i3 running hot. What did I do wrong?

[squelchy451]

Hi. I have a i3-2100 cooled with a CoolerMaster Vortex Plus, which is a low profile fan with a 90mm fan.

Idle temps are around 34-37 degrees and load temp (TF2, HL2) are around 45-48.

Reviews of this heatsink show around 28-32 for idle temps and some used higher powered CPU's, such as i7 920 and i5-750.

I've lapped this heatsink slightly and used MX-2. One thing that I did was after I put about two thin lines of MX-2 on the heatsink, I installed the heatsink and then removed it, and wiped off the thermal paste on the heatsink but not the CPU, because my friend who helped me build it said that it's better to use less thermal paste because direct contact with the CPU is better than using thermal paste.

How can I get better temps?

 

[Charlie98]

What are your ambient temps? And how are you measuring your temps?

Your mounting method seems OK, too much TIM isn't necessarily a good thing.

 

[dma0991]

It is impossible that you would have the same ambient temps from where the review was conducted. It is more likely due to the fact that your ambient temps are higher therefore higher idle temps and those temps are quite good already. FYI, a little bit of TIM goes a long way but no TIM at all is probably not a good idea.

 

[merlion]

Not only will ambient temperature be a factor in making a comparison, but also what type of case, number of fans, good airflow pattern in the case, etc. There a lot of variables that make an apples to apples comparison difficult.

 

[GoStumpy]

This thread confuses me...


You temps look excellent.

Try reinstalling the HSF with just a rice-grain size amount of thermal paste, squish it nicely, and leave it.. See if it improves your temps at all..

I can't understand how you can't be happy with those temps though..

 

[pauldun170]

Have the same proc with stock cooler in rosewill case (2 120mm fans at 800rpm intake exhaust)

Your temps are fine and load temps are nice and low.

 

[squelchy451]

i3 2100's a pretty low powered CPU and many reviews have lower temps.
The case is a small CM Elite 343 with a 90mm fan blowing out right next to the cooler and a 90mm side fan blowing in pretty close to the cooler.

I still have some thermal paste on the CPU though.
I'll try adding a smidgen more thermal paste, at least enough to work into the grooves formed by the heatpipes.

 

[GoStumpy]

Don't bother!

If you want lower temps, get a better case with better airflow. 120mm fans minimum, some cases have 3-5 of them... two 90mm fans are your problem, not the HSF 🙂

Lets get real for a second here.. you have a value case with a single 120mm intake fan... And you're unhappy with 35c idle temps?

Just be thankful that your load temps are so low.. If you want lower idle temps, you'll need a better case with front, back, and hopefully top fans.

But why? 35c is freaking cool, load temps are equally cool, why are you worrying so much about other reviews temps?

Do they have the same case as you?

 

[Joshatdot]

sheesh! I wish my temps were that low. 46*C Idle & 65*C Load

 

[CurseTheSky]

Don't bother. Your temps are already quite good, and you're splitting hairs trying to get it to be the same as some reviews out there.

As others have said, your case is probably the biggest factor. Putting it in a case with better air flow is probably your best solution if you REALLY want those high 20's temps at idle.

 

[squelchy451]

I see. Also, i've heard that the thermal paste needs a few days to fully activate or something, so maybe the temps will get even better. I've got a small syringe with some thermal paste to fill in the grooves between the heatsink and the heatpipes.

Thank you for your advice. I'll stop worrying so much hahaha.

 

[Charlie98]

I woudn't mess with your install at this point... It's on, it's working.

I don't know about the CoolerMaster TIM supplied with the 212+, but I've had it on for about 6 weeks and my idle temps have come down a few degrees... I'm finally as low as 22C on one of the cores.