Cooling advice URGENTLY sought!!

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

I have an FX-53 based system on an SK8V board in a CoolerMaster Wave Master
case. The HSF is a Swiftech MCX64-V with a Delta fan and the PSU is a 480W
Tagan.

The rest of the spec is as follows: -

1GB RAM
3xSATA HDs (2xRaptor in a RAID 0 array plus a WDC)
9800XT 256MB
Audigy 2 Platinum Pro XS
Plextor 708A
Samsung combi


I have a *serious* issue with overheating - and I do mean *SERIOUS*. With
the side panel on, it *IDLES* at between 60-65°C (140-149°F) and once, when
I was doing nothing more than designing a brochure in Publisher, it hit 70°C
(167°F) and locked up. I have moved all obstructions from around the HSF and
made sure everything is dust free (it's only a day old!) Is there a fault
somewhere? I was lead to believe that the motherboard had smart temperature
control - well 60-65 at idle tells me either it doesn't or it isn't working.
Is there a setting I've overlooked in the BIOS (I didn't build it)? I don't
have much spare cash to spend on any more cooling (and there isn't any room
in the case for any more fans anyway!)

I'm running it with the side off at the moment and it's stabilised at 45°C
(113°F) - but I don't want to have to do that forever! I'm hoping for an
idle temperature (with the side on) of around 35-45°C (95-113°F) and 50-55°C
(122-131°F) under load. Achievable? I don't think it's asking *too* much, do
you?!

I've RTFM and it's not exactly explicit!

How do I achieve what I consider to be the optimum running temperature?! I
will call the bloke who built it on Monday, but I thought I'd ask here
first - I know that MBM isn't known for its accuracy but, on this occasion,
it's spot on (I've checked it with the BIOS).

Can someone offer me some cooling solutions that won't empty my bank
account?!

Thanks

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

I have an FX-53 based system on an SK8V board in a CoolerMaster Wave
Master case. The HSF is a Swiftech MCX64-V with a Delta fan and the
PSU is a 480W Tagan.

The rest of the spec is as follows: -

1GB RAM
3xSATA HDs (2xRaptor in a RAID 0 array plus a WDC)
9800XT 256MB
Audigy 2 Platinum Pro XS
Plextor 708A
Samsung combi


I have a *serious* issue with overheating - and I do mean *SERIOUS*.
With the side panel on, it *IDLES* at between 60-65°C (140-149°F) and
once, when I was doing nothing more than designing a brochure in
Publisher, it hit 70°C (167°F) and locked up. I have moved all
obstructions from around the HSF and made sure everything is dust
free (it's only a day old!) Is there a fault somewhere? I was lead to
believe that the motherboard had smart temperature control - well
60-65 at idle tells me either it doesn't or it isn't working. Is
there a setting I've overlooked in the BIOS (I didn't build it)? I
don't have much spare cash to spend on any more cooling (and there
isn't any room in the case for any more fans anyway!)

I'm running it with the side off at the moment and it's stabilised at
45°C (113°F) - but I don't want to have to do that forever! I'm
hoping for an idle temperature (with the side on) of around 35-45°C
(95-113°F) and 50-55°C (122-131°F) under load. Achievable? I don't
think it's asking *too* much, do you?!

I've RTFM and it's not exactly explicit!

How do I achieve what I consider to be the optimum running
temperature?! I will call the bloke who built it on Monday, but I
thought I'd ask here first - I know that MBM isn't known for its
accuracy but, on this occasion, it's spot on (I've checked it with
the BIOS).

Can someone offer me some cooling solutions that won't empty my bank
account?!

Thanks

UPDATE: - Q-Fan /was/ disabled, but enabling it doesn't make one iota of
difference. I have put the side back on and I am watching the temperature
climb steadily (we're up to 56°C (132°F) now. HELP!!

