High CPU Temperature Alarm?

[Dabappa]

I left Motherboard Monitor 5 running last night, and this morning the high temperature alarm was beeping, with a message that my CPU had hit 86oC (ouch!). The temperature when I checked the alarm was back to 49oC, which is about the normal idle temperature. The Processor is normally between 49o C and 59o C depending on load. I don't know how long the spike lasted.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how it could hit 86 Degrees C while at idle, and mysteriously drop back down to normal while not being used. Also, MBM5 can evidently run programs on alarm trips, is there something I can run automaticly to lower the temp or shut down the computer?

I have a recently installed Athlon XP 1600+ with the HSF from a retail Athlon 1.4 GHz, which was cleaned, lapped, and reinstalled with Artic Alumina. Case is an Enlight 7237 with 80mm Sunnon front intake and rear exhaust fans. Idle temperatures used to be up around 53oC, but are now around 49oC; I think the Arctic Alumina has "burned in".

The computer is in a tower cabinet in my desk, and the door was shut during the temperature spike; however, keeping the door shut has never been a problem in the past, especially at idle (temperature was 49oC with the door shut this morning). I usually open the door when using the computer, especially for games.

Thanks in advance,

 

[McCarthy]

Only way I can see is if the CPU fan stopped for a minute or so, then magically restarted. Then the processor also had to get this hot (measured externally, much higher internally) without locking up so MBM could continue running.

I'm betting it was bad data.

 

[Dabappa]

My first thougts were bad data, but I did not know if this was common or possible with MBM5.

I ran Prime95 for an hour or so, half with the desk door open and half with the door closed, and the temperature only hit 57oC.

Thanks,