Why does my CPU get hotter over time?

[Zero In]

I have an AMD Athlon 1600+ (1.4GHz) CPU on a Abit KR7A-RAID motherboard. I use a Thermalright SK-6 with Arctic Alumina compound. My CPU is not-overclocked in any way.

Problem is, my system temperature is 34C yet my CPU temperature can go as high as 47C. Isn't this a little too high?

It used to be lower, like around 41C. Isn't the CPU supposed to get cooler over time (especially since using the Arctic Alumina)?

Anyway, what is the maximum temperature my CPU is supposed to run at? At one point, with a system temperature of 38C, my CPU went as high as 54C. Is this dangerous?

Please tell me what is the cause of the problem and what I should do. Thanks guys.

 

[SuperPickle]

well, your temps aren't out of this world but they are a bit high. Abit traditionally reads a bit high but you sys temp is up there.
Either:
A). It's summer and things get hotter...or...
B). You need to get more airflow through your case. 34º as a case temp is large unless you live in Equador. Get another case fan or two.

The sk-6 is a good HS (I use one myself) but it can only cool down to the sys temp. As for CPU temps, keep it under 60º and if it's stable, no need to worry.

 

[Zero In]

The thing is........ a few months ago, with the same system temperature of 34C, I had the most a 41-43C CPU temperature. Why did the CPU temp rise?

Thanks for your advice. But I already have 7 case fans and is already too noisy for me to bear. 🙂

 

[Anubis]

I also use a SK-6 CHECK IT FOR DUST!!! there was so mucg dust on mine it was restricting airflow. i cleaned it off and temp went down 8 C. also 34 C is higf for case mines never above 28 C get an exaust fan and a intake fan should drop teh temp signifagently.

My CPU temp is never above 38C under load even in teh summer
check my sig for my set up. you dont have to go all ot but a comple fans will go a long way

EDIT. 7 case fans holy crap thate even more then me. id def check for dust that could be the problim. also make sure with thoes 7 fans that you have good airflow in there no positive pressure and whatever sometimes even with all thioes fans it can sometimes just sit there and not move well.

 

[Shaorinor]

If you don't clean out your system of dust every now and then, the dust will restrict air flow.

 

[Zero In]

How do you clean it of dust? Can I like use the stuff that is used to blow off dust from a camera lense? It's like a rubbery squeezey thingy.

 

[Alphazero]

Dust is one potential likely cause. Now is the beginning of summer, your ambient temps are rising. For my system, summer temps are usually around 10°C higher than in the winter.

54°C is quite warm, but little cause for concern.

 

[Anubis]

to get rid of dust in teh case. turnyour compoff and hae a look inside. if you see dust buildup on you Heat sink wip the dustoff with you finger. this will get mostof the big clumps. then get some compressed air comp spray stuff. from staples or wherever and use that to blow any more dust out.

 

[Zero In]

Yup, just cleaned the dust with a cloth. At a system temp of 33C, CPU temp is now 42C, down 5-6C!

Thanks guys. Now, I wonder how I can prevent the buildup of dust in the first place? Hmm...

 

[Ruffian]

Originally posted by: Zero In
Yup, just cleaned the dust with a cloth. At a system temp of 33C, CPU temp is now 42C, down 5-6C!

Thanks guys. Now, I wonder how I can prevent the buildup of dust in the first place? Hmm...

Put filters in front of all intake fans.....

 

[Howard]

Better - have more air coming in than going out, and THEN put the filters in FRONT of the intake fans.