 

[Chris Turner]

UPDATE: - Q-Fan /was/ disabled, but enabling it doesn't make one iota of
difference. I have put the side back on and I am watching the temperature
climb steadily (we're up to 56°C (132°F) now. HELP!!

disable q-fan - select auto/normal mode not turbo - I have same set up and
had sim probs - if turbo is on voltage crept up quite high and temps were 60
+. The cpu does run quite hot and should go above 70c.

 

[Chris Turner]

sri - should NOT be run over 70c!!!

disable q-fan - select auto/normal mode not turbo - I have same set up and
had sim probs - if turbo is on voltage crept up quite high and temps were 60
+. The cpu does run quite hot and should go above 70c.

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

sri - should NOT be run over 70c!!!

It locked up in Publisher at 70° - it has hit 80° twice. I'm almost too
scared to use it. I have the side off now and it's 55°.

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

disable q-fan - select auto/normal mode not turbo - I have same set
up and had sim probs - if turbo is on voltage crept up quite high and
temps were 60 +. The cpu does run quite hot and should go above 70c.

I don't have anything that states "auto/normal" or "turbo". All I have is
Q-Fan either enabled or disabled. Are you /sure/ you have the same
motherboard? I've put the side back on again and it's hit 75-80 and I was
doing nothing more than typing a letter in Word, so that's practically idle!
! There is something seriously wrong here and I just want to be able to
enjoy this system - £2,000 isn't an insignificant chunk o' change for me,
and I can't use it because I'm petrified I'm going to send the £600 CPU into
meltdown! I don't know what else to do. There is airflow round all sides,
nothing is restricted. Do you have the same chassis? I can't hook up any
more fans because there simply isn't anywhere to put them.

I need suggestions. I want to put the side back on! I don't want to have to
spend any more money, but I will if I have to.

Any suggestions anyone? Please?! Save my sanity! Do you have the same HSF
combo?

 

[kony]

I have an FX-53 based system on an SK8V board in a CoolerMaster Wave Master
case. The HSF is a Swiftech MCX64-V with a Delta fan and the PSU is a 480W
Tagan.

The rest of the spec is as follows: -

1GB RAM
3xSATA HDs (2xRaptor in a RAID 0 array plus a WDC)
9800XT 256MB
Audigy 2 Platinum Pro XS
Plextor 708A
Samsung combi

That's a nice case, but it has questionable air intake, especially for the
parts you have in it. Reduce restrictions in air intake as much as
possible, ideally it should never be over 10C higher (at full load) than
with case cover off, and even 10C would be a sub-optimal arrangement but
given the fancy design of the front there may be a limit to how much the
intake can be improved without disfiguring the case.

I have a *serious* issue with overheating - and I do mean *SERIOUS*. With
the side panel on, it *IDLES* at between 60-65°C (140-149°F) and once, when
I was doing nothing more than designing a brochure in Publisher, it hit 70°C
(167°F) and locked up. I have moved all obstructions from around the HSF and
made sure everything is dust free (it's only a day old!) Is there a fault
somewhere? I was lead to believe that the motherboard had smart temperature
control - well 60-65 at idle tells me either it doesn't or it isn't working.
Is there a setting I've overlooked in the BIOS (I didn't build it)? I don't
have much spare cash to spend on any more cooling (and there isn't any room
in the case for any more fans anyway!)

Smart temp control can only run fan at max RPM at best. See fan specs
from manufacturer and compare to motherboard RPM reading... if fan is near
it's max RPM there's nothing more the onboard fan controller can do.
Often the onboard controller does drop the voltage slightly, as is
inherant in such designs so a few more RPM might be obtained by powering
it directly from PSU connector, but that isn't much of a gain, may easily
be necessary to use a different fan among the other things I mention.

I'm running it with the side off at the moment and it's stabilised at 45°C
(113°F) - but I don't want to have to do that forever! I'm hoping for an
idle temperature (with the side on) of around 35-45°C (95-113°F) and 50-55°C
(122-131°F) under load. Achievable? I don't think it's asking *too* much, do
you?!

You want idle that's lower than temp seen with case panel off, so it would
seem necessary to do one of more of the following:

Remove heatsink, inspect base, assess thermal compound, try remounting
'sink... Could be the installer simply used poor compound, too much of it,
etc.

