High cpu temps for no reason

[Kalmah]

I've had this rig for little over a year. The processor has always idled around 32 c.

Then last week I turned it on and it started idling at around 53 c. It's still doing this. Both my Aerogate2 and asus probe are reporting the same thing.

If I play a game the cpu temp jumps to about 65 c and my aerogate alarm warning continuesly beeps.

It's a P4 3.0 ghz with HT. Stock cooling. And an Asus p4c800 deluxe motherboard.


I have a couple questions also. Could spyware or some kind of virus be running the processor ragged?
(I see nothing in device manager showing processes taking up alot of cpu)

Maybe I should remove the fan and see if the heatsink needs cleaning?

The air filter on the fans on the front of the case could use some cleaning too. I currently have the side pannel removed.

There are 2 umm.. 80mm? fans on the front bottom. Then a small fan in the aerogate. Then I have 2 of the same large fans on the back, right behind the processor, and the fans on my power supply. Lots of ventalation at the back of the case, but not much at the front. (only where the 2 fans are and the aerogate)

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[stevty2889]

might be time to re apply thermal paste. what were you load temps before? is it a northwood or prescott?

 

[gamerj]

Check if there is much dust in your heatsink....blow it out...and yeah..maybe u need to reapplie the compound...
Run a virus scanner for those programs..dont start shutting down processes

 

[Kalmah]

Thanks for your replies.

My load temps where maxing at about 52 c before this started happening. (that was only under rare condiditions, usually never went higher than 50)

I have no idea if it is a northwood or prescott. Was a complete newbie when I built this system and still don't understand how to find that out.

The stock heatsink and fan came with some thermal paste. I don't remember exactly what it was but I did apply it when the system was first built.

I've never removed the fan or heatsink before and it has me a little nervous thinking about it. I have a feeling the thermal paste is going to stick to the heatsink or something and give me a really hard time. This is my only computer so once I open it up I can't get back online to ask any questions.

What would be the best way to clean old thermal paste off the processor?

Again I appreciate it.

 

[RussianSensation]

it's more likely dust build up in the heatsink and not the thermal paste. Since you already installed the heatsink once, it's not a big deal to do it again. Just move it slightly from side to side and then lift it carefully. If the thermal paste sticks, next time re-apply less.

 

[Kalmah]

It's fixed now. Just needed to clean the heatsink.

I had one hell of a time getting the heatsink off. I have a very cramped workspace.

Temps are idling at 27.5c right now.

I accidentally touched the front of the heatsink and rubbed some of the thermal paste off. I don't have anymore to put on it but it seems to be working great anyways.

Thanks again.

 

[SrGuapo]

Originally posted by: Kalmah
It's fixed now. Just needed to clean the heatsink.

I had one hell of a time getting the heatsink off. I have a very cramped workspace.

Temps are idling at 27.5c right now.

I accidentally touched the front of the heatsink and rubbed some of the thermal paste off. I don't have anymore to put on it but it seems to be working great anyways.

Thanks again.

There is no way it is a prescott if it idles at 28C... Glad to see everything is back to normal though. It may be a good idea to have a tube of thermal compound just in case. The next time you have to remove it, you may not be able to just "stick" it right back on (which you shouldn't so in the first place).

 

[Kalmah]

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to grab a tube of some kind of thermal paste the next time I get a chance.