Low fan RPMs and high CPU temp with Antec and A8V

[GrimCracker]

I have a Athlon 64 3500+ with an Asus A8V and an Antec True430 power supply. In the BIOS, it shows the current RPMs of the fans, and the power supply fan is between 1400 and 1500 RPMs, which displays in red. The air coming out the back feels hot. The BIOS also shows the CPU temperature at about 53.5 celcius. I am using stock heatsink and fan from the retail box. The case is a Lian Li aluminum case with two intake fans at the front and an outtake fan in the back by the CPU. The intake fans are wired to the "fan only" molex connector from the power supply.

I do live in Los Angeles and have no air conditioner in my apartment, and these temperatures are similar to what I had with my old Athlon 1400, but I thought the Athlon 64 was supposed to run cooler. Is this normal or is something busted?

 

[Ryoga]

What's the ambient temperature of the room? Does the temp go back down to 40C at night?

 

[GrimCracker]

I wrote that post at midnight, so no, it doesn't go down to 40C. I installed Asus Probe and it was showing about 46C last night after I posted. Right now it's at 43C with the case open. I don't have a thermometer so I don't know what the ambient temperate is, but on a hot day it can get up in to the 80s I'm sure.

 

[Ryoga]

Hm. Mid 80's seems pretty warm. If the CPU gets very hot relative to the rest of the system (like 10C hotter or so), then I'd say if you plan on running the machine during the day for extended periods you should get the most powerful HSF you can. Otherwise, you can try updating all the fans to higher speed models (another exhaust fan would be nice).

Or maybe you should invest in window A/C.

 

[JackJHG]

Hey, I just moved from Chicago to Colorado Springs where it is SOOO much dryer. I talked to a guy after my computer kept overheating, apparently moisture has a part to play in cooling. In Chicago my 4000 RPM fan was fine, but here in Colorado I need a 6000 RPM fan to keep my poot at reasonable temperature.

Hope I helped a little bit.

 

[Ryoga]

Well, you're also at a higher altitude. Denser air has more moluecules, and therefore can carry more heat. You'd need a larger volume of low density air to cool something.