Inspect CPU interface. If not perfectly flat, gain will come from lapping
it, though of course the warranty is void. Often the center, most
important interface region, is lower than the outer edges. If you REALLY
don't want to lap it, and/or it looks flat enough, try applying heatsink
compound only in the middle, not on outer border, and carefully mounting
it with a lot of even pressure. You might remove heatsink then, evaluate
whether compound provided good (but ultra-thin) coverage and alter the
coverage if needed then reinstall.

How do I achieve what I consider to be the optimum running temperature?! I
will call the bloke who built it on Monday, but I thought I'd ask here
first - I know that MBM isn't known for its accuracy but, on this occasion,
it's spot on (I've checked it with the BIOS).

Can someone offer me some cooling solutions that won't empty my bank
account?!

To a certain extent, the more the parts cost the more it'll cost to cool
them, relative to same era, technology. You made no mention of ambient
room temps, but if they're over 30C you may have to resort to exotic
cooling else lower the rom temp. There might also be the option of
undervolting the CPU, provided the stability is extensively tested.

A duct on the rear fan or power supply might help reduce recirculation of
heatsink exhaust. Likely you'll have to custom fab one. It is somethint
to consider after increasing intake flow, if the temp is still too high.
Keep in mind that your desire for 35-45 isn't necessary, only to keep
CPU/system stable, which should happen if temps can be maintained at
50-60C, though both the BIOS (and motherboard monitor or other software
temp reports) are dependant on manufacturer's calibration of the temp
sensor, which may be incorrect in itself. Ultimately tests such as Prime
95's torture test might be used, particularly the large in-place FFT test,
and when you find the max stable temp, keep it at least 5C under that.

The easiest solution might be adding a fan to the side panel, perhaps
92-120mm low RPM, but again it may not be reasonable to aim for ~35C temps
unless you want to buy a high-end water cooler.

 

[General Schvantzkoph]

I have an FX-53 based system on an SK8V board in a CoolerMaster Wave Master
case. The HSF is a Swiftech MCX64-V with a Delta fan and the PSU is a 480W
Tagan.

The rest of the spec is as follows: -

How many case fans do you have and how are they oriented? If you have fans
on both sides of the case you want to be blowing air in on one side and
sucking it out on the other. Check to see if you have good airflow through
the case. It also could be as simple as not having enough fans or having
fans that are too weak. You have a lot of very hot components in that box,
you'll need to move a lot of air through it in order to cool everything
adequately.

 

[Wes Newell]

I have an FX-53 based system on an SK8V board in a CoolerMaster Wave Master
case. The HSF is a Swiftech MCX64-V with a Delta fan and the PSU is a 480W
Tagan.

The rest of the spec is as follows: -

1GB RAM
3xSATA HDs (2xRaptor in a RAID 0 array plus a WDC)
9800XT 256MB
Audigy 2 Platinum Pro XS
Plextor 708A
Samsung combi


I have a *serious* issue with overheating - and I do mean *SERIOUS*. With
the side panel on, it *IDLES* at between 60-65°C (140-149°F) and once, when

I'm running it with the side off at the moment and it's stabilised at
45°C (113°F) - but I don't want to have to do that forever! I'm hoping

The problem (at least one) is obvious from the above 2 lines. Fix your
case cooling first.

 

[Jason Cothran]

If you are running cool enough with the sides off and overheating that badly
with the sides on, it is obviously just a case of poor case cooling.

 

[Hellmark]

Miss Perspicacia Tick's last words before the Sword of Azrial plunged
through his body were:

It locked up in Publisher at 70° - it has hit 80° twice. I'm almost too
scared to use it. I have the side off now and it's 55°.

Wow, thats really strange. I was just talking to a friend of mine on how
mines running exceptionally cool. I dont have all my fans in yet (only
have the basic 5 {CPU, PSU, OTES, and 2 120mm's for intake and exhaust},
got 8 more to go), and when I first turn the system on its about 100
degrees for the first couple hours, and then after its been sitting on
consistantly for a while, gets up to 120 degrees.

