I know there's tons of people out there on places like [H]ardForums and such that seem to think anything over room temp is too hot (and then their computers sound like jet engines)
I've got a new htpc running in the living room. I know it doesn't have much breathing room at the moment (on a shelf in an entertainment rack, but there's a back on the compartment) but the wife won't let me make a hole back there yet...
Anyway, it's running in an Antec Aria small case. Got a dvd burner, 2 hard drives, ATI 9200 passively cooled, PVR150, and currently running an XP2000+ proc IIRC. Something close to that anyway.
Currently MBM is giving readings in the 65-70C range for cpu and case temps. Should I be concerned yet, or is that ok?
Full Version: how hot is too hot in a computer?
The AMD Spec sheets show a maximum die temperature of 90C, but couldn't find anything about normal operating temps.
EDIT:
EDIT:
QUOTE
1.3 What is the maximum operating temperature for my AMD processor?
The maximum operating temperature of an AMD processor is determined by the processor's Ordering Part Number (OPN). The OPN is located on the top of the processor. Example: A X1800 D M S 3 C The temperature is indicated by the third character from the right in the OPN and is denoted by an S, T or V character. Current data for the AMD AthlonTM XP processor identifies the maximum operating temperature as: V=85ºC, T= 90ºC, S = 95ºC.
1.4 What is the normal operating temperature of my AMD processor?
The operating temperature of a system or processor is highly dependent on the characteristics of the system as a whole and the combination of components that make up the system. Consequently, the "normal" operating temperature will vary from system to system, depending on each system's make-up. Some of the variables that affect the operating temperature of a system are: case size, air flow characteristics, installed components, processor speed, processor heatsink/fan solution, thermal interface material, power supply, voltage settings, workload, and ambient air temperature. An approximation to the typical reading from a BIOS or an external software utility is expected to be around 60ºC-65ºC or lower. Although "normal" operating temperatures are not specified for AMD processors, there are maximum operating temperature ratings that must not be exceeded. The maximum operating temperature of a processor may be determined by the processor's Ordering Part Number (OPN), see also: What Is The Maximum Operating Temperature For My AMD Processor?. Note: The maximum operating temperature specification is based on a measurement taken directly from the top center of the processor die. The temperature reported by a system's BIOS might not reflect the true temperature of the processor if the measurement is taken from an alternative location. Additionally, the reported temperature will be affected by the accuracy of the thermal probe, hardware monitor, and analog to digital signal conversion. As a result, some variance should be allowed when comparing the maximum operating temperature to the temperature reported by the system's BIOS.
From: AMD FAQs
The maximum operating temperature of an AMD processor is determined by the processor's Ordering Part Number (OPN). The OPN is located on the top of the processor. Example: A X1800 D M S 3 C The temperature is indicated by the third character from the right in the OPN and is denoted by an S, T or V character. Current data for the AMD AthlonTM XP processor identifies the maximum operating temperature as: V=85ºC, T= 90ºC, S = 95ºC.
1.4 What is the normal operating temperature of my AMD processor?
The operating temperature of a system or processor is highly dependent on the characteristics of the system as a whole and the combination of components that make up the system. Consequently, the "normal" operating temperature will vary from system to system, depending on each system's make-up. Some of the variables that affect the operating temperature of a system are: case size, air flow characteristics, installed components, processor speed, processor heatsink/fan solution, thermal interface material, power supply, voltage settings, workload, and ambient air temperature. An approximation to the typical reading from a BIOS or an external software utility is expected to be around 60ºC-65ºC or lower. Although "normal" operating temperatures are not specified for AMD processors, there are maximum operating temperature ratings that must not be exceeded. The maximum operating temperature of a processor may be determined by the processor's Ordering Part Number (OPN), see also: What Is The Maximum Operating Temperature For My AMD Processor?. Note: The maximum operating temperature specification is based on a measurement taken directly from the top center of the processor die. The temperature reported by a system's BIOS might not reflect the true temperature of the processor if the measurement is taken from an alternative location. Additionally, the reported temperature will be affected by the accuracy of the thermal probe, hardware monitor, and analog to digital signal conversion. As a result, some variance should be allowed when comparing the maximum operating temperature to the temperature reported by the system's BIOS.
