I think I have a heat problem - try and help

[d33pblue]

Whether or not its a heat problem, I dont know. Here is what happens.

I leave my computer running for an extended period while im away (8-12 hours). When I come back the system is non responding. Now, sometimes the video won't come back on (I'll move my mouse, type something, but nothing), or the video will come on and the system will have frozen.

Now, in the case where the video doesnt come back on, I know my computer has frozen, crashed, or something. I run United Devices distrubuted computing client 24/7 and the CPU runs between 53 and 56C depending on how warm the room is (mobo is between 37 and 39C). When I come back and find it frozen up, I reboot the machine and find the CPU temp about 48C. So I know the processes have stopped running.

Here is my system:
XP2500+ Overclocked to 2.2Ghz @ 400Mhz FSB
Thermaltake SLK900u + 92mm Zalman fan
1GB Corsair ddr400
2, 7200rpm WD hard drives
430W Antec True power PSU

Now I know all of those components make a lot of heat. Frankly my case sucks. Its a little Raidmax case I bought off Newegg (the power supply already went out), and it just has one 60mm exhaust fan.

I have noticed that the computer tends to get a little warmer when I'm not on it. The CPU might be at 56, then I sit back down and start working on it and it will drop to 53 or so. I have MBProbe monitoring my temps and I have it set to log when (or if) the CPU reaches 60C. All of my logs are clear, so I'm almost certain that it hasnt reached 60C.

The system never seems to freeze sooner than about 8 hours after being left alone. I can go to bed, wake up the next morning and everything is fine. But when I leave it 10 hours or more, things just arent working whenever I come back.

Any ideas of whats going on here? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[d33pblue]

Its also worth noting that in the 5 weeks since the system has been built, I havent had it freeze up while I was using it one time. Its only when I leave it to sit.

Also, I have all of the power settings (in BIOS and Windows) to adjust to *never* turn anything off (hard disks, standby, ect).

 

[pspada]

2 words - case fans.

 

[0roo0roo]

its dremil or holesaw time for you my friend get some 120mm panaflos 92mm and cram em where they'll fit on the side front and top

then get some laundry dryer exhaust ducting from home depot and duct your cpu cooler to one of these fans to get fresh air to it directly.


your temps are just sad, my oc is higher then yours with lower temps(40idle-44loadc) with a smaller heatsink(slk800)/fan(i also use a zalman92) and my case is like 5 years old well.. i cut holes all over thats why it still is adequate

 

[render]

it just has one 60mm exhaust fan.

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: render

it just has one 60mm exhaust fan.

somehow i doubt it was a 60mm delta either

 

[d33pblue]

I actually used the stock CPU fan that came with the XP2500 and put it in the case.

I'm seriously thinking about getting another case, this one is just horrible.

Do you guys really think its a temperature thing? I think I might need to up the voltages a little bit

 

[JonathanYoung]

Originally posted by: d33pblue
I actually used the stock CPU fan that came with the XP2500 and put it in the case.

I'm seriously thinking about getting another case, this one is just horrible.

Do you guys really think its a temperature thing? I think I might need to up the voltages a little bit

It certainly wouldn't hurt to up the voltages a bit, but remember that if you do, your temperatures will go up even further. I've found that a good way to know if you have good cooling is to place your hand next to an exhaust fan (rear or PSU) and feel if the air is really warm, slightly warm, or room temperature. Obviously if the air is really warm, then you could use a few more case fans, but have you tried feeling how warm the air is? I had a box that was spitting out warm air and crashing randomly; I added a front intake fan and now the air is "cool" (room temp.) and I can leave it on 24/7 for weeks on end. But yeah, definitely make sure you have good cooling before you even try to up the voltages. Perhaps you can try running the PC without the side cover on and see if the same thing happens? That's a good way to test if heat is causing your instability. Good luck!