Ok, here are my tips. 80mm fan atleast for your CPU, go 120 if you can
(mines only a 80 though, but I am debating on switching). Have a good
cooling setup in the PSU (mine ATM only has 1 80mm, but thats because I
am borrowing it till the one I ordered comes in next week, which has 2
80mm's). NEVER have just the PSU and CPU fans (have atleast a good
intake and exhaust fan), alot of people nowadays aint really doin that.
Usual way for that is intake fans up front and down low, and exhaust in
back in the rear. Have qfan disabled, I had it on for about 2 minutes
and it had already shot up 5 degrees with in that time on the CPU, and
10 degrees on everything else.

Also, get more fans. Never can have too many. But then again, I go for
over kill, and I barely have any fans in my system currently (by my
standards) and I can hear it across the house.

 

[Chris Turner]

If you are running cool enough with the sides off and overheating that badly
with the sides on, it is obviously just a case of poor case cooling.

Whats the ambient temp within the case when powered up....again if thats hot
then the cpu will be that plus more...the turbo setting is in the BIOS - can
not remeber where abouts look later. I spoke with AMD ref this issue -
basically on my rig if turbo was on the VDD shot up to 1.75 volts and
combine that with qfan and all temps rocketed! It sounds though as the
others have pointed out, your case needs more efficient air flow - it's not
expensive to set up more fans. Come back on your room temps etc - if yur
room is 30c then your air cooling efficiency goes down.

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

Miss Perspicacia Tick's last words before the Sword of Azrial plunged
through his body were:

Wow, thats really strange. I was just talking to a friend of mine on
how mines running exceptionally cool. I dont have all my fans in yet
(only have the basic 5 {CPU, PSU, OTES, and 2 120mm's for intake and
exhaust}, got 8 more to go), and when I first turn the system on its
about 100 degrees for the first couple hours, and then after its been
sitting on consistantly for a while, gets up to 120 degrees.

Ok, here are my tips. 80mm fan atleast for your CPU, go 120 if you can
(mines only a 80 though, but I am debating on switching). Have a good
cooling setup in the PSU (mine ATM only has 1 80mm, but thats because
I am borrowing it till the one I ordered comes in next week, which
has 2 80mm's). NEVER have just the PSU and CPU fans (have atleast a
good intake and exhaust fan), alot of people nowadays aint really
doin that. Usual way for that is intake fans up front and down low,
and exhaust in back in the rear. Have qfan disabled, I had it on for
about 2 minutes and it had already shot up 5 degrees with in that
time on the CPU, and 10 degrees on everything else.

OK I will buy a 120 (not that I think there's room), but that means losing
it for a week, and I have work to do! GRR!!

Also, get more fans. Never can have too many. But then again, I go for
over kill, and I barely have any fans in my system currently (by my
standards) and I can hear it across the house.

I /CAN'T/ have any more fans - there's nowhere to put them! There's only
space for the one exhaust fan!

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

The problem (at least one) is obvious from the above 2 lines. Fix your
case cooling first.

Well, DUH! I think I could have figured that out myself! THAT'S what I'm
trying to do!

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

Whats the ambient temp within the case when powered up....again if
thats hot then the cpu will be that plus more...the turbo setting is
in the BIOS - can not remeber where abouts look later. I spoke with
AMD ref this issue - basically on my rig if turbo was on the VDD shot
up to 1.75 volts and combine that with qfan and all temps rocketed!
It sounds though as the others have pointed out, your case needs more
efficient air flow - it's not expensive to set up more fans. Come
back on your room temps etc - if yur room is 30c then your air
cooling efficiency goes down.

This is the coolest room in the house. The radiator (which isn't on at the
moment, it's too warm) is on the opposite wall to the desk, and it can't be
more than 21°-22°C at the warmest. If you're familiar with that case, you'll
know there isn't any room for more fans - unless you can tell me where to
site them! The case temperature with the side off is 28°C - on it's
fluctuates between 34° and 35°. Do you think a 120mm on the HS would be a
good idea (I'd have to send it back to Ben for that, I can't do it myself).

