New i7 Build - processor getting too hot

[imported_erc]

I just finished my first Core i7 build, and the processor is getting really hot really quickly.. do you folks think it's a bad CPU? Bad Motherboard?

I start the computer after being off for hours, and by the time I can get into the BIOS to check the CPU temp, it's already up around 51 degrees C. Within a minute, maybe a minute and a half, it's up to 70+ degrees C.

I'm using the stock CPU cooler that comes with the retail processor, although I cleaned off the thermal compound and used a thin layer of arctic silver instead. The heatsink is secure. Default BIOS settings.

Build details:
Core i7 920
Asus P6T Deluxe v2
OCZ Gold DDR3 1600 (3x2GB)

So, without any other compatible parts to test the hardware to see where the actual problem is, what should I RMA?

 

[alevasseur14]

Don't RMA anything. You probably just didn't seat the heatsink correctly. Take it off, clean both the heatsink and processor top with high purity rubbing alcohol (90+), and take your time while reapplying the paste and heatsink. It might be a good idea to have a friend with more experience help you out too.

 

[Blain]

It's probably bad air flow inside a poorly designed case.

 

[imported_erc]

I'm not new to building computers, just new to the Core i7s. The HSF combo is pretty much the same as the ones that have come with the Intel's other core processors, so that whole setup isn't really new to me. I will detach the heatsink, clean it all up, and give it another try.

As for the airflow in the case, I don't think that's the problem. It's a Lian-Li case, two intake fans in front of the hard drives, an exhaust fan on top, and an exhaust fan in the back. The power supply has two fans as well. There is only one card in the case - a cheap video card. The cables are all neat and tidy.

I could see it maybe being an airflow issue if I had high temps after the computer had been running for a while, but at the quick rate that the processor heats up, I doubt I'd have time to get through 1/4 of an OS install by the time the CPU melts. Also, the motherboard temps are normal.

 

[alevasseur14]

I have a really hard time believing it's anything other than a badly set heatsink. Did you follow Arctic Silver's instructions as to alignment of the paste and whatnot when you applied it?

Clean it up, follow the AS instructions, and let us know how your temps look after that.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: alevasseur14
I have a really hard time believing it's anything other than a badly set heatsink.
Clean it up, follow the AS instructions, and let us know how your temps look after that.

Another vote here for cleaning & reinstalling the HS. :thumbsup:

 

[imported_erc]

I cleaned off the thermal paste with 91% rubbing alcohol, let it dry, and then re-applied as per the directions on the arctic silver website for Core i7 processors.

I assume that one of the heatsink pegs lifted off the motherboard the first time around, because the temperature looks fine now. Temperature at startup was about 27 degrees celcius instead of 50+ and after running for 20 minutes, the temperature leveled off around 34 degrees celcius.

And here I thought the voltage regulators on the motherboard were bad... sometimes it really is the simplest explanation! I'm glad I didn't RMA the motherboard and make an ass of myself, thanks for the suggestion!

 

[alevasseur14]

Win!

Glad you got it sorted out. Enjoy the build!