CPU running at higher than safe temperatures

[pcgamerandaudiophile]

So today I found out that my CPU, an i7 860, is running at about 80 degrees C on full load, while its recommended temperature is around 72C. Should I invest in watercooling or just apply some thermal paste. I am planning on using applications such as Folding@Home frequently as well as gaming.

[thorpj]

So today I found out that my CPU, an i7 860, is running at about 80 degrees C on full load, while its recommended temperature is around 72C. Should I invest in watercooling or just apply some thermal paste. I am planning on using applications such as Folding@Home frequently as well as gaming.

What program are you using to test load

 

How is airflow in the case, what cpu cooler are you using? And when was the last time you replaced the thermal paste. That CPU has been around for a while, so i'd imagine the answer to that is similar.

[79wjd]

Lower your voltages. 

 

Also, anything below 80c should be fine. 

[D2ultima]

80 degrees isn't the TJMax for that chip. That's the highest temp they want at the IHS. I'm fairly certain 1st gen i7s can handle up to like 100 degrees before it's dangerous.

http://ark.intel.com/products/43126/Intel-Core-i7-920XM-Processor-Extreme-Edition-8M-Cache-2_00-GHzsee how this mobile chip's max temp is 100 degrees? It's the same kind of silicon underneath, but it's bare die because mobile chip.

 

For further proof, look at this, the old i7-950 http://ark.intel.com/products/37150/Intel-Core-i7-950-Processor-8M-Cache-3_06-GHz-4_80-GTs-Intel-QPI

my 950 in my D900F hit 90 degrees TONS while I was streaming over the years. Tons and tons of times. It's STILL working. It's over 4 and a half years old now, and I've been streaming almost since I got it.

 

In short:

1 - That temp is fine.

2 - If it worries you, get a nicer CPU cooler like a Hyper 212 Evo

3 - If already have, use better thermal paste like IC Diamond, Gelid GC Extreme, Arctic Céramique 2 or some fancy liquid metal stuff if your heatsink is copper, Coolaboratory Liquid Ultra

[pcgamerandaudiophile]

What program are you using to test load

 

How is airflow in the case, what cpu cooler are you using? And when was the last time you replaced the thermal paste. That CPU has been around for a while, so i'd imagine the answer to that is similar.

 

The case is an NZXT S340, so that shouldnt be a problem. Also, I currently have not replaced the thermal paste, and am using a stock cooler. Using F@H to load CPU.

Lower your voltages. 

 

Also, anything below 80c should be fine. 

I am not overclocking my cpu , however if i can get my temps down I could use some advice on how to do it.

Edited January 31, 2015 by pcgamerandaudiophile

[thorpj]

The case is an NZXT S340, so that shouldnt be a problem. Also, I currently have not replaced the thermal paste, and am using a stock cooler. Using F@H to load CPU.

I am not overclocking my cpu , however if i can get my temps down I could use some advice on how to do it.

 

Ok that should rule that out, the s340 is an awesome case. I would assume that your using all the slots for fans?

 

What program are you using to create a full load situation?

[thorpj]

Is it overclocked? Those volts are way high.

 

Lookie here, AnandTech only got it to 1.352V when overclcoked to 3.53Ghz

 

You're either pushing it too hard or overvolting it too much.

Those were Motherboard voltages, i think

[pcgamerandaudiophile]

Ah I see. Hopefully he is able to see his volts to cross reference.

 

If volts are fine then it might be worth getting a new cooler and TIM as above said.

Thanks I'll look into it. Any recommendations?

[D2ultima]

Thanks I'll look into it. Any recommendations?

It's in my post above.

[D2ultima]

You can go with what D2ultima suggested above. The Hyper 212 is a very cheap yet very good aftermarket cooler. Although I don't think its worth getting those fancy abrasive/conductive thermal compounds. 

Only Liquid Ultra is conductive. The rest are the same kind of compounds as MX-4 for example.