All advice sought and gratefully received.

Thanks

Worried

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

How many case fans do you have and how are they oriented? If you have
fans on both sides of the case you want to be blowing air in on one
side and sucking it out on the other. Check to see if you have good
airflow through the case. It also could be as simple as not having
enough fans or having fans that are too weak. You have a lot of very
hot components in that box, you'll need to move a lot of air through
it in order to cool everything adequately.

There is only one exhaust fan, and I believe it to be oriented the correct
way (it's part of the case, not something that was screwed on as an extra,
so if it isn't, that's CoolerMaster's fault!) As I keep reiterating, there
isn't anywhere for any more fans to go, oh *WHY* did I let him talk me into
this case?! Maybe I'll just have to pretend it's a 100% Perspex panel - I
was going to mod this when I had more cash (green case fan(s), a purple on
the HS), but I don't feel I can do that now as it would just generate more
heat - especially with the strip lights).

Oh well, guess I don't need to mod it - I'd just like it 20°C cooler! That's
not asking much is it?!

Thanks

Worried

 

[rstlne]

This is the coolest room in the house. The radiator (which isn't on at the
moment, it's too warm) is on the opposite wall to the desk, and it can't be
more than 21°-22°C at the warmest. If you're familiar with that case, you'll
know there isn't any room for more fans - unless you can tell me where to
site them! The case temperature with the side off is 28°C - on it's
fluctuates between 34° and 35°. Do you think a 120mm on the HS would be a
good idea (I'd have to send it back to Ben for that, I can't do it myself).

All advice sought and gratefully received.

Thanks

Worried

So this is the version with 2 80mm fans in the front, one 80mm fan in the
back, and a top section for another 80mm fan?

Firstly, I wouldnt use the fan in the top, I would keep that block'd off.
Then make sure the other 80mm fans are working correctly..
Front 2 fans Suck air in, Rear fan blows air out.

If that's not helping then you have some other problem somewhere like the
heatsink not installed correctly or somethings damaged.

 

[rstlne]

There is only one exhaust fan, and I believe it to be oriented the correct
way (it's part of the case, not something that was screwed on as an extra,
so if it isn't, that's CoolerMaster's fault!) As I keep reiterating, there
isn't anywhere for any more fans to go, oh *WHY* did I let him talk me into
this case?! Maybe I'll just have to pretend it's a 100% Perspex panel - I
was going to mod this when I had more cash (green case fan(s), a purple on
the HS), but I don't feel I can do that now as it would just generate more
heat - especially with the strip lights).

Oh well, guess I don't need to mod it - I'd just like it 20°C cooler! That's
not asking much is it?!

Thanks

Worried

See my other post,
Intake fans can be more important than exaust fans.

 

[Ben Pope]

The case temperature with the side off is 28°C - on
it's fluctuates between 34° and 35°. Do you think a 120mm on the HS would
be a good idea (I'd have to send it back to Ben for that, I can't do it
myself).

Thats interesting. Case temps rise 6°C with the side on, but CPU temps rise
over 20°C? Are you sure?

So your CPU temps are over 30°C hotter than your case temp?

Just to confirm this:

Under load (say Prim95 Torture test for half an hour), what is your diode
temp, case temp, and room temp?

What about with the side off?

Ben

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

Thats interesting. Case temps rise 6°C with the side on, but CPU
temps rise over 20°C? Are you sure?

Does the pope shit in the wood? Is the Bear Catholic?! or something...

So your CPU temps are over 30°C hotter than your case temp?
Correct.


Just to confirm this:

Under load (say Prim95 Torture test for half an hour), what is your
diode temp, case temp, and room temp?

What about with the side off?

Ben

I darest not do it, in case I invalidate the warranty. I'll have to ask Ben
if it's safe and if he'll replace anything that melts! There is a 15°C
difference between case and CPU now (28° vs 43°).