E8400 core temperature difference

[venkp24]

I am seeing a consistent 3-4 deg C difference in core temperatures between the 2 cores on my E8400. Core 0 always runs hotter than core 1. At idle, I get about 39C/36C for Core 0/1. With both cores at 100% load (Prime95), I get about 54C/51C. This is using Core Temp, and the ASUS Utility. Real Temp reads about 10C lower, but it still shows the 3C temp difference between the cores at idle and load. Is it normal for one core to always run a little hotter than the other?

My setup - E8400, ASUS P5Q Pro, Arctic Freezer 7 Pro with MX-2 TIM.

 

[PolymerTim]

Originally posted by: venkp24
Is it normal for one core to always run a little hotter than the other?

My setup - E8400, ASUS P5Q Pro, Arctic Freezer 7 Pro with MX-2 TIM.

Short answer: Yes, its normal.

There are a variety of reasons I think with some of the more popular ones focusing the flatness of your cpu heat spreader and the base of the HSF. In some cases, lapping both surfaces will help, but it is not really necessary. As long as your temperatures are in a safe range there is nothing wrong. And 3-5 C difference between cores is very common.

 

[Gannon]

Originally posted by: venkp24
I am seeing a consistent 3-4 deg C difference in core temperatures between the 2 cores on my E8400. Core 0 always runs hotter than core 1. At idle, I get about 39C/36C for Core 0/1. With both cores at 100% load (Prime95), I get about 54C/51C. This is using Core Temp, and the ASUS Utility. Real Temp reads about 10C lower, but it still shows the 3C temp difference between the cores at idle and load. Is it normal for one core to always run a little hotter than the other?

My setup - E8400, ASUS P5Q Pro, Arctic Freezer 7 Pro with MX-2 TIM.

The heat distrbution throughout a CPU is very asymetrical, always remember this. The temperature you get is a general reading, if one was to take more accurate measurements with scientific instruments you'd see temperature variations all over the CPU in different places. Nothing to worry about.

 

[cvrefugee]

Core 0 on my E8400 has a stuck sensor, so it always reports 4-5 degrees higher than Core 1 on idle. At load they have identical temps.

 

[venkp24]

Thanks to all of you for your help.