average cpu temperature

[ja]

what should the average temperature be for a cpu? i have a machine with a k6-2 380mhz not overclocked, running at correct speed, and its at 116 degrees F. i took note of this because the machine also does not run for crap, incredibly unstable with any os i've had on it. win2k wont install, mandrake was unstable, red hat wouldnt install, suse wouldnt install, a grip of other linux distros wouldnt either. its running win98 now, and reboots itself for no good reason sometimes and it takes about 8 reboots to get it to boot properly the first time.

so i'm thinking, maybe the cpu is overheated. i'm using a standard fan, but i did not use that glue to attach the fan to the cpu.. could that possibly be the source of all these problems?

 

[Mikewarrior2]

Since K6-2s have the same temp reading issues that Socket A's use, your cpu is probably running near 50C. Chances are, a new fan/better case cooling will increase stability for you.


Mike

 

[IaPuP]

50C is WELL WITHIN tolerances for K6-2 chips.

They are designed to run very hot- I think 100C is the max- that's 200+ deg F.

Are you running the 380 at 95MHz FSB? If you're seeking stability, try to turn your system down to 350 with 100MHz fsb. Some motherboards do not like the 95MHz setting.

You could also try adding some thermal compound. Some descent stuff can be purchased at radioshack but other ones from online are better.

Eric

 

[ja]

yeah its running at 95.. i'll give that a shot. i've tried overclocking and taking it down to like 280 to see if that helps but it didnt work. i'll do the 350 think

can either of you guys recomend a specific cooling device?

 

[IaPuP]

Well- generally any Socket370 cooler will work wonders on your chip.

Be sure it does not have a 'specific' riser (small raised area) for a Duron or Coppermine core and that it has no "feet" and it will fit. Basically any flat-bottomed Socket 370, FCPGA or Socket A cooler will cool remarkably well.

New CPUs dissipate about 20 times the W/cm of a K6 so the coolers are almost overkill but they will take down the temperature by amazing amounts.

Check out www.2cooltek.com Perhaps one of their cheaper socket coolers.

Eric

 

[IaPuP]

Before you buy a new fan (and ESPECIALLY if you buy a new fan) you want to put some heatsink compound on it. If the heat cannot escape into the heatsink, it doesn't matter what fan you have on it.

Eric