CPU temp worse after Alpha upgrade???

[Runner]

This is upsetting.

I just upgraded from a Coolmaster HS/Fan for my 1Gig Athlon to a Alpha 6035 from 3dfxcool.

With the Cool Master, I was getting around 32C idle and around 56C under load.

Just put in the Alpha and I am at 35C idle and a shocking 64C under load?

I did notice that the thermal grease supplied with the HS/Fan is aweful thick and I was unable to apply a particularly "thin" coating (it was about the consistancy of putty and very dificult to spread out over the core).

Could this be my problem? Is there a way to thin out the grease so I can apply a thinner coating?

I wasnt really unhappy with the Coolmaster but since I just dropped a lot on this new Athlon I figured I would be safe and get a better HS/Fan.

Man am I disapointed with the results.

 

[Rudee]

Re-apply the thermal grease so it's nice and thin. You should be able to see through it if it's applied correctly.

 

[jebus]

I agree with your results. I was hoping to overclock my duron 600 to 1ghz with the alpha from 3dfxcool. However the highest I can go up to now is 963, from my previous 948 using the HSF that came with the CPU. I agree, very dissapointing results from something that costed over 30 bucks.

Originally I applied the goop on the cpu and on the HS like the manual says, but I found it difficult to match together. So next I just applied it on the cpu. I dropped a single drop in the center of the cpu and spreaded it with my fingers. This allowed an even spread, but was way too thick. Finally someone mentioned on another thread (that I started btw, check overclocking forum) that I shouldn't use my finger and instead use something with an edge. So I grabbed a plastic knife and just tried that. I put a smaller drop in the center and used that to spread. I managed to get a decently even spread and is very thin. Right now the cpu temperature is a little bit lower (51C instead of 52C) so reapplying must have done something. Well hopefully you can learn from what I did if it helps.

 

[Phuz]

Keep playing. Make sure that the DIE of the chip is being covered by the copper on the bottom of the Alpha. Not all can be attached "straight on" because the copper isn't even in the center of the fan. Also, try playing with the way the fan moves air. I have my fan blowing into the CPU. Some prefer blowing in, some like blowing out.. it all dependes on your case ventilation and all sorts of stuff...

 

[parityBit]

could be a stupid question(as i have never had an alpha)but is there a thermal pad on those alpha heatsinks? Could be your problem.

 

[Vegito]

How are you measuring the temperature, How do you measure how effective the heatsink is ?

1. Do you measure heatink temp or cpu temp.
2. If the heatsink is hotter isn't it absorbing more temperature of the CPU ?


I mean if you just measure the temperature, are you sure that you're measuring correctly ? do you have probes and external sensors on both CPU & heatsink.

If you got 32°C with the old combo, maybe it wasn't absorb more heat from the cpu then a heatsink measuring 35°C idle.

Anyway, I'm not sure but yeah, some product does make it worse...

 

[Runner]

Just to update my experience with the Alpha 6035.

After my initial post I tried one more time to get a nice even and thin coating of the thermal compound supplied with the Alpha.

Idle temp was 41C - under load was 62C.

Not aceptable.

I ran down to Radio Shack and picked up some of there stock grease.

Aplied (MUCH easier to get that "thin" coating). Fired up the machine.

CPU temp jumped to 92C!

Quickly turned it off and gave up.

I have been building custom computers for a little over 10 years now. I do admit that this is my first Athlon.

With all the great comments that I have read about the Alpha's I have to assume that I must be doing something wrong but for the life of me I cant figure this one out!

BTW, after attaching and removing the HS/Fan more than 7 times trying to figure this out I am sad to say that, yes, I chipped the corner of the core! Luckly, everything seems to be ok and the system has been running fine thank god.

I am now back to my original Coolmaster with the Radio Shack grease applied instead of the thermal pad.

My idle temp usually sits at about 1 degree above the case temp (right now 30C) and under load I am averaging about 46C.

The switch to thermal grease seems to have gotten the temps to a point were I am happy.

I guess that this is one of those rare cases where you DON'T get what you pay for. I switch back to the cheaper HS/Fan and cheaper grease and am getting better results. Go figure.

One question - Since this is my first "flip chip" cpu should I be worried about the chipped corner of the core? I have no intention of removing the HS/Fan again but could the constant pressure from the retaining clip eventually worsen the damage?

 

[mechBgon]

I re-read your posts but I am wondering the same thing as forcesho... when you give your temperature readings, precisely where is the sensor? It's important to know what part of the CPU or heatsink is being measured. The Alphas I'm using do a great job, I hope you find out what's the matter...

 

[Mikewarrior2]

The Alpha you got has a Socket 370 Clip. YOu need to tighten the clip to match amd socket A specs.

Take a pair of pliers and tighten that clip up. AT the default clip pressure, your cpu isn't going to be contacting cpu. It isn't enough pressure to push down the four rubber "feet" on the duron.

That should certainly solve your problems... The feet aren't being compressed enough, so right now with the alpha, you're not getting good contact between cpu and heatsink...

It has nothing to do with alpha being bad... Some Pal's are sold with a Socket A compliant clip that applies the correct pressure to flatten out those feet.


Mike