbornly persist in trying to take it off. =)

I did mean the aluminum shroud that covered the heatsink. I've been reading around and most people have said that it doesn't seem to make too big of a difference, so I guess that can't be too much of a problem.

Thanks for the reply - seems like no one is reporting a cpu temp of 29-35C as normal in old posts. I'm still rather surprised - after hearing all the praises about the Alpha 8045 heatsink, I was expecting super-low temperatures.

Still, my system does run fairly hot, so I'm sure it's doing its job.

Is it normal for most of the air from the fan to blow out from the sides? I generally feel a strong blast of air from all around the sides of the fan, but very little from directly above. I'm guessing that center part of the fan is obstructing most of the fan current, but just wanted to check if this was normal or not.

Thanks.
 
Yes, most of the air from a fan is directed to the outsides, not directly above or in front of the fan itself. I dont really know why; it could be the central hub, it could be the way the fins are shaped; it could be any number of things. All I know is that yes, that is what happens, so you can rest assured now. 🙂

Most people with the ultra-low temperatures who are using the 8045 are also strapping a large high-speed Delta fan on it. With a Panaflo L1H, theres very little airflow (comparatively) so your temperatures wont be as low as someone who us using a 80cfm Delta fan, which of course would be so loud the trade-off isnt worth it for most people. FYI, I am using the 8045 with a 50cfm Sunon fan, and I get 38-40 C idle, and 42-44 C full load. This is on an Athlon 1Gig at 1.3GHz.

One more question: how is your case ventilation? Do you have sufficient intake and exhaist fans in your case? Since your temps seem to be nice and low, I would assume that you do have adequate case ventialtion, but I just want to make sure. Remember, an exhaist fan above the CPU is the best way to lower your CPU temps; if the air just sits there, it will recirculate back into the heatsink and your temps will rise.
 
If you want super low temperatures, you need high speed fans. Alpha is a great heatsink, but I'm not sure you can pull great temperatures with a 24 cfm fan. If you use a Panaflo H1A, then I'm sure your temps will dip below 40.

But in it's present state, that temp. looks to be fine/around the norm to me.
 


<< If you want super low temperatures, you need high speed fans. Alpha is a great heatsink, but I'm not sure you can pull great temperatures with a 24 cfm fan. If you use a Panaflo H1A, then I'm sure your temps will dip below 40.

But in it's present state, that temp. looks to be fine/around the norm to me. >>



Not really! I have an Alpha with a 92mm enermax adustable fan set between low and medium. I was getting ok temps. The trick for me to get better temps was to add an exhaust fan hear the Alpha. Whether its on the side or above or whatever. i now actually have 2. An 80mm exhaust next the the Alpha and my enermax 92 PSU above it. Works well on my 1600XP@1545.
 
Just remember that AMD's max temp for the XP CPUs is 90 deg. C. Your mobo thermal sensor reads the outside casing temp, and is isually at least 10C below the core temp, but even if it was 20C off, you are perfectly safe.

Using a separate IC circuity to read the thermal diode, I've let the internal die of my XP1700+ get to 80C on various testing before backing off -- with no ill effects whatsoever.

You system is cooled perfectly fine. 🙂
 
I've only been running the standard side fan that came with the Evercase E4252 case. I have a spare 92mm Panaflo fan lying around, but I haven't quite figured out how to mount it, or what type of fan grill/case I would need. Seems most of the fan cases are made for 80mm fans, so I've been trying to look around for the simplest(and inexpensive) solution. Otherwise, most shipping charges on $.99 kill any deal out there for me.
 
I have an AthlonXP 1600+ @ 140FSB, 8045, Panaflo L1A, ASII in a Palo Alto PA-810 and my temps are 38-41C under full load, so your temps are fine. Start worrying if they get over 60C.

Pete
 
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