Zalman CNPS9500 LED running a bit hot

[yanquii]

I JUST got done putting my new rig together. I have a 4200+x2 with the Zalman CNPS9500 LED on an Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe. My temps in the bios are hitting 46c. Is this normal?

i did notice that I can actually move my heatsink just a bit on top of the processor. The thing is tightned down as much as it will go. Maybe I am using too much thermal paste?

What are normal temps for these processors?

 

[soydios]

You should be able to twist the heatsink a bit on the processor. But resist the temptation, and don't, you're just disturbing the thermal grease. If it's tightened down as much as it will reasonably go, then you're fine. Try reapplying the thermal paste. Use Arctic Silver 5 (find it on Newegg) for best results (damn sight better than the included thermal paste).

Clean off the old thermal paste from the CPU heatspreader and the heatsink with 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol (you can buy it at the supermarket if you don't have any lying around for general cleaning duties) and a paper towel. Make sure not to leave anything behind on the heatsink.
Apply a small amount of thermal grease to the CPU heatspreader. Use an old credit card to spread it around on the heatsink. You should almost but not quite be able to see the writing on the heatspreader through the thermal grease. We're talking about a very thin layer. Too thick, and the thermal grease starts insulating your heat source.
Apply a tiny amount of thermal grease to the base of the heatsink. Take the credit card and spread it around until the heatsink base looks discolored; you should not put so much on that a perceivable layer forms. The objective is to fill in the microscopic valleys on the heatsink.
Remount the heatsink. Twist it a little bit once in each direction. Then don't touch it again.

If the problem persists, check to make sure that your case has adequate airflow. Trying turning the fan up to full instead of low. Make sure your CPU isn't drawing something absurd like 1.5V (set it at 1.35V).

 

[AzNPinkTuv]

also.. it should be pointed out that those temp censors can be remarkably off..

 

[yanquii]

Ok, so my Vcore is running anywhere from 1.36 to 1.39. I reapplied the thermal paste, and that dropped the temps by about 2-3 degrees c.

My friend is running a 4200+x2, and his is idling at 29 or 30. His heatsink is some Thermaltake 120mm deal, but judging by the reviews I have read of my Zalman, these temps I am getting arent right.

My case is a Lian-Li pc-1200. This is annoying me.

Thanks for all your help, soydios!

 

[yanquii]

Originally posted by: AzNPinkTuv
also.. it should be pointed out that those temp censors can be remarkably off..

Is there something I can get to get more accurate temps?

 

[corsa]

originally posted by: yanquii


i did notice that I can actually move my heatsink just a bit on top of the processor. The thing is tightned down as much as it will go. Maybe I am using too much thermal paste?

I think u have answered it on your own there, if u can move the cooler, then it isnt tight enough, and ur not getting the heat to transfer. I know from posts i have read about the Big Typhoon where temps have decreased significantly when it has been tightened properly. I dont know why the Zalman cant just screw on without the plastic bracket, (it seems to limit the amount of tension u can get) then u can tighten until it cant move around at all.....thats when ur cooler will b most efficient.

 

[Operandi]

Idle BIOS temps don't mean anything.

Download SpeedFan, load your CPU (at least 15mins), and then see what temps your hitting and if you have anything to worry about.

 

[EffeX]

Does that Lian-Li invert the motherboard mounting??? That could negatively impact the heatpipe performance.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: EffeX
Does that Lian-Li invert the motherboard mounting??? That could negatively impact the heatpipe performance.

No it couldn't, the CPU is still orientated the same regardless of weather or not the motherboard is inverted.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: EffeX
Does that Lian-Li invert the motherboard mounting??? That could negatively impact the heatpipe performance.

No it couldn't, the CPU is still orientated the same regardless of weather or not the motherboard is inverted.

Plus, heatpipes were invented for the space program. They are designed to work regardless of gravity or orientation.