Can anybody explain this??

[tdark]

I have a 1600XP AMD processor that has been running at temps from 100f to 120f.I downloaded from MSI(my motherboard maker)
a program PC Alert4.I installed the program and now my temps are 80 to 88f.How can software keep the processor cool.I have fought heat problems on AMD'S for 2 years and was even thinking about building a Intel the next system I build for someone but now this.Anybody ever heard of this.tdark

[maxximilian]

Not familiar with that program, but perhaps it operates in the same fashion as other cooling software like "Rain" which throttles back the CPU when it is not in use I believe. This could also be in part to misreading of temps. I use Motherboard Monitor which consistently registers a different temperature than the BIOS readings for my XP2100.

Just a couple guesses really.....

[tdark]

I can go directly into the BIOS and the temps are low .So it is really working.Even removed the panel and felt of the CPU heatsink and it is cool.Just wish I had this months ago.tdark

[Chief]

http://www.benchtest.com/rain.html

Maybe this will help explain Rain and how it works.

[Ridgerunr]

Actually,,the temps you posted at first are quite good for AMD. I would worry more about a throttling program than those temps...

Just a' pennies worth...

[Train]

Your temps are below 60C. And only having hit 49C as a high, you were in very good temps.
Most of us folks have a low of what you think is high.
Now I agree with Ridgerunr on the software mess.

[tdark]

Train,I actually was fixing to flash my bios and install XPPro when I noticed PCAlert4 from the MSI Website.I already was using PCAlert3 to monitor temps and decided to update.This is when I found the utility.On the temp issue I have always believed that 60c was way to high for any system.I try to get the temps to under 45c for any system I build(the system seems to always perform better on lower temps)using top grade copper heat sinks and extra case fans and also Antec cases.Just wondering how software could lower the temps that low and from what I have read it only lowers the CPU temp when the CPU is idle but I can still see lower temps all the time(maybe just me).If this stands to be true then why would AMD not have this utility when you purchased the CPU.I have corrected several lock ups by installing copper heat sinks and installing more case fans on a few systems.Just my 2cents.tdark

[Limerick]

Hi tdark,

I've just built a new machine here, using an MSI board. I join you in wondering how that PCAlert4 "cooler" works like it does. But when I enable it, the temps drop about 8-10 degrees C. I don't know what it is doing. One thing that I don't like is that if you CTRL-ALT-DEL to open the Task Manager and then click the Performance tab, the CPU is maxed out at 100%. (Do you see the same thing happening there?) That may just be a cosmetic thing, but when the cooler is disabled, the CPU drops to the bottom of the chart again.

Limerick

[Train]

Had to do some digging, but it seems it puts the cpu in a "suspend mode" .Cool off your CPU's

Has a bunch of links also. Sure hope this helps.

tdark
Under 45C is what you want. That is fine. Just let us know how you do it please.

For Me under 60C is required, and now have it under 50C, but hate to freeze myself to go any lower.

[tdark]

Limerick,I did not see that on the CPU,but it may be here somewhere.I took a picture of the program running and would like to show you what mine looks like,
Train,I have tried about every thing known to man to cool off these hot AMD's and here is what I have been using with great success.
Vantec copper heatsink and fan
Antec workstation cases with 2 front and 2 rear fans
artic silver3
I use only MSI boards(just got great service out of the first and went that way since)
I also use the side panel(on the workstation case) with the fan to help cool the video card and CPU.

[tdark]

the other picture

[Train]

Looked at the vcore in both and seen the difference. I know the 1.67V, if it was stable would sure help the cooling bit.
Antec , Chieftec cases made by same company. Agree those extra fans help. And the one in the side panel is my next item to try.

Thanks.

[spragers2]

I'll have to look into the new version, I have an MSI board with PC Alert 3. I do use the built-in CPU cooler utility, but I also have a boatload of fans - most recently, cutting ahole in the side panel (fun fun) and installing a radio shack 12V DC fan (so it's only running at 5v, big deal )

I was starting to get up around 51-53 C in the summer, which is terrible considering I started out barely breaking 40 C even at full loads. The side fan has dropped the temps down closer to the 40 C range, but I fear I'll have to re-attach my heat sink with a new round of thermal grease again soon.

A combo of a cooling program, and good ventilation does wonders.

[LotusAstra]

Wow, it reduced my CPU temp by around 6 or 7c down to ~31c @ idle (21c room Temp), quite amazing that software can do this!

Limerick Yes, as u can see from my attached Screenshot it locks my CPU usage @ 100% too, must be normal, alltho its hard to believe that with it running 100% like that it can actually cool anything... kinda wierd

Not wanting to scare u all, but i found this info/thread a while back and thought i'd share to see what u think... i need to re-read them as it was a long time ago, but here thay are anyway...

http://www.amdforums.com/showthread....olers+lifespan

http://www.amdforums.com/showthread....olers+lifespan

I wonder wether long term this program is a good or bad thing... i don't think this will be something that i'll use personally, dont wanna take the risk with this 100% CPU usage/idle/un-idle & constant temp changes... mine is cool enuf without it (~37c @ idle)... and i like to know my CPU usage too, i don't like the fact it makes the CPU usage display redundant.

Wondering patiantly for more opinions

Regards

[Limerick]

Hey there, Lotus Astra!

Haven't swapped any electrons on here with you in a good while. I hope that all is well with you and yours.

Thanks for posting your findings. I have another machine that I have run one of these cooling programs on for a long time. If it has suffered any thermal damage, I am not aware of it (It's still running fine.)

On this new machine, I'm pleased with the temps as they are, and am not using the "cooler" for the same reason that you mentioned - not liking having the CPU display pegged out.

Limerick