CPU Heat problem ---------------------- I've just recently built a new P4 3.0 LGA775 computer. When I first installed the HSF I messed up the thermal compound (was running temp upwards of 90) so I bought some Arctic Silver 5. The first time I replaced the thermal compound it worked pretty well. I used Isopropyl alcohol (99%) to clean off the HSF and the CPU. I then applied some AS5 to the bottom of the heatsink, rubbed it around with a plastic bag, and then wiped it off with a paper towel (I have been told by many that this is a good way to fill the valleys on the HSF to allow for maximum contact). Then I applied a dab of AS5 to the CPU and mounted the HSF. I started out with an idling temp of 45, then it gradually moved up to about 55 and stayed there. My active temp was around 65-68 for a while, and gradually moved up to 70. When I played Half Life 2, it went up to 75. This was good, but still too high, so I decided to re-do the AS5. So I did it again tonight, followed the same procedure...and 5 seconds into booting up I had a temp of 90 C. I turned it off right away and redid the AS5. Same thing happened, 5-10 seconds into booting I had a temp of 90. So...any ideas? I didn't think it was possible for the CPU to get that hot right off the bat, and I definitely can't run at those temperatures.

i had a problem of 90oc lol i forgot to connect the CPU fan went down to 70 so i got my own fan opened the computer up and had a fan blowing in there went down to 40oc.... until i borought two good fans and for the computer.. you need around 5 fans to controll speeds of 2.8ghz +++ or water cooling, but thats a bit exspensive and unreliable. oh yeah if your computer FAILS to boot, wait for a bit and underclock your processor till you sort out your cooling, if your overclocking it put it back to normal.

Strange thing is..it was working fine before, just a bit over what I wanted it to be. The fan is running, and Windows boots. But at 90 C, I'm just worried it'll burn out fast Could it be a problem with the temp sensor?

Did you put the dab of AS5 on the right spot on the cpu? Did you put too much? (Too much would create a thick layer between the HS and cpu) Was there any lint on either the cpu or HS when you installed it? you're supposed to use a lint-free cloth (like coffee filter)...although I always use a paper towel and it's been fine. When booting up, the cpu has to process alot of stuff, so it heats up pretty quickly. BIOS temps are higher than idle temps in windows usually because bios temps don't have the acpi stuff running Make sure both surfaces are clean...you might have bits of the thermal pad still on there...scratch them off if possible

It took me 3 tries to get my paste just right. One thing I'll say is that although the instructions on the AS website are good, I had to use a bit more than they sugested to get to to contact well. ASUS A8N-SLI A64 3000+ 1gig Corsair XMS LEADTEK PX6600GT TDH Enermax 535W Dual 80gig WD.

thirdeye187, dude, I think you just did not install your cooler well so push it to the end. I overclocked my 2.8 up to 3.4 and use stock cooler while temperatures with maximum and minimum long enough cpu usage are 65 and 45 and room temperature is above 30. