quote:
Originally posted by NiteMare
alright, well then my CPU is idling at 53-56°C so obviously i need to do something, i do have a heatsink and a CPU fan, whats the next more cost efficent and effective way to get it to that 25-35°C idle range?
Do you have a second temperature reading available, usually called "ambient" or "motherboard" temperature? If so, what is it?
Most boards have a sensor somewhere on the board, which reports (roughly) the air temperature inside the case. Since air cooling can't make anything colder than the surrounding air temperature, it says a lot about where your cooling weak point is.
If both CPU and ambient temperatures are high, then the problem is weak airflow in the case and you should consider adding case fans where possible, or getting a better case.
If the ambient temperature is reasonable (less than 10C above what you'd guess your room temperature to be), but there is a large differential between it and the CPU temperature at idle, then your CPU heatsink/fan isn't doing a very good job. It may be installed incorrectly, or you just may need a more effective one.
P.S. Keep in mind most numbers you will see quoted are based on 20C- 22C room temperature. If yours is higher, the temperatures inside your computer will be higher, too. That doesn't make it ok and good for the computer, but is important to consider when you are trying to determine why it's running so hot.
