Computing.Net - Athlon XP 2500+ Overheating

Subject: Athlon XP 2500+ Overheating

Original Message

Name: CLN
Date: February 6, 2008 at 21:03:17 Pacific
Subject: Athlon XP 2500+ Overheating
OS: Windows XP Home SP2
CPU/Ram: Athlon XP 2500+/ 1gb pc32

Comment:

CPU: Athlon XP 2500+ (Barton)
Mobo: Asus A7N8X Deluxe 2.0 BIOS 1003
A few months ago I recently revived an old desktop I had laying around and it had been running fine. However, now the CPU diode temps are constantly high and it is unstable at normal speeds. I had to reduce the CPU frequency from 166mhz down to 100mhz just to get it to stay on. So instead of running at the default 1.83GHz it's running at 1.09 GHz. Even at this setting Motherboard monitor shows the CPU diode temp at 57-61C, case is at 29C, and CPU socket is at 34C.
This thing even has a massive Vantec Tornado fan and a large aftermarket heatsink, both which seem to do nothing, even when I crank the fan up full blast at 5500 RPMS. So why is this thing running so hot? Could the thermal grease become unseated and the build up of dust be doing this? I'm not even overclocking so this seems outrageous.

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Response Number 1

Name: WebsWonder
Date: February 7, 2008 at 01:19:13 Pacific
Subject: Athlon XP 2500+ Overheating

Reply: (edit)

Well yes, if the thermal paste/grease is old it may not be conducting, clean off and replace.

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Response Number 2

Name: CLN
Date: February 7, 2008 at 18:50:57 Pacific
Subject: Athlon XP 2500+ Overheating

Reply: (edit)

Thanks for confirming this Webs. I got some compressed air, Arctic Silver 5, and isopropyl alcohol and went to town. I'm now back on the default FSB of 166mhz and idling around 42C. I don't know if this is cool enough, but it's certainly alot cooler than before!

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Response Number 3

Name: T-boy
Date: February 10, 2008 at 18:00:43 Pacific
Subject: Athlon XP 2500+ Overheating

Reply: (edit)

42C is more then cool enought , Overclock that sucker!!

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Response Number 4

Name: CLN
Date: February 10, 2008 at 23:45:59 Pacific
Subject: Athlon XP 2500+ Overheating

Reply: (edit)

I was hoping someone would say that, T-boy. What is a safe temp. to have it at? And if I'm overclocking, should I be upping the voltage too?

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