Q9550 Running Hot?

[steeldestroyer]

Not sure if this belongs here or in the processor forum, but here goes...

In summary, I just recently purchased an Intel Q9550 to replace an E6750 on my aging LGA775 system (see specs below in this message). In 75F room temperatures, it runs idle about 45C (BIOS) and 79C peak (during an informal gaming test--Battlefield Bad Company 2). In 68F room temperatures it runs idle at 35C (BIOS) and 69C peak (same test).

These temps are using Arctic Silver 5 as the thermal compound on an Intel stock cooler/heatsink. I originally had the stock thermal compound, but replaced it with the AS5 (as per AS directions...but no tinting). System is a few degrees cooler (maybe 5), but it didn't make a huge difference.

I know quad cores tend to run a bit hotter than dual core, but this seems a bit high... Is this normal for a non-oced Q9550 with stock cooler? If not, any advice on how to reduce temperature?

System:

Top (case design separates hard drive cage and PSU from other components):
Intel Q9550
Asus P5E
2x2GB G.SKILL PI Black DDR2 800
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 460 1GB
Antec P182 ATX Case - both 120mm fans (back/top) were running at full speed in the above situation. No front fan.

Bottom:
3x500GB WD Caviar 7200RPM SATA
1x250GB Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM SATA
Antec NeoPower 650W

 

[zagood]

A little high, but not unexpected for that cpu with that case and stock cooler. I'd add an intake fan for sure, and an aftermarket heatsink when you get the chance.

 

[SmCaudata]

While mild, fans can decrease case pressure below atmosphere. Less density to the air means less cooling capability. All of the top performing cases use positive air pressure. Also without an intake fan you don't know where you cool air is coming from. Your cpu fresh air is likely"used" air from the gpu cooler. I went from 9800gx2 to a 6950. my cpu temps dropped about 8c.

 

[steeldestroyer]

Thanks for the responses.

I've added two 120mm Antec TriCool BB fans to the front and middle positions, made sure they are blowing air into the case. Front is set to Medium, Middle set to High. Both rear and top exhaust set to Low.

I'm getting the same temperatures at idle and peak (in same ambient) as I did before. Are these fan settings right for maximum cooling? Anything else I should do?

 

[BoomerD]

Yes. Upgrade your CPU cooler.

 

[steeldestroyer]

Yes. Upgrade your CPU cooler.

Any recommendations? If possible, I'd like to avoid pulling out the motherboard to put a back plate in there.

 

[BoomerD]

Any recommendations? If possible, I'd like to avoid pulling out the motherboard to put a back plate in there.

That makes it a bit more difficult to get a GREAT cooler, but there are still many available that are far more efficient than the stock coolers.
I skipped the socket 775 stuff, so I'm gonna let others make a recommendation for your situation.