Help with overheating

[chobo]

Hello,

I've recently come across my first system that i attempted to build, a HTPC in a mATX case. After putting everything together, my CPU temp in BIOS was ranging from 75-90 degrees, while the case temp was steady at 31. I thought running my heatsink without the fan would be fine, because i had underclocked by 2500+ from 133 to 100 mhz FSB, but even when i add the fan it only drops around 5 degrees. The heatsink i have is this Zalman. And the case is this Antec. I didnt use the full tube of thermal paste becuase it looked like too much, was that my problem? What else could be causing such high temps? Any help would be very nice.

 

[mechBgon]

Friend, you need the Zalman's fan running.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Make sure the heatsink is not on backwards.

Here are some videos you can review to make sure you've done things properly:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Proce...69_4348%5E6678,00.html

 

[Sentinel]

you shouldnt put a huge glob of thermal paste on just a small amount and make it even with a straight edge

 

[sniperruff]

make sure the fan is in the right direction. suck/blow makes a world of difference

 

[Davegod]

I didnt use the full tube of thermal paste becuase it looked like too much

oh dear

you're only supposed to use a uber thin layer of paste. all it's there for is to fill in the little machining gaps etc on the cpu/heatsink surface to mate them together 100%. thermal paste is FAR less thermally conductive than the actual heatsink.


Other things... like above, make sure the cpu's fan is blowing the right way (should be pushing air towards the heatsink). try turning up the speed of the fan. make sure the case's fan is turning, and turning the right way - in at the front out at the back.

using a zalman flower heatsink in a SFF case seems a bit bloody optimitic to me, TBFH.