Newb help needed - Mobo and CPU temps

[Jray]

Hi all,
I could use some help here. I've been experiencing some apparent overheating problems recently. I have some questions regarding temperatures. I've read around the FAQs and even looked around the manufacturer's websites but I'm still a little lost. Sorry if this has been covered before.

First, system specs:

Athlon 2100+ XP
Epox EP-8RDA+ mobo
512mb PC2700 RAM (Crucial)
ATI 9500 Pro 128mb video card
80mb WD special edition HD
Windows XP home edition

I think that's everything. Nothing is overclocked. Everything is running at default settings, bus speed at 133mHz. My problem is when I'm playing games like Quake III or Call of Duty. I sometimes notice the sound starting to break up (using the onboard sound). When this happens I shut the game down and check the temps using the USDM software that came with the mobo. It's usually around 50degC for the CPU. Maybe up to 52. This doesn't seem out of line with what I've read from other people. I added some case fans - 2 rear exhaust and 1 front intake - but if the room gets too hot it doesn't seem to matter. What are safe temps for this processor and mobo? Right now I'm running at about 45degC CPU and 32degC mobo. Doesn't seem too bad but if I start a game I know it will climb again. Do I have a problem besides temperature?

Sorry to be long-winded. Thanks for your help. BTW, this forum helped me build this current rig back in February - thanks .

 

[paperfist]

Welcome to the boards

That temp seems perfectly fine to me for a XP2100, heck my Barton 2500+ will reach that temp while gaming sometimes. I think one of the reasons your temps are rising so much during gaming is that ATi9500 card which tends to run hot is adding a little extra heat to the case. But again I don't think you have anything to worry about, AMDs can take up to about 65C for temps, obviously that isn't the smartest temp to run at but it's within specs. You didn?t list what case you have, that could also play a part for temps and if you haven?t already, cleaning up the case cables inside could also help you drop the heat down a little by allowing better airflow.

As for the sound issue, the onboard SoundStorm has some known issues like the one you are experiencing. Usually exiting the game and starting it back up will clear that problem. You may also want to try out the new nForce2 drivers nVidia just put out as they may take care of the sound issue.

 

[Jray]

Originally posted by: paperfist
Welcome to the boards

That temp seems perfectly fine to me for a XP2100, heck my Barton 2500+ will reach that temp while gaming sometimes. I think one of the reasons your temps are rising so much during gaming is that ATi9500 card which tends to run hot is adding a little extra heat to the case. But again I don't think you have anything to worry about, AMDs can take up to about 65C for temps, obviously that isn't the smartest temp to run at but it's within specs. You didn?t list what case you have, that could also play a part for temps and if you haven?t already, cleaning up the case cables inside could also help you drop the heat down a little by allowing better airflow.

As for the sound issue, the onboard SoundStorm has some known issues like the one you are experiencing. Usually exiting the game and starting it back up will clear that problem. You may also want to try out the new nForce2 drivers nVidia just put out as they may take care of the sound issue.

Thanks for the reply! Wow, what timing, those drivers were JUST released. It has a note right on the nvidia page that they should help sound issues when under load. I hope that's my problem. I had never noticed this problem until recently even though I've been gaming on this PC since I built it. I thought it was because I was running the heater in my house and it was a bit warmer.

Anyway, FYI, since you asked, this is my case except I don't have the side fan - http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage...66-05.JPG/11-125-266-09.JPG/11-125-266-08.JPG

I do have to clean up cables and maybe that will help as well. I have IDE ribbon cables in there right now and I do have the round cables to replace them - I just have to get off my lazy butt and do it.

Thanks again, I'll see what happens with the new drivers.