Not happy with CPU temps...please advise

[imported_TXAggie]

Hi all!

My system setup consist of an A8N SLI-Deluxe, FX-55 , and two 6800gt's in a Thermaltake Tsunami tower.

My heatsink is running at full speed, but my idle temperature from asus probe is still 47 degrees. My load temperature gets to ~62.

I have already removed the heatsink, cleaned it, added AS5 and replaced it. It is definitely fully seated.

I think the problem comes from the fact that the Zalman heatsink sucks heat from the heatsink and blows it directly into the airflow from the side fan of case that blows cool air into the case. I can't imagine this conflicting and turbulent airflow is good for cooling. I reversed the fan on the case to blow outwards and it actually made the temperatures worse.

What do you recommend?

1. Should I try to modify the zalman fan to blow downwards into the heatsink? The side fan blows directly over the heatsink, so it will definitely get enough cool air. If so, how would I go about doing this?

2. Should I purchase a new heatsink?

3. Should I leave the system alone and just moniter the temperatures?

4. Anything else?

Thanks for your help everyone. I really appreciate it!

 

[Dman877]

Lol, naming a case Tsunami is like taco bell naming a taco gordita (fat chick) .

Do you have any other way of measuring the temp? asus boards are infamous for mis-reading temps... I'd try measuring core temp with one of those flat diodes that come with 5.25 bay sensor docks. I forgot, does the A64 have a diode built into it or is still read by a socket diode?

 

[Dough1397]

lol the zalman should be blowing air onto the heat sink....

 

[FriedPixel]

I say use the stock HSF...I've heard that the 7000 is insufficient for the 55

 

[Minotar]

Do you have rear fans? If so, what direction are they pointing? If they ar enear the CPU, make sure they suck air out of the system. Also, do you have a bottom front fan? If so, make sure it it pulling air into the system. One more thing... What direction is your internal power supply fan blowing? The ones that pull air from the bottom (above your CPU) are best. I have a lot of hot components, but system system remains cool. (42 idle/54 full load max). It is all about directional air flow. Make sure cool air is blowing across your CPU and hot air is being sucked out.

 

[imported_TXAggie]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Dman, unfortunately I don't have another way to check the temperature. I was unaware of of the problems with the Asus boards. I will look into your recommendation.

Dough, either I am an idiot or I got sent a faulty Heatsink, because it is definitely not blowing down on the heatsink. After searching around, I have found at least a few other people that have Zalman that blow away from the heatsink.

Friedpixel, I was thinking the same thing. I am leaning toward the thermalright xp-120.

Minotar, I have a 120mm rear exhaust fan, and a bottom front 120mm intake fan as well as the side 92mm intake fan. It doesn't seem like they are moving much air, (only 1400 RPM) so I may look into some better fans. Unfortunately, my powersupply doesn't not pull air from the bottem, but I have the PC Power and Cooling Turbo-Cool 510 SLI Power Supply, and I am not getting another power supply as much as this thing cost.

Thanks again for all the feedback.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: TXAggie
Thanks for the responses everyone.

Dman, unfortunately I don't have another way to check the temperature. I was unaware of of the problems with the Asus boards. I will look into your recommendation.

Dough, either I am an idiot or I got sent a faulty Heatsink, because it is definitely not blowing down on the heatsink. After searching around, I have found at least a few other people that have Zalman that blow away from the heatsink.

Friedpixel, I was thinking the same thing. I am leaning toward the thermalright xp-120.

Minotar, I have a 120mm rear exhaust fan, and a bottom front 120mm intake fan as well as the side 92mm intake fan. It doesn't seem like they are moving much air, (only 1400 RPM) so I may look into some better fans. Unfortunately, my powersupply doesn't not pull air from the bottem, but I have the PC Power and Cooling Turbo-Cool 510 SLI Power Supply, and I am not getting another power supply as much as this thing cost.

Thanks again for all the feedback.

All the Zalman heat sinks blow air towards the MB. You can easily confirm this if there is a Zalman sticker on the fan hub that spins it's moving air towards the board (all fans are built the same).

 

[Minotar]

Hmmm...Well, my Zalman CPU cooler is both quiet and keeps things cool, so I don't think it is your CPU cooler. I have the Zalman CNPS7000B-AlCu HSF and it reads 2600rpms right now. It definately sounds like the rpms of your other fans need bumped up a knotch. The 7000's DO blow air away from the CPU; mine does this also. But, my two rear LED fans are right next to my CPU fan, so as soon as the hot air is blown out, my rear fans suck it away. Try having your side case fan blowing out, and your rear fans blowing out too, which should pull air from the CPU at two different angles. But, if they are not pushing many rpms, then it will not help your CPU cooler. I almost got the case you have too Fans can be funny if not positioned right. They can create hot spots and vortexes. Some poeple have tons of fans and still run hot as a result of this. To be honest, you are not running too hot for your system to be unstable. 62C is hot, but you should be ok. Just don't let it go much higher than that. Also, make sure you don't overclock much, LOL.