CPU Temperture problem

[benwood]

I'm putting together a PC using a 3.2 ghz Northwood Pentium 4 and a Intel 865PERL motherboard with a Zalman 7000-A AlCu heatsink and Arctic Silver Ceramique. The CPU temps I'm getting are 43c from the BIOS screen. This is with the motherboard in the open air on a table, not installed in a case. When I install it in a case (Silverstone LC-10) even wit all the fans hooked up but no hsrd drives or expansion cards installed the temp rises to 50c. I've reinstlled the heatsink several times (after cleaning it and the CPU and reapplying the Arctic Silver) and the temps stay the same. I'm trying to figure out why my CPU temps are so high. Since this computer is to be used as a HTPC I dont want to load it up with more or higher powered fans. Am I using too much thermal compound or too little? Could anything else be the source of the problem? Thanks.

 

[PeteRoy]

When you are in the BIOS, the CPU is in maximum load, I have a D865PERL motherboard myself and when I'm at the BIOS the temps are around 50c

You might want to consider using an Air Duct case as recommended by Intel, look in my P4 sig.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

Well he's got an HTPC, so I'm not sure if another case is an option. Try reapplying the thermal compound. Just to let you know: my 3.0 northwood idles at 46C and goes up to almost 59C while at load.

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: PeteRoy
When you are in the BIOS, the CPU is in maximum load, I have a D865PERL motherboard myself and when I'm at the BIOS the temps are around 50c

You might want to consider using an Air Duct case as recommended by Intel, look in my P4 sig.

This man speaks the truth. For some unknown reason, Intel BIOSes run the CPU a moderate-to-high load, hence the higher than expected temperature reading.