CPUs in a particular rig always run way too hot, what's to blame?

[Electrode]

Hello all. Here's the deal:

I have a P3 rig here that always runs way too hot. For example, the BIOS says that my Tualatin 1.26S is running at 50 degrees C, doing nothing but running BIOS setup. This is shortly after a cold start, mind you. I figured that the thermal sensor is just messed up (it said my P3 800E was running at about the same temp), but when I boot the OS and start doing stuff, it is unstable, as if the CPU actually was overheating. Random segfaults and kernel panics (few and far between but random nonetheless).

I know that it's not the fault of inadequite cooling. I've got a Globalwin SAK38 (aluminum, coper base, delta fan) with AS3 on the CPU, and an exhaust fan at the back of the case. Besides, Tualatins supposedly run cool enough to get by with passive cooling, so what's the deal? Might there be something wrong with the motherboard (ASUS TUSL2-C), or the PSU (250W)?

Thanks in advance for any help!

EDIT: What is the best way to apply thermal compound to a P3/P4/other big surface? I tried to do it with a phone card like I do with CuMine and Athlon cores, but it proved impractical so I smoothed it out with a plastic bag wrapped around my finger, like I do with the base of the heatsink. Is there a better way?

 

[gaidin123]

Hehe I do the same thing with a plastic bag around my finger with my Athlon boxes and have never had any overheating issues like what you are describing. To me it really sounds like either your case has amazingly bad ventilation, the heatsink isn't making good contact (is the socket messed up or the clamp bent incorrectly?), or the motherboard is overvolting the processor for some reason.

I don't remember what the default voltage for a Tualatin CPU is but find out what your CPU should be running at and check in the BIOS to see A) what the CPU core voltage is set to, and B) what the CPU core voltage actually is as reported in the BIOS. I have heard that Asus' like to report higher than actual temperatures...

Gaidin

 

[Electrode]

The BIOS reports that the vcore is 1.45v, which is the correct level. As for heatsink contact, I don't think that's a problem, as the clip is attached VERY tightly.

Ventilation isn't a problem either, as there are no cables in the area between the CPU socket and the exhaust fan. Also there is an intake fan at the front of the case.

 

[N2Ohyeah]

Make sure the fans on the right way

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Hey Electrode If you have already eliminated the ram and mobo as potential suspects for the instability then the only thing I can think of is that if you are getting too much ASIII on there then it can result in thermal build up and have a very negative impact on temps. BTW the plastic over the finger method is one of my favorites as well so that shouldn't be an issue. Good luck and let us know if you figure out the problem