Bouncing CPU Temp / Shutdown Problem

[QuickDraw]

My son is building a computer and we have ran into an a problem with the CPU temp and then auto shutdown after about 5 minutes.

It boots fine, but the CPU temp bounces between 89F and 210F or so. It alternates between the 2 temps about once every 2 seconds or so. After about 5 minutes it shuts down automatically. The mobo temp runs at about 84F. This makes me think that the CPU temp is really running at 89 and the higher temp is incorrect.

Anyone ran into this problem before? Could it be a bad mobo or cpu? Or something we are doing wrong in setup?

System info:
mobo: A7N8X MB NFORCE2
cpu: AMD|2400 /266 ATHLON XP
power supply: ANTEC TRUE480 ATX
cpu fan: AMD/INT|VOLCANO 9CM 1455 RT

If you need additional info to assess the problem just let me know. Thanks!

[newme]

did you use a thermal pad or thermal grease ,are you sure the heatsink was installed correctly(sitting sqaurely on top),that is the first thing i would check.how many fans are you using where are they positioned.what is the threshhold that your auto shutdown is set at.sorry tryingto convert your temps to celsius that would be 25 c to 90 c, i think?

[TwoRails]

Hi QuickDraw,

Welcome to PC Mechanic !!

It does sould like a thermal goop or HS fan / installation problem as newme mentions.

What steps did you use to install the HS/fan combo? Is it seated fully? Did you use something like Artic Silver?

Is the side panel off so you can see the HS fan? Is it turning? Where is it connected to? Is it making noises.

It sounds like the COP feature of that mobo is working correctly, which should save the CPU from frying...

TwoRails

[QuickDraw]

Thanks for the input and welcome.

Apparently my sons did not use the thermal grease when installing the cpu... so that is the first thing to go back and check. all the fans were running and sounded fine. There are 2 case fans and the HS fan and all seem to be running just fine. I don't know what the auto threshold is set at but will check.

I will follow up and let you know what happens. Thanks again!!

[TwoRails]

Hi QuickDraw,

That is plenty for the case fans. Thermal goop sounds like it will fix the problem. Artic Silver is considered the "best" for goop, but other brands, like Antec make very good products, too. It kinda depends on what's availible in your local area.

HTH

TwoRails

[QuickDraw]

Hi TwoRails:
I hope that fixes the problem. I am a little skeptical due to the fact that the temp was bouncing from a normal temp to a very high temp and not holding a steady reading. We will see.

Apperciate the help!
QuickDraw

[newme]

make sure if your taking off the pad on the heatsink/cpu,you clean it really well ,you can use 90% isopropyl alcohol .here is a link using articsilverhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_s...structions.htm

[Alienware_Dude]

If you do end up using a thermal paste, be sure to follow the directions at the Arctic Silver site http://www.arcticsilver.com They are very helpful, and show you exactly what you need to do.

[Alienware_Dude]

Ahhh, you beat me!

[Alfie]

It sounds like the heatsink isn't seated properly(high point- low point) if the heatsink is only making contact with part of the cpu,this may cause these kind of readings.
If the tape isn't removed from the thermal pad on the heatsink,this usually will cause the cpu to run hot,but at a steady temp,another thing that can cause such readings is the fan shutting off and on,check that.
Make sure the fan is plugged into the cpu header on the motherboard,unless it's a Delta 38,if that's the case you want it to be connected to the power supply.
Make sure the heatsink isn't on backwards.

[QuickDraw]

The problem is fixed!!! You were correct, the lack of thermal paste was the problem. I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions from everyone.
QuickDraw

[newme]

well done