How can I tell if my HSF is on well?

[Medellon]

I just installed an XP 2100+ but my temperatures seem high. I have a Thermalright SK-6 heatsink and an 80 mm fan blowing on top of it but my temperatures commonly get in the low 60 degrees celsius with this HSF. When I touch the heatsink it does not feel hot at all, it is barely warm even. Could the HSF not be making a good conection with the core? Thanks.

 

[tbates757]

what motherboard are you using? it could be that your motherboard is reading the actual cpu diode (example epox 8k3a).

 

[Medellon]

I'm using an MSI K7T Turbo2 and there is a sensor in the socket under the CPU.

 

[idea]

Are you overclocking? If the HSF wasn't on right, you'd know it because your box would start smoking and wouldn't boot up. I have 2 recommendations for you: Artic Silver 3 Thermal Grease, and make sure the fan is blowing into the heatsink, not sucking air out of it. your cooling setup should be more than enough.

 

[Medellon]

I am overclocking very mildly. I'm running my CPU at 140mhz bus instead of 133mhz so my gains are small. I used Artic Silver II which is a decent grease so that is not the problem. I don't have any stability issues(yet) so I guess everything is okay?

 

[RadDavy]

Originally posted by: tbates757
what motherboard are you using? it could be that your motherboard is reading the actual cpu diode (example epox 8k3a).

I've been wondering about my temps too because they are quite low. I have a sk6/53cfm mechatronics 80mm fan(blowing down)/ASII and my temps never get above 112F and are usually 96F while not gaming etc. My rig specs are in the link below...

 

[RadDavy]

Originally posted by: Medellon
I am overclocking very mildly. I'm running my CPU at 140mhz bus instead of 133mhz so my gains are small. I used Artic Silver II which is a decent grease so that is not the problem. I don't have any stability issues(yet) so I guess everything is okay?

lol, your http://www.anandtech.com/myanandtech.html link isn't quite right....