computer building - CPU overheating on startup

07
2014-07
  • JordanD

    I just built a new PC, and on startup in the bios it already shows my CPU overheating at 190 degrees. Can anyone explain what is happening? I have 4 fans, 2 in and 2 out. This is literally the first time I ran the computer.

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    • Answers
  • Ruslan Gerasimov

    This may happen if you used not enough thermal paste. The thermal paste should be fresh as much as possible. If the thermal paste it older than two years it is not recommended to apply. If it is not all-in-one CPU + Cooler in the box, then cooler should be chosen smartly to match your CPU. The cooler should be checked to be connected and moving all the time.


    • Related Question

    CPU overheating after cleaning it
  • Little Helper

    I wanted to clean my computer CPU heatsink and fan itself, because the temperature is not what I wanted. About (50C ~ 70C). I have Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 @1.8 GHz (LGA775).

    The heatsink wasn't so scary filled with dust but I wanted to clean it anyway. I didn't know how to get heatsink with fan from the socket. So after 25 minutes I've figured it out. But I didn't know how to get it back on so I spent a lot time getting out the motherboard from the case.

    the fan

    The fan and heatsink... The case and all components are clear of dust. (I'm tired now). Then I put all back just the way it was, well did few things on cable management. But the problem was that I didn't know how to connect front audio connectors. I had Windows XP hibernated. So I started the PC and everything was normal, except CMOS memory was clear. I configured the BIOS just the way it was and while I was doing that I saw about 58C CPU temperature and fan at 1789 RPM. Restarted the computer with new settings applied. But Windows halted with Blue Screen (I forgot what error it was but something with KERNEL).

    Restarted the PC and deleted hibernation session and everything was back normal. But couldn't record any sound from front panel microphone. The problem was that I messed ground wire with mic. Again after fixing it I turned computer on. No problems. The fan currently is noisy and temperature was 78C. The temperature before was 55C - 60C at idle. Now it's about 60C. If I do something then temperature raises to 79C. While speaking in skype the temperature was 82C.

    Could this problem occur because of the thermal grease (it's old and never replaced)?

    Edit
    The problem wasn't in thermal paste (because I didn't touch it). The problem was that I installed heatsink wrong. Now instead of regular 60C CPU temperature the CPU is at 48C (cool).


    • Related Answers
  • Paperlantern

    Yes, it could be the thermal paste, or even not quite a flush mount. I would suggest picking up some new thermal paste from either an online resource like Newegg, or from a local retailer like Fry's or Microcenter and follow the instructions provided with the product closely. Additionally, make certain the heat sink is flush, and mounted firmly with all 4 pegs. If even one is loose, the gap created could cause the problem you are having.

  • user377178

    Just my approach to clean CPU fan from dust.

    1. Turn off the PC

    2. Disconnect CPU fan

    3. Turn on the vacuum cleaner

    4. Put sucking end of vacuum cleaner tube near the inlet of the CPU fan

    5. Allow CPU fan to spin in reverse for a while and go few rounds to pick up dust from all parts of the fan and radiator underneath

    Works perfectly with Intel Core Duo fans. Does not require removing CPU, applying grease nor triple checking if fan sits tight.

    I know this is not real answer but piece of advice for the next time.

  • TheCompWiz

    Thermal paste is VERY important for CPUs and GPUs... it's not typically 24-degrees C different... but a must-have none-the-less. It's more likely that you didn't seat the heatsink/fan combo correctly. (sitting at angle... not all 4 posts are seated on motherboard... etc...) As a tip... remove the heatsink/fan combo by turning the black pegs 1/4 turn then pulling them up. they should pop up fairly simply. (don't force them... ) After removing the heatsink/fan... apply a dab (1/2 pea-sized-ish) of thermal paste... (don't go for cheap white paste... get some good stuff like artic-silver) and spread it around. Don't put gobs of the stuff on there... as you don't want it to go places beyond the CPU... you just want enough to cover the cpu and not ooze over the edges. To re-attach the heatsink/fan... make sure all 4 posts are in their upright position... turn them back the 1/4 turn to the locked position... line up the white pastic bits with the 4 holes on the motherboard... and push down until they lock in place. Make sure the peg goes through the hole... and the plunger locks in place. It should be locked rigidly in place for each post. (no wiggle room)

  • chmod

    First rule of thumb. Always clean and replace thermal grease when you reattach heatsink. If your heatsink comes with thermal pad, besure to remove them before apply thermal grease. For instruction on how to apply thermal grease, please see http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cooling-air-pressure-heatsink,3058-9.html

    But if you really want to lower your CPU temperature, then I suggest you buy a new heatsink. Stock heatsinks aren't very good at cooling your CPU to "your satisfaction"

    If you don't know where to start for your heatsink, try here http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cpu-cooler-heatsink-roundup,2788.html