From: AMD FAQs
IIRC I had a 2200+ a while ago in a standard midtower case. It had 1 hd, cdrw, dvdrom and the cpu was always around the high 50's C and that was in a very roomy case. I think your temp range is just fine
Honestly I wouldn't worry to much about it. But if you are maybe drilling a few vent holes on the top of the case will help with cooling.
Honestly I wouldn't worry to much about it. But if you are maybe drilling a few vent holes on the top of the case will help with cooling.
Is the 65-70C idle or full load? If at full load, although a little toasty IMO, it's within specs. If temps jump 10C under full load then I'd be a little concerned. If there's room in the case you may want to install another fan. But, if it's in an enclosed space there's not much you can do other than keeping the door open.
The heat needs a way to escape. If it can't escape then the hot air gets sucked back into the case. The CPU & case temps get very close to one another and start to climb. If it gets too hot the components start to cook themselves (in a sense).
I always tell people who have their PC in a computer desk to keep the door open when the unit is on. Some listen, some don't. I keep some PSU's around for those that don't
The heat needs a way to escape. If it can't escape then the hot air gets sucked back into the case. The CPU & case temps get very close to one another and start to climb. If it gets too hot the components start to cook themselves (in a sense).
I always tell people who have their PC in a computer desk to keep the door open when the unit is on. Some listen, some don't. I keep some PSU's around for those that don't
I agree with Alan. For an AMD at full load that's not too bad. I'd rather have it at 60 for full load, but you have a small enclosed space so ti's tolerable. However if that's your idle temp, you may want to look into a better heatsink and possibly change your airflow around somehow.
The entertainment center doesn't have a door - it's open front, but one of those cardboard printed with wood grain backs. The shelf where the computer sits leaves about 2" of space on each side and top, and about 2" behind it. There is a 3" hole directly behind the computer, but that does have all the cables running through it.
The Aria itself uses a single 120mm rear fan, temp controlled. It's on pretty much all the time. I haven't seen any temp changes more than 5deg or so ever.
I also can't really change the HSF w/o changing cases. The Aria has a dumb design that has the PSU right over part of the CPU socket on most boards, so a 1U HSF is about the only thing that fits. That's what I've got on there now - the other option is to put a larger HS (no fan) on the CPU and then mount a fan from the PSU itself to blow off-centered on the HS.
For now, I'll leave it as is. My main concern is the fan noise, but it's not noticible most of the time.
The Aria itself uses a single 120mm rear fan, temp controlled. It's on pretty much all the time. I haven't seen any temp changes more than 5deg or so ever.
I also can't really change the HSF w/o changing cases. The Aria has a dumb design that has the PSU right over part of the CPU socket on most boards, so a 1U HSF is about the only thing that fits. That's what I've got on there now - the other option is to put a larger HS (no fan) on the CPU and then mount a fan from the PSU itself to blow off-centered on the HS.
For now, I'll leave it as is. My main concern is the fan noise, but it's not noticible most of the time.
Not sure if I should bump an old thread or make a new one, so I bumped this one since it's similar in nature.
My friend has an Alienware laptop that he likes to game on. He likes to play Company of Heroes with all graphics maxed out to the "High" setting. The problem he currently has is the GPU temperature gets too warm and causes the game to lag to about 2 fps. However, when he brings the laptop to an AC unit and sets it on the cold air, the game returns to smooth playing.
He currently has one of these that does not keep up with cooling the GPU during game play:
My friend has an Alienware laptop that he likes to game on. He likes to play Company of Heroes with all graphics maxed out to the "High" setting. The problem he currently has is the GPU temperature gets too warm and causes the game to lag to about 2 fps. However, when he brings the laptop to an AC unit and sets it on the cold air, the game returns to smooth playing.
He currently has one of these that does not keep up with cooling the GPU during game play:
If you're determined to keep the PC inside the entertainment rack (my c2d got upto 50C+ in mine), I'd recommend adding some large slow fans in that compartment to move the air. i recently got a new tv stand which is completely open and my cpu temp hovers around 35C.
typically, below 60 is what i recommend to ppl with AMDs.
typically, below 60 is what i recommend to ppl with AMDs.
