Computer Runs Vey Hot--Help!

[MJGunn]

My system has always run hot, its a athlon 1.4ghz on an epox 8K7A+ motherboard, in an older enlight case that looks like their current model EN-72370X3C4 (could still be the same, I'm not sure). There are 3 fans in the case, the power supplie's, and 2 sunon fans, one on the front of the case, and one on the back. The CPU is being cooled by a Cooler Master DP5-6I11A.

When I first got this setup, the cpu ran around 38, 39 at idle, and 44 or so under heavy load (quake, etc). That was bad enough, but now, I got a new desk, and it has one of those spots in it for the computer. So now, the computer is in there, the air is coming in from the front fan, and blowing out the back, right into the desk. If I stick my hand into the computer spot during just normal usage, browsing, etc, the air around it is quite a bit warmer than the rest of the room's. The CPU is running about 43-44 now under just normal use, and I'm beginning to get worried about my parts.

I've been thinking about getting a new case anyway, so what would you guys reccomend as far as the best case and cooling options (within a reasonable amount of $) for my setup.

 

[Migroo]

Since the placement of your case has changed temperatures, I'd say that its likely not to be a case problem, but a cold air problem - try and improve airflow - cut a hole out at the back of the desk or something..

The other thing to point out is your HSF, I'm not sure how good it is.

However, your temperatures are nothing to worry about. I have an Athlon XP here running at 58 deg. C load. Its fine.

 

[mboy]

41-43 under full load is not bad at all for a 1.4 tbird. Even your current temps of 44 or so under idle are not so terrible that you are in danger of killing your rig. No new case or hs/fan will help you if you keep it in your desk. Why not drill a couple of holes (3") in the back of your desk to let the heated exhaust out. That will bring you back down to where you were before.

 

[Mikewarrior2]

considering your old temps aren't really as bad as you think htey are, your current temps are a bit warm but not overly outrageous with your motherboard and setup.

What is your system temp according to the Epox MB? Knowing that will determine what the cause of your increased heat is.



Mike

 

[MJGunn]

Thanks for the replies, I guess its not as bad as I thought it was!

I'll check the temps of the system when I get home, I'm not sure what it runs at. The desk does not cover the back of the computer much (the top 1/4 of the case), and not the front at all, just the sides, so I can't really cut out the back of the desk any more.

Anyway, I was planning to get a new case anyway, even before I noticed my heat "problem". So, what case and fans would you guys reccomend to someone kind of worried about heat issues?

 

[MJGunn]

Ouch, just checked my computer to find out its running at 52 degrees, pretty much without doing anything, just remote desktopping into it, checking e-mail, etc. The temp inside the case is 21.

 

[dakata24]

<< Anyway, I was planning to get a new case anyway, even before I noticed my heat "problem". So, what case and fans would you guys reccomend to someone kind of worried about heat issues? >>



antec sx1000 series case and some panaflo L1a's.. or those enermax adjustable fans.

 

[hmsrolst]

Go with an Antec SX600 if you want something the size of your current case. If you want something bigger, go with the Antec SX800 or SX1000, depending on your taste.

 

[MistaTastyCakes]

I'd get a new heatsink (Alpha 8045, SK-6, etc ect.), put a hole in the back of the desk where your exhaust is coming out, and enjoy a nice cool Athlon I doubt you'd need a case if ya did this. Oh and 44 is a nice temp on a 1.4 I'm running 46 idle, 51 load @ 1.80v on average. I'm using a Panaflo on my HS though.

I'd also maybe look into taking the heatsink off, making sure it's dusted well, and remove the thermal pad or whatever that Coolermaster puts on some of their HS's and add some Arctic Silver.

 

[MJGunn]

I bought a Antec sx1035 case, and am quite happy with it. The case is built fantasically, and has all the stuff I was looking for in a case. My cpu is now running at 45 degrees under light use, and I'm about to start tesing it under heavy usage. Oddly the temp inside the case is still 21 degrees. Maybe the reduction in cpu temp is from the pile of dust I picked off of the heatsink.....whoops. Oh well, I wanted a new case anyway

 

[aphex]

I WISH i ran at 43-44c... RIght now im running a 1.2 at 56C IDLE

 

[CoDerEd]

I run XP1900 @1740Mhz with temp mobo 28C cpu 47C-50C(load)
it's stable. i think as long as your computer is stable you don't have to worry
you can try something though to make it lower but it's not really serious problem.
try to make a hole on your desk like MistaTastyCakes said is not a bad idea.

peace

 

[sygyzy]

I have the same temps as codered with a XP1800. No stability problems.

 

[RedSox]

I'm on an XP1700+. My CPU temps under load are between 45-48C, but my MB registers between 38-40C! I'm running one of the Outpost SOYO barebones system with the stock heatsink & fan and one 80mm case fan. Any suggestions to bring my MB temps down a bit?

 

[MoFunk]

<< I'm on an XP1700+. My CPU temps under load are between 45-48C, but my MB registers between 38-40C! I'm running one of the Outpost SOYO barebones system with the stock heatsink & fan and one 80mm case fan. Any suggestions to bring my MB temps down a bit? >>



A couple of things to try is to add an 80mm exhaust fan if you have a spot for it. Also make sure you can get plenty of good airflow with your intake fan. maybe cut a blow hole for it? That will help.