New QX6850 Build and odd CPU temps...

[Svtman]

Hello all,

I have just built a new system to replace my 3 yearold rig. Here are the specs

ASUS Striker Extreme
QX6850 3.0ghz stock for now
Tuniq Tower 120 and Arctic Silver Ceramique paste
4GB 2x2GB Corsair TWIN2x4096-6400c5dhx
2 Rapor X 150GB
2 WD Caviar 750GB
2 MSI 8800GTX Ultras
1 SB XFI Extreme Gamer
Cooler master stacker 832 Case

When I launch Core Temp I see random temps

Core0 51C
Core1 49C
Core2 46C
Core3 45C

I would have thought the core temps would have been closer in range or at least cooler at idle. Now when I play HLF2 Core 0 will shoot up to 60C

Is this okay or no?

Thanks

 

[MarcVenice]

They are a bit on the high side if you ask me, for a tuniq tower 120. What's your ambient temp and casetemp though? With 2 ultra's, 4 hd's and a qx6850 in there I can imagine things run hot. The coolermaster should provide plenty of airflow though. One possibility is that your tuniq tower isn't seated correctly, that it isn't making good contact between the heatsink and the IHS from the CPU. Perhaps you used to much Ceramique paste? Should have used the tx-2 or tx-1 that came with the tuniq btw, it's pretty darn good thermal grease.

Btw, temps are okay, meaning they aren't to high, simple as is, but they could be lower for sure. Better would be the lowest core in the mid 30's and the highest core in the high 30's, and perhaps even slightly lower, between low 30's and mid 30's.

 

[Svtman]

I know this is a simple question for some, but for the life of me I can't seem to find the best way to apply paste. Arctic Silvers website says to run a straight line across the cpu and others say to apply a then even layer with a razor blade. Which method would you recommend?

I'll try their grease also.

One thing I did forget to mention was that I had to rotate the Tunig 90 degrees so I could access the screws due to all the ASUS heatsinks around the CPU and my fatass fingers. Would that have made a difference?

Thanks for your help.