C2D E4300, non-overclocked reaching 80 degrees Celsius?

[SenseiJinx]

This is my third day using a newly build computer; today, said processor reached over 60 degrees C, setting off the alarm, and got up to 80 degrees. Scared the living daylights out of me.

It's running at stock speeds, no overclocking. Stock fan as well.

I'm guessing I should be concerned. I don't believe it had gotten over 40 degrees Celsius until today...hope my fan isn't dying out on me already.

Any ideas? I'll probably boot the computer back up in a bit (after it cools off), run it for awhile, and see what happens.

[Panama Red]

Remove the mobo from the case and follow the thread below to properly install the heat sink. Yours has come loose by the sound of it. One or more of the retaining pins were not fully inserted thru the mobo.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=176924

[SenseiJinx]

Okay, I'll try that out. So I'll need to buy some thermal paste?

Are there any brick and mortar stores that carry thermal paste, or am I going to have to order it online (probably off of NewEgg)? If I can, I'd rather not wait three or so days before I can safely start using my computer again. =( But I guess that's life -- first problem I've had with this new build, so I've been lucky.

[Cricket]

Any computer shop should carry some kind of basic and premium thermal compound. Call around and ask.

Cricket

[SenseiJinx]

Thanks guys, I just checked and the HSF was VERY loose. I remember thinking "is this right?" during the build. The instructions that came with the processor were extremely vague -- which was pretty much the case for all of the components, heh. But yeah, I'm dang glad that I put that setting in the BIOS (for the alarm to go off) or I probably would have had a fried processor right now.

0.0

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by SenseiJinx Thanks guys, I just checked and the HSF was VERY loose. I remember thinking "is this right?" during the build. The instructions that came with the processor were extremely vague -- which was pretty much the case for all of the components, heh. But yeah, I'm dang glad that I put that setting in the BIOS (for the alarm to go off) or I probably would have had a fried processor right now. 0.0

Intel processors have built in thermal protection so it's almost impossible to fry them.

Cricket

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by SenseiJinx Thanks guys, I just checked and the HSF was VERY loose. I remember thinking "is this right?" during the build. The instructions that came with the processor were extremely vague -- which was pretty much the case for all of the components, heh. But yeah, I'm dang glad that I put that setting in the BIOS (for the alarm to go off) or I probably would have had a fried processor right now. 0.0

Did you get the HSF installed correctly now?

[SenseiJinx]

I was planning on getting some thermal paste...or do you guys think it would be okay just to keep the stuff already on there, since I've only been using it for three days?

[Panama Red]

I'd give it a try with the existing thermal pad. Chances are it will be fine plus you'll maintain the Intel warranty (3 years).

[SenseiJinx]

All right, cool. I tried it out, and everything seems fine! I'm pretty sure I got the HSF in there nice and tight this time (although I think I'll periodically check, just to make sure) and the CPU doesn't seem to be getting over 35-40 degrees C (even when stressed) at the max.

Thanks you guys! You guys are awesome!

[Panama Red]

One of the most common mistakes I'm seeing is a misunderstanding of the arrows on the top of the retention pins. One would think you would turn them in the direction of the arrow to TIGHTEN the installation but that is where the error is made. You turn in the direction of the arrow to RELEASE the pins from the mobo. So, you need to be sure the pins are rotated all the way in the direction OPPOSITE the arrows prior to pushing them thru the mobo.

[XenaWP]

Originally Posted by SenseiJinx I was planning on getting some thermal paste...or do you guys think it would be okay just to keep the stuff already on there, since I've only been using it for three days?

I ordered a couple of tubes of the Intel thermal material "just in case" from the Intel store. A couple of bucks and ships quickly. Never hurts to have some around.