Uncertain Temps

[scottluebke2003]

Aida32, MBM 5, and my Biostar Hardware Monitor all claim that my cpu temp is around 40C(right is likely correct) and my "case" temperature at around 45-55C(idle/load). Can someone tell me exactly where that "case" temp reading is being taken from? I always assumed it was the northbridge, but I highly doubt it seeing that I slapped a Vantec Iceberg on my northbridge, replacing passive cooling, and saw no "case" temperature change. Any clues guys?

spec

XP1800@ 2.08ghz 380FSB
1gb DDR333 @ 380mhz
Biostar M7NCD Pro
XP Home
Ti 4200 64mb

[BadDriver]

I think something is definitely screwy with your sensors. Your cpu is cooler than your case temp???? The only way that can happen is if you have some other than air cooling solution going on. A water tank buried in your back yard pumping water from 4 ft below ground tank through a water cooling system would do it for instance.
I think you should check your temps in the bios, and then if possible reassign your sensors. If you can't do it with your present monitor, get speedfan.

[scottluebke2003]

I ran MBM5 and checked out every single sensor and there are only 2 temperatures that could be the CPU and System temp. My BIOS reads my CPU temp the same as all my monitoring programs, so I know it's correct. The system/case temp is the only one I can't figure out. I'm overclocking a bit but temps are not an issue unless I up the Vcore.

[BadDriver]

I guess you know your machine. You are right though something is off. Have you run a burn in program to see which temp rises first? I would run prime95 just to see which temp jumped first. That would satisfy me that the cpu temp was at least being read at the right sensor.

[scottluebke2003]

I have run Burn-in's many times. I use Sandra2004. The CPU temp always rises first and continues at the typical rate while burining in a CPU. The "system/case" temp raises about the same rate, maybe a bit slower. They seem to be somewhat linear in the rise of their temps.

[Rabbitrunner51]

Thats funny as My CPU temps are always lower than my case temps...and that is the correct configuration.....

I bet if you had a different MObo ..your temps would be better....

When componenets are compatible..then the temps will fall and stay the coolest...

[BadDriver]

I don't know how you are getting your CPU's to run lower than ambient, but I would love to find out.
My CPU always runs at least 10*C above ambient and I have put some effort into keeping it cool. I am running a 2400+ with a 333 FSB and I thought 37*C was pretty good. If I could get it down to 21-25*C that would be great but I don't think that is going to happen unless I go to a water cooling rig.
I believe the 21*C is case, and the 25*C is the northbridge but I could be wrong. The one I am definitely sure about is the 37*C is the CPU

[Rabbitrunner51]

Coolness in cases and CPU's is a very relative thing....

It will be different for everybody..depending on hwat their system has installed ..the case inself..along withe cooling solutions....

CPU temperatures..while running on idle or in program use....will all have differing temps...

The chipset might have alot ot do with it..and the early CPU's might noty have as much coolness about them...I don't know.....

I have a P4C Northwood and they stay cool just by the nature of their build...
This fact..also helps the overall operation and thus the case and or Mobo is cooler also....

There is no real concern to be made if your CPU or case temp is slightly higher....37 degrees is quite good and the average....

Athlon CPU's run a bit hotter also....because of their speed properties.which genrate more heat...

Also..you might download and try Motherboard 5..which I use and puch in the correct Mobo you are using for settings...and see what it reads...

If your CPU temps were between 45-50 at idle then that is a problem..but its not overly critical at all.....;)

[BadDriver]

OK, Cool. I thought I was running good but if I can cool it down more I am game. I just am not too crazy about the idea of water cooling just yet. I have visions of a line popping. LOL. :D

[Rabbitrunner51]

Yeah the whole idea of water cooling is not exactly in the mainstream ..but it is a good idea for the most intensive..higher end systems....

I agree..that if something sprang a leak..I would freak....

The idea..of water cooling is a nwer technology and on the cutting edge..but on a more grounded basis..I don't think any verage user needs it ...my opinion

I see in another couple of years it being very common place....as it does have its advantages...one being that it does not depend on outside or inside airflow to work....

[Happy Joe]

The second law of thermodynamics effectively prevents either air or water cooling from running cooler than ambient room temperature. With Active cooling (chilled water or air or direct die phase change) you can get temps lower than ambient (peltiers will do it too). If you are not using one of the above then your sensors are wrong if they indicate that your cpu is running cooler than the air/water you are cooling the heatsink/waterblock with.
Water cooling has not been leading edge for several years. Leading edge is now liquid nitrogen... followed by multistage phase change using custom mixtures for refrigerant...there are variations (dry ice and alcohol etc).
Water cooling has some aplications; a good system (there are many not good ones) will give you a couple of degrees over good air cooling at a significant cost increase. It is also the least impractical of the enhanced cooling systems.
Sorry to rain on your parade.
Enjoy!

[Rabbitrunner51]

Your a smart guy Joe....some good info..thanks!