CPU cooling problem w/ i5

[Kristi2k]

Hi have the ZALMAN CNPS9900 NT 120mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler and Shin Etsu thermal gel.

I believe that I have installed this properly, I checked twice it seems secure.

I played Star Trek Online for about an hour and the temps get up to 202F with this fan. Previously I was using the stock Intel fan and getting similar results.

Is this normal or should I try another fan? I have another two weeks before I can't return this to Newegg.

 

[TuxDave]

That's definitely not normal. I guess my first question (which has been asked numerous times) are the push pins pushed down all the way?

 

[Kristi2k]

That's definitely not normal. I guess my first question (which has been asked numerous times) are the push pins pushed down all the way?

From what I can tell, yes, they appear to me. I cannot turn the screw any more without stripping the head.

Right now, the system is running at 94F under normal load.

 

[zagood]

temps get up to 202F

bad readings. i'm not saying it's impossible, but that's about as unlikely a thing as I've heard in a long time. What motherboard? What are you using to judge temps? Have you held your hand inside of your case to see if it burned?

First thing I'd do is update the motherboard bios.

 

[VirtualLarry]

bad readings.

I dunno about that. How many i5s with bad thermal sensors have you heard about? Especially close to Tjmax? Not likely to be a bad reading IMO.

 

[Kristi2k]

I'm using RealTemp and Core Temp. I have the latest BIOS too. Intel DP55WG for the motherboard an an Nvidia 560Ti.

 

[Kristi2k]

I'm using RealTemp and Core Temp. I have the latest BIOS too. Intel DP55WG for the motherboard an an Nvidia 560Ti.

I played the Crysis demo and STO last night for a total of an hour. The max temp got to 190F.

Can temps be affected by using too much thermal compound?

 

[podspi]

I played the Crysis demo and STO last night for a total of an hour. The max temp got to 190F.

Can temps be affected by using too much thermal compound?

Yes. You're only supposed to use a small amount. If you check youtube there are videos that show the different ways to apply TIM.

 

[mb103051]

dude you better quit using it till you figure it ouy..your gonna cook that cpu...

 

[zagood]

lol...I thought the numbers were Celsius. Sorry about that.

Where is the fan for the Zalman plugged in? Directly to the motherboard? Or are you using the FanMate that they include with some of their items?

I'd like to see what the results are if you run the fan at full speed. If connected directly to the motherboard, check your BIOS and disable any fan speed adjustments. If connected another way, let us know.

p.s. what case are you using? have you tried to test with the side of the case open?