Ideal temperatures for CPU core / case? What is a BAD temp?

[BlueTDimly]

Hi -

I'm building a new machine, and just wanted some feedback on what types of CPU core and case temps are ideal for, say, a T-bird 1 ghz, with no OC? Wanted to find out people's experiences with different rates of OC (volt, FSB, mult), different HSFs, different therm compounds, etc. I realize both measurements can be flaky depending on thermistor location, etc., but just ballpark figures will be fine.

Also -- can anyone point me to a resource that might give more info?

Finally -- what is a case temp or CPU core temp where I should start to worry about adding more cooling to either the case or CPU?

TIA
BlueT

 

[SilverJ]

I'm by far no expert, but I have a 1 gig t-bird on an abit kt7-raid board which i've finally setup correctly running idle at about 29C degrees. My box runs a little below this typically, around 25C degrees.

--jason

 

[BlueTDimly]

What type of HSF / thermal compound? Any OC? Thx.

 

[SilverJ]

I'm just using a chrome orb (removed the pad underneath), some thermal paste (dabbed on the cpu) I got at a local shop, and cpu is not overclocked.

 

[Mikewarrior2]

First off, you can't read core temp on a socket-a Chip. Secondly, idle temps should be thrown out the window, full load temps are much more important.

Depending on mb/bios revision, past 50-60C is usually a bad thing.

Mike

 

[BlueTDimly]

Full load meaning CPU at 100% load? If not using core temp, or MB thermistor reading, is there any other way to find out how hot processor is running? I'm concerned about burning out my CPU. My KT7A has a shutdown threshold of 50C. Is this reasonable? I realize that this would be based on the MB thermistor. I have read your web site, mike, and it offered a bunch of useful information. Thanks!

 

[TuOni]

yeah a core chip heat measurement is unlikely

 

[Mikewarrior2]

BlueTDimly,

Sorry, didnt' see your reply before. I would say 55C would be the logical max based on how a kt7 reads temps, but I have seen stable systems with higher temps. Depends on how good your case cooling is too, i would personally set the safety measurement 25-30C over mb/system temp.


Mike

 

[Xp]

Right now(two IE Windows open), my mobo is 37 C, CPU is 56,5 C.
I'm using TBird 900,ASUS A7V rev1.04, 250W PSU, 1 intake fan in the front