Heat problem -> underclock P4 chip?

bruincal

Senior member
Feb 26, 2002
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Hi, I have a Pentium 4 2.0A GHz with 256 RDRAM on a Intel 850 MV motherboard. I also have two UATA100 hard drives running at 7200rpm. It's a system from Gateway, and I added the extra hard drive myself. Since its summer here in California, and I live in a non-air-conditioned environment, the room temperature often hits about 87 degrees F, even during late night. I installed another case fan, making for about two case fans, but heat is still a major problem. Using Intel's Active Monitor software, my CPU temperature hits 122 degrees F at full load, and the system temperature reaches about 130 degrees F. At this point, the heat alert in Intel's Active Monitor goes off, warning about serious heat problems. I have to shutdown my system to prevent a problem.

My questions is if I am able to underclock my chip without messing with the hardware or jumpers..., such as with software. I hope that underclocking it will lower its system temperature. I think that the RDRAM chips and the hard drives run very hot, creating a very bad situation.
 

RemyCanad

Golden Member
Sep 28, 2001
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First off are you willing to do any modifications to the system such as put a deffrent heatsink/fan on it? I wonder how much performace you will lose underclocking it, not from just the CPU but the ram also.

I found a program once that was supposed to let you underclock your CPU, but I didn't really belive it so I have forgotten about it now. But just do a search on google or teoma and see what you find.
 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
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Aug 22, 2001
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If that Gateway can have the side cover removed then all you need to do is take it off and point a stand fan or desktop fan at it and it should keep it cool enough to run without problems.
 

TheCorm

Diamond Member
Nov 5, 2000
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I like RemyCanad's idea of changing the heatsink & fan on the processor because the ones supplied are generally OK but in a hot environment like you are in, a more expensive one might be in order.

DAPUNISHER's idea is a good short term solution but who wants a desk fan pointing into their computer case forever ;).

You could also try additional case cooling such as an exhaust fan from www.justcooler.com

Whats the case itself like, I have some Gateway cases to be a bit odd and "non-standard".

Corm
 

DAPUNISHER

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DAPUNISHER's idea is a good short term solution but who wants a desk fan pointing into their computer case forever .
The current ambient Temp issue he has won't last forever either ;) Besides, my solution is free :D