System Overheating?

[Lehm]

I recently put together an Athlon XP 2500+ system with an a7n8x. I applied a proper amount of thermal compound and used a decent heatsink. Problem is that as soon as I turn it on the CPU temp reads 60c and over about a minute goes to 80c and then shuts itself off. I already tried reseating it a few times. I've even underclocked it to 1.0Ghz. Same thing, I have no idea what is wrong. One theory that I have is that the sensor is reporting the wrong temp, I don't really have a way to test that. I'm kind of stuck here, any thoughts?

 

[acole1]

may sound like a dumb question, but are you sure the fan is running on the cooler?

 

[Lehm]

Yep.

 

[bendixG15]

Remove the heatsink and reapply.
A common mistake is to use too much compound.
You should be able to see that when you remove the HS
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Other thing is to touch the "hot" heatsink.
Other thing is to watch the CPU fan and make sure it keeps spinning.
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Other thing is..it could be what you say..faulty sensor.

 

[dunkster]

Your description sounds like the behavior of a CPU without a heatsink, or possibly a partial or edge-contact between CPU and heatsink.

Check the physical mounting of the heatsink for flat full-surface contact. If your heatsink has an edge-relief, it's there to clear the hinged region of the CPU socket. Any other orientation will make it impossible for full-surface contact.

Mount the CPU and heatsink before installing the motherboard, so you can be certain that the heatsink is mounted flush with the CPU.

Hope this helps!

 

[wpshooter]

What thermal compound/material are you using and please describe how you are applying it ?

Thanks.

P. S. - Where did you get this CPU and motherboard ? Are they new (probably not) or are they used !!!

 

[Steaksauce]

You sure you have the right heatsink? What model are you using?

Some HS designed for Intel socket 423 or 370 will fit on a socket A, but they have a little notch running across one side of the bottom of the heatsink. socket A should have a flat bottom.