Measuring CPU temperature

[DemonCat]

My MSI K8N Neo Platinum was reading idle CPU temps of up to 69 degrees. After a BIOS update, it showed an idle temp of around 44. I tried playing Thief3, and ended the game when the system's alarm complained the CPU reached 60. I tried playing it again the following day, checking temps every five minutes. The temperature never went over 55, but I shut down when I smelled burning epoxy coming from the computer. At this point, it still claimed the CPU was in the low 50s.

I don't trust the motherboard reading at all at this point. How can I verify system temps without using it?

 

[DeepBlu]

Try searching for SisSoft Sandra.

 

[Falloutboy]

what cpu do you have? what type of HSF? have you tried taking off the HSF cleaning off the thermal compound on both the HSF and the CPU and reaplying some fresh Artic silver?

 

[L00PY]

All software solutions will essentially give you the same readings as your mobo readings. Your best bet to measure temperatures is with an external measurement, like a fan controller with probes (example at SVC) or a surface read thermometer (like that laser sighted gadget from Williams Sonoma that was in the Hot Deals section a couple months ago).

 

[DemonCat]

How does on e install the probes? Is this something that goes between the CPU and heatsink? Is it reliable?
Thanks for your help!

 

[L00PY]

It depends on the probe, but you have a couple of options for the preferred small thin flat kinds. Basically, you want it as close to the die as possible, without interfering with anything. The safest thing is to attach it near the base of the heatsink. AMD recommends drilling a hole into the base of the heatsink, but that's probably overkill for your situation.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you have a couple more options. If your processor wasn't lidded, you could place it on top of the CPU, next to the die (so it was sitting in the dead space on the same level as the die). Unfortunately, that's not really an option with heatspreaders. If the probe wires are thin enough, you might be able to thread it between the pins and tape it down in the space in the middle of the socket (not an option with 939/940's of course). It depends on the proble really. Just be sure to research before you buy.

 

[Squirtle632]

Using a laser thermometer and getting it as close to the CPU as possible will give you within 1°C of temp.
When I measured mine it was within 1°C of the MBM5 reading and BIOS reading