heatsink fan?

[king1033]

I just recently built a computer and it is my first time. I have a kt7 raid motherboard with a tbird ghz. I downloaded via's hardware monitor and i was able to check the temp of my cpu while i was running programs. I was alarmed to see that my cpu was at 54 degrees celsius. I panicked and immediately thought something was wrong. My question is: was 54 c. to high? if so how do I prepare my cpu for a different heatsink? Do I need to rub off the pink compound or can I just leave it the way it is and put a new fan on?What fan shoould I use?

Thankyou
Jason

 

[ray436]

As for the mechanical details of mounting a heatsink, the main objectives are:

1. Maximum thermal bond between device and heatsink
2. Sufficient disipation by heatsink
3. Long-Term reliability of heatsink and fan.

The pink stuff is heatsink compound and sole purpose is to fill any small voids between the device and the heatsink - any small machining scratches, surface irregularities or "un-flatness" on either part . The rule is only use enough to ensure that there are no gaps. Too much will only insulate the two and be worse than no heatsink.

I would definitely get a "name-brand" fan. When you figure what you have invested in your PC, the last thing you want to do is put a $5 fan/heatsink on, that will let the CPU boil.

The better manufacturers will have properly designed for airflow and efficiency, as well as machined a smooth mating surface, or have provided some mechanical means for proper contact like a soft alloy tape or paste-like adhesive at the contact point.

Check out the various athlon sites for tests on different heatsinks, or try

http://www.tomshardware.com

or

http://www.maximumpc.com

to get reviews of different models.

I can only recommend you get the biggest, most efficient cooler that will fit in the space you have. AMD calls for a maximum 0.6 'C/W cooling, and any reputable maker should give this rating on their product, smaller numbers being better. ( ie 0.5 'C/W )

Ray

 

[rinnis]

Was the computer powered on for several hours before the temp. was taken? I don't think 54 degrees in a problem for long term operation. I suggest a case fan in addition to your heat sink/fan if you are concerned. My K7 runs at 60 degrees all the time (it is nver powered off).

Good luck

 

[madian]

The newest AMD processors such as Duron and TB are extremely sensitive to heat and require a very good cooling system. AMD recommends a maximum heating point of 59 degrees for optimum performance. AMD also recommends two types of heatsinks+cooler: Spire Technology and Jamicon.
I always get suspicious when a Duron or Athlon gets over 50 degrees.So... my advice would be ... go out and buy the best cooler money can buy and if you temperature stays below 50 degrees there should be no problems at all.Use sillicon disperser gel in small quantities just to insure a perfect contact between the heatsink and the processor, it's sole purpose is to allow the heat to be "channeled" faster and more reliably to the cooling system.

mail me at madian1@usa.net for a full list of AMD recommendations concerning Durons and TBs.

 

[nlm9802]

I run my amds open case, and they still get upwards of 40-45 degrees c. put a couple fans in and ensure the hot air exits the case.
you can cut holes in the back where the unused slots are, or just remove the filler for unused slots (such as parrallel port slots that wont be used) and screw a fan over the hole (on the inside pointing out) to create a vacuum. this is very efficient if you have an intake of room temperature air blowing over the cpu.
I guess it all comes down to how much work you want to do and how cool you want your computer to run.