High, but stable, idle temps Barton 3200+

[btmed]

Okay, I've put together an AMD Athlon XP 3200+ with an ASUS A7N8X-E motherboard. I've got a Zalman CPU cooler (I think it is the CNPS7000B-Cu) that is set for full speed. This is all in an In-Win S564G case. Now I switched out the 80-mm case fan that came with it for a Nexus Real Silent 80mm fan that runs at significantly lower rpm's (~1800 vs ~2800 for the stock). And that is it in terms of cooling. Now, with the Nexus fan, I run around 48-49 degrees idle for the CPU and a max of 56 degrees or so on full load testing. I've had ZERO problems though (no lock-ups, errors, restarts). With the stock fan, my idle temps are a little lower (~46) and max on full load is around 53 or so, but it is a lot noisier. I have increased the FSB from 200 to 210, but my voltages are all default lowest settings. And bringing my FSB down to default doesn't seem to change the temps much. By basic question is if it is okay for me to be running at 49 degrees idle and upper 50's full load (but below 60)? I just don't want to damage my CPU or any other components. I would assume it would be okay, especially because I am running so stable, but I'm no expert. I would really appreciate some advice from anyone. Thanks a bunch!

 

[imported_Kensai]

Anything below 60 is acceptable. When you get in the mid to high 50s, you should turn your voltage down a knob.

 

[ToeJam13]

I've run my Barton has high as 65C under full load with no issues. My alarm in my BIOS is currently set for 70C, with reboot at 73C.

 

[Extraordinary Cow]

My Athlon XP ("The Heater") for some reason decided to idle at 68*C. I vacuumed it out today. It was earlier 69*C. Under load it happily hits 75ish. Damned thing, honestly, this thing is so gonna catch fire one day. And yes, my side is off. Your temps are perfect. I had to disable my shutdown temp otherwise it would happily close in the middle of any game. I was in Far Cry near the end of a level and about to save when I finished and the damn thing frickign hit 70 and shutdown of course. My motherboard is crap though, although I'm quite sure it isn't reading wrong. An external device reads 70+ as well under load. Stupid 40mm muffin fan wannabe lol.

 

[ToeJam13]

The reason my Barton runs so hot is because I undervolt my HSF. It will not push 12VDC until it hits 58C. When I run my HSF at 12VDC for all temperatures, it rarely goes above 53C (ambient room temperature of 80F/26.5C).

Maybe you should invest in a Zalman CNPS7000B, Thermalright SP-97 or Noise Control Silverado HSF for your Barton. Make sure you get a processor spacer of some sort when using these beefy heatsinks, whether metal plates or rubber rings, to prevent processor damage.

 

[Fern]

Hi btmed and Welcome to the forums!

By basic question is if it is okay for me to be running at 49 degrees idle and upper 50's full load (but below 60)? I just don't want to damage my CPU or any other components.

Most peeps say keep it under 60c for stability purposes. Some XP cpu's can get unstable above 60c load temps.

IIRC engineering specs for that cpu indicate 80c or higher b4 failure.

You s/b fine.

Fern