DG45ID Running very HOT

[imported_brijeet]

Hi,

recently got the Intel DG45ID motherboard and noticed something strange. the ICH (southbridge) was running very hot for it just being on for only big on and idle for a lil bit. It was being reported around 72 degrees C. Out of box it does come with a decent sized heatsink but no fan. Thinking about slapping on a small fan. BUT, wanted to see if other users experienced the same? and if so, is the board running OK with it being a bit hot? Usually when out of box if no fan was added my manufacture... usually cause its OK with out it.

What are your thoughts....

 

[lopri]

There was a user report with a similar issue. It was a long time ago but his temp was even higher, which was sorta hard to believe because I used to think Intel ICHs are not 'capable' of reaching such temps.

I would make sure that heatsink and the ICH are making a tight contact. Reapply thermal paste. If you have a video card that's nearby and hot, it could affect the ICH temp as well. Check airflow in your case to ensure there is no dead zone. High temperature is an enemy of long-term health of any IC.

Welcome to AnandTech Forums.

 

[imported_clockerspiel]

I've worked with several Intel 43X and 45X motherboards and can attest to their "hot" burning ICHs. According to the Intel spec sheets, the MCH and ICH are rated up to 101/103C respectively, but users generally take little comfort in these specs when they see either running in the 70C range, which is common in smaller, poorly ventilated computer cases.

I've seen users on various forums try lopri's suggestion of heatsink removal, cleaning surfaces with 91% alcohol, and re-attaching using AS5 - with mixed results, usually only netting maybe a degree or two lower temperature.

Some have tried a NB/SB HSF such as:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835103155

However, this solution has two negatives: 1). the 40 mm fan is sleeve bearing and tends to wear out quickly, 2). the combination HSF may prevent longer video cards from being mounted.

The best solution, at least from my experience, is to use a computer case with a side panel that has accommodation for a 120mm fan, preferably as close as possble, over the ICH. In one case, I cut a hole over the ICH in the side panel, mounted an Antec double ball bearing fan, and was able to pull the temperature down to about 55C. The other option is to mount a 120mm fan in the front of the case pulling air in over the ICH, which will help some, but not as much as mounting a fan in the side panel.

Good luck!