Temp problems on amd stock hsf?

[salvorhardin]

I recently re-built my first system after having to rma the motherboard and i've noticed that in the BIOS my idle temperature is 50C and was wondering if this is too high. The processor is an athlon 2500+ with stock hsf and ceramique, used ceramique since had to remove old thermal pad. The rest of the system is as follows: 8RDA+ v2.1, Crucial PC2700 512MB, ATI Radeon 9100, WD 80GB SE and everything is in a Antec LanBoy. Also when it shows temp at 50C the removable panel is removed and usually shows a system temp of 33C. Was wondering if I would need to reapply the ceramique. Thank You.

 

[pspada]

Did you put the heatsink on backwards? Probably the most overlooked problem causing issue there is.

 

[salvorhardin]

Followed the directions i'm sure that it is not backwards only thing is that I did not apply any ceramique to the heatsink I just applied it to the processor.

 

[MDE]

Bingo, you NEED thermal compound on there.

 

[salvorhardin]

how do you spread it around the heatsink I tried it but seemed it wasn't working so took it off, what kind of plastic bag should I use to spread it around. I'm thinking that I should now instead use the stock thermal pad since from what I've heard it won't void the warranty, I have three amd thermal pads. Would using the ceramique compound over the stock thermal pad provide any significant benefits? Thank You.

 

[Jeff7]

I always just put a little bit on the processor and let the heatsink's pressure squish the compound to where it's needed.
How well did you clean the thermal stuff off of the heatsink? Use some acetone or isopropyl rubbing alcohol to scrub it off.
How well is the system cooled? How many exhaust/intake fans are there?

Would using the ceramique compound over the stock thermal pad provide any significant benefits? Thank You.

Too much thermal interface material will turn into an insulator - thermal grease/pads aren't as effective as metal at conducting heat if applied to the same volume or weight of either. With a thermal pad (already not too great) and thermal grease (like Ceramique), then the heat has to work its way through both layers before it makes it to the heatsink. Having just a layer of Ceramique means that the heat passes through a very thin layer of a decent thermal conductor (decent as far as greases go), and then it's taken away by the air currents via the heatsink.

 

[salvorhardin]

I used isopropyl alcohol to clean the processor and heatsink, currently the side panel is off and only has psu fan. What I meant was when I remove the ceramique that is currently on the processor should I reapply the ceramique or use an amd thermal pad.

 

[beatle]

Definitely use the Ceramique. Not only is it superior to thermal pads, but it's easier to remove and reapply for when you want to swap out the heatsink and overclock that 2500+ :evil: Take a look at these pictures I took of the application of Ceramique on my 8045:

Glob
Spread
Wipe

I used a thin sandwich bag (not ziploc) to spread it around. I found I had to use a lot more pressure with Ceramique than Arctic Silver. I then used a dry coffee filter to wipe off excess.

 

[ForsakenMaster]

here is the instructions for thermal compund application
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

 

[salvorhardin]

thanks for the replies. I will be using the thermal pad since this is not going to be my computer and don't want to void the warranty. Now my only question is which side of the thermal pad do I attach to the heatsink? there's a pink side and a grey side.

 

[DivideBYZero]

If it's a small case then I expect it needs to be closed to get proper air flow and evacuation of the hot air pockets.

 

[cholley]

i put on one of those nifty 80mm fan adapters on my heatsink, it runs @ about 2000rpm but also about 3 degrees cooler and stays cooler under heavy gaming

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: salvorhardin
I recently re-built my first system after having to rma the motherboard and i've noticed that in the BIOS my idle temperature is 50C and was wondering if this is too high. The processor is an athlon 2500+ with stock hsf and ceramique, used ceramique since had to remove old thermal pad. The rest of the system is as follows: 8RDA+ v2.1, Crucial PC2700 512MB, ATI Radeon 9100, WD 80GB SE and everything is in a Antec LanBoy. Also when it shows temp at 50C the removable panel is removed and usually shows a system temp of 33C. Was wondering if I would need to reapply the ceramique. Thank You.

50c is not too high! You don't need to be doing all that has been suggested here, it's fine.

 

[salvorhardin]

I'm going to use the thermal pad since it's not my computer and don't want to void the 3 year warranty. I've been checking the temperature while using the computer and have noticed that the temperature range is usually from 53c to 56c. The case it's in is an Antec LanBoy.