Northwood CPU Heat Concerns - How Hot Is Too Hot?

[scottie]

OK, just to let you know I've searched AnandTech and didn't find the answer I needed, so here's this post. I also started a similar thread in the CPU section, but didn't get an answer to this question. I also checked Intel's web site, but didn't understand their darn chart, which talks about Case Temps - I need
CPU temps!

My CPU temp is 50 C and my mobo temp is 35 C. That's on an Abit TH7-II with a 2.0 Northwood with Arctic Silver II and P4 Volcano heat sink.

It's an OEM CPU and what's worrying me is that some dope put a warranty sticker on the CPU's heat spreader. I'm sure that's hurting my heat dissipation, but I can't take the sticker off because it leaves a "warranty voided" mark. I have a one-year warranty with this CPU.

I may just take it off anyway and risk it (ouch), but not if 50 C is OK. Is that too hot?

 

[dew042]

<<

It's an OEM CPU and what's worrying me is that some dope put a warranty sticker on the CPU's heat spreader.
>>



that's stooopid.

dew.

 

[RalfHutter]

Take the damn sticker off. You need good contact between the heat spreader and the HSF.

I just built my dad a 1.8 P4 with the stock Intel cooler on it. It runs hi 30's at idle, mid 40's at load in a little Antech 635 case with one cooling fan behind the CPU. AND it's dead quiet.

 

[PUNKtotalled]

Idem. Take the damn sticker off.

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

definetly remove the sticker from the heat spreader and clean properly. Call them and give them sh*t before doing it. Keep yelling until you get them to agree that putting the sticker there was a bad idea and that they will offer you the warranty even if you remove it.

-Ice

 

[scottie]

Held my breath, took the sticker off, put 'er back together and lowered my CPU temp to 48 C. Mobo temp is actually 41 C, so that's not as huge a difference. All is running well.

Thanks to all of you for your advice. My gut feeling about this was the same as yours.

 

[gdawson6]

thats some high mobo temps...is that common of p4's?

 

[tornadobox]

nope, my ASUS P4B266-C runs at 32-33c and i don't have any case fans at all (only fans are CPU and VID)