CPU running at about 50 degrees C, need a new heatsink (I assume)...

[CaZeek]

Hello,

My Intel Prescott 540j has the factory heatsink on right now. Whenever I check the BIOS, it is running at about 50 degrees Celsius. This is not at full load or anything, just standard. I assume this means I need a new Heatsink?

I e-mailed Thermaltake, and they told me the Blue Orb would not fit with my motherboard (Intel D955XBK), but the Big Typhoon would. I've read great things about it, but I had two questions.

1) Will I need to remove my motherboard from the case to install it (kind of annoying, but not a deal breaker).

2) Even though they say it will fit with the motherboard, will I need a new air duct thing from my case to the CPU fan? I am using an Aspire X-Cruiser series case, and have the standard air duct on it. It looks like I have an extra 2 inches or so of clearance from the stock heatsink.

If anyone has any better suggestions for a heatsink, I'm completely open to anything.

Thanks!

[ror_b211]

50 degrees isn't that hot for a prescott, although it is a little hotter than it should be. Check the stock heatsink has good contact with the CPU, and that your case is well ventilated. You should be fine with the stock heatsink if you're not overclocking or anything.

[CaZeek]

Thanks ror,

I was just reading all these threads/articles about 30-40 normal temps for CPUs. I guess it's just different depending on the processor. The case is very well ventilated- I used a bunch of cable ties to keep everything tidy, so if 50 isn't that hot, I should be fine

[ror_b211]

Prescotts do run very hot- 65 or even 70 degrees under load isn't unusual.

[blue60007]

Make sure you've got those pins (on the heatsink) in all the way. They can be tricky to get in.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Originally Posted by blue60007 Make sure you've got those pins (on the heatsink) in all the way. They can be tricky to get in.

VERY good advice. I personally had a few problems with those pins and i had to uninstall it 2 times to get it in properly. And if you do wanna get a aftermarket cooler then i suggest one of the zalmans. Very cool very efficient very quiet. I have a 3ghz prescott and it runs 54 load with my aftermarket cooling. 28 idle. Overclocked to 3.45 or 3.6ghz with extra voltage about 60 load. Your fine just dont go over 70c on load is what i would say.

[not important]

The Thermaltake HSF (as do most others) DOES require removal of the MOBO to install. I personally prefer Zalman's setup myself. Easier to install and they have a much better fastening system than the Thermaltake.

[Cricket]

You really don't have to do anything about heat until you start to experience heat related problems like freezing, random reboots or random shutdowns. If your computer is running stable don't worry about it.

Cricket

[jayb1234]

Also. if your processor is still under warranty, changing to another heatsink/fan combination will void the warranty, will not nescessarilly be any better and often will actually be worse than the stock unit.

[CaZeek]

Just checked this thread again. Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm going to stick with the stock heatsink unless I notice anything extreme.

As far as the making sure the heatsink is on properly, I actually did have to install and re-install it for about 30 minutes before it was fully secure when I first attached it (a few weeks ago), so that shouldn't be a problem

If I do have to upgrade, I will go with a Zalman- thanks again!

[Mr.Ferrari]

Good choice. I love zalman's.