how high is too high? (temperature)

[lodog00]

I'm really worried about my temps....

I have a 2.6C O/C'd to 3.32 GHz (255fsb). vcore is stock 1.525v, and memory is running 1:1 with stock vdimm (2.6v) (Kingston HyperX PC 4000 @ cas 3-8-4-4). I wish memory could have faster timings but anyway....

the processor has passed Prime 95 for 24 + hours, but the temperatures at full load worry me. Idle, it is @ 45 degrees, and load it's at a whopping 68 degrees! I'm just using the stock intel right now until I get my replacement brackets for my zalman cnps700u, but even for stock, I think this is really high. The CPU IS stable though, and I can run Seti@home, Prime, and 3dmark 2003 simultaneously with no errors.

Aside from the fact that I haven't increased voltage, I've been using ceramique from the beginning. I have reapplied many times to make sure. I've lapped the stock intel heatsink to a mirror finish, and have even lapped the heatspreader on the CPU to a mirror finish using auto-grade 1000,1500,2000 grit! No huge change (I did manage to drop max load 3 degrees....from 70.5 degrees!). All this work and I should be no more than 61 - 63 degrees full load...?

Is there something going on here? Is it because I'm using the stock Intel cooler? Though the CPU is stable under my standards, is it safe to run the CPU this hot? I'll probably be running Seti@home 24/7 like usual, so it WILL be at load all the time...

In comparison, I have my brother's 2.4C running at 3.0GHz under default vcore (on an IS7) , and it is stable as well, with a maximum load of 59 degrees. I just used the stock intel HS and thermal pad. Obviously there's a HUGE discrepancy here. Does a 2.6C REALLY run THAT much hotter than a 2.4C when overclocked? I know it runs hotter, but 10 degrees is HUGE. I'll update once I can use my Zalman....but in the meantime, any suggestions !?!?! Am I just being too neurotic???

thanks.

 

[o1die]

I would remove the side panel and use a regular fan if you can, until your zalman parts come in. Running at 68 celcius shouldn't hurt anything for a short time, but if you're concerned, I would simply run the cpu at stock settings.

 

[lodog00]

Tried the PC w/ 231 fsb. Max load is still a toasty 65 degrees, but I think I can live with that. What is the maximum safe temperature I can run the CPU at anyway? I'm assuming anything under 70?

I'm concerned mainly because I've been seeing insane O/Cs using standard air cooling everywhere...and people have been listing LOW temps, many under 60 degrees. Hopefully once I can use my zalman again, I can keep it under 65.

 

[walk2]

Intel rates it up to 75C (hope that url works). So anything under 75C and you're fine.

 

[RalfHutter]

The Abit's temp readout is also about 10°C above most other boards. There's a couple of threads about this at OC forums. So actually your temps are running around 60° at load which is just about what you'd expect for that setup, especially with the stock HSF. You're fine.