I'm running a Athlon 64 X-2 4000 - Under Load I'm getting CPU temps of 45-49C (AVG 93% Proc Load on each proc). I've only been running a dual core for about a week, but it does look like it's running a little hotter than my old Athlon 64 3000+.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
People, people, people. You shouldn't give advice if you have no idea.
Every processor manufacturer publishes the safe operating range of their chip online.
Determine what procesor you have, visit the manufacturer's website, find the datasheet that contains that chip. It will tell you the operating range that is acceptable. When they make those charts, they leave a margin for error - IE - what they say, you can go by as a perfectly acceptable temperature range.
Every processor manufacturer publishes the safe operating range of their chip online.
Determine what procesor you have, visit the manufacturer's website, find the datasheet that contains that chip. It will tell you the operating range that is acceptable. When they make those charts, they leave a margin for error - IE - what they say, you can go by as a perfectly acceptable temperature range.
QUOTE (methusela @ 8-23-07, 6:38am) 
People, people, people. You shouldn't give advice if you have no idea.
Every processor manufacturer publishes the safe operating range of their chip online.
Determine what procesor you have, visit the manufacturer's website, find the datasheet that contains that chip. It will tell you the operating range that is acceptable. When they make those charts, they leave a margin for error - IE - what they say, you can go by as a perfectly acceptable temperature range.
Every processor manufacturer publishes the safe operating range of their chip online.
Determine what procesor you have, visit the manufacturer's website, find the datasheet that contains that chip. It will tell you the operating range that is acceptable. When they make those charts, they leave a margin for error - IE - what they say, you can go by as a perfectly acceptable temperature range.
do note, most CPUs fall around the same range of safe operating temperatures. i personally don't see that big of a deal generalizing a good safe temperature range for all CPUs.
QUOTE (methusela @ 8-23-07, 9:38am)
People, people, people. You shouldn't give advice if you have no idea.
Every processor manufacturer publishes the safe operating range of their chip online.
Determine what procesor you have, visit the manufacturer's website, find the datasheet that contains that chip. It will tell you the operating range that is acceptable. When they make those charts, they leave a margin for error - IE - what they say, you can go by as a perfectly acceptable temperature range.
Every processor manufacturer publishes the safe operating range of their chip online.
Determine what procesor you have, visit the manufacturer's website, find the datasheet that contains that chip. It will tell you the operating range that is acceptable. When they make those charts, they leave a margin for error - IE - what they say, you can go by as a perfectly acceptable temperature range.
Those numbers are usually what they will guarantee for the duration of warranty.
For example, if a CPU has 3 years warranty and AMD says ip to 90C is safe temp, they are only looking at how long the CPU will survive under warranty,
so if you want your CPU to last longer than the warranty then there is no reason to keep it running at hot temp if it can be reduced easily.
You don't drive your car at 6000 rpm just beacuse your car's Tacho meter is white in 6000 rpm range, do you? Same thing.
geez~ my PC didn't come with a thermometer! I got ripped! 
j/k
j/k
QUOTE (georgi55 @ 8-23-07, 10:02pm)
Those numbers are usually what they will guarantee for the duration of warranty.
For example, if a CPU has 3 years warranty and AMD says ip to 90C is safe temp, they are only looking at how long the CPU will survive under warranty,
so if you want your CPU to last longer than the warranty then there is no reason to keep it running at hot temp if it can be reduced easily.
You don't drive your car at 6000 rpm just beacuse your car's Tacho meter is white in 6000 rpm range, do you? Same thing.
For example, if a CPU has 3 years warranty and AMD says ip to 90C is safe temp, they are only looking at how long the CPU will survive under warranty,
so if you want your CPU to last longer than the warranty then there is no reason to keep it running at hot temp if it can be reduced easily.
You don't drive your car at 6000 rpm just beacuse your car's Tacho meter is white in 6000 rpm range, do you? Same thing.
I agree, the lower you can get it to run the better.
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