CPU overheats and computer shuts down by itself very often..

[SofaKing]

I've been having this problem for awhile, my computer would just shut down after the CPU overheats, and it's overheating quite a lot. At startup, it would be in the 59-60 Cs, which is really strange. So the first thing I did was replace the heatsink and thermal paste, and the problem is still here. After some observations I think that it's a problem with the power supply- after adding a secondary harddrive, this problem arised. Could the PSU being not suffice to power all the components be contributing to the overheating of the CPU? What can I do to change this? Lower the CPU voltage? (right now it's at 1.850V) If so, how much? Or should I replace the PSU altogether? Also, it might be that the thermal diode on the processor itself is fried, cause I added plenty enough thermal paste, and the problem is still here. Should I look at replacing the CPU as well? Thanks in advance..

 

[biostud]

normally you should post what hardware you have

 

[SofaKing]

sorry, forgot about that, was kind of in a hurry.

shuttle nforce2 mobo (an35 ultra)
athlon xp 1600+
512 MB mushkin pc 3200 ram
Antec 300 watt PSU
BFG geforce 4 mx440
80 GB maxtor HD (master)
40 GB seagate HD (slave)

it's my mother's PC

 

[colincsl]

Have you tried cleaning out all of the dust from the fans and other components? I had problems with overheating and this fixed it. I haven't had it overheat in a while. Unfortunately this isn't a permanent fix. You may have to do this every once in a while (not often, probably less than once a month).

 

[mechBgon]

Third and fourth photos on this page got any :light: to shed on it?

 

[berkut7]

yes, lower the CPU voltage, I think for your CPU it should be around 1.75v, althought I'm not completely sure, but definitely lower.

btw: I think your PSU should be able to handle your system fine.

edit: I'm suspecting your CPU core is Palomino. My memory is a little hazy but I could've sworn the voltage for those was 1.6v, but various internet sources say it's 1.75v, oh well.

 

[SofaKing]

Ok, I'm sorry but the voltage is actually 1.72, which should be fine.. and mechbgon i'm sure I installed the heatsink correctly. I think it may be my CPU's problem? Ok, so I tried putting in a different athlon XP and now the computer won't boot. Well it boots, turns on and everything, but nothing shows up on the monitor and the keyboard doesn't work. And they're all connected to the computer. I cleared CMOS and there's still the same problem.. anyone help?

 

[MDme]

few pointers:

If the problem arised after you installed the HD, try removing that HD and see if your system is fine. The HD should not cause the problem but at least you can try that.

You may have hit something when you installed the HD???

Also, the thermal paste should be as little and thin as possible. too much thermal paste actually makes it less efficient. as a rule, the thermal paste is only supposed to fill in the slight uneven surface contact between the CPU and the heatsink, not impede the contact.

 

[BespinReactorShaft]

I second colincsl's suggestion. Any amount of dust clogging up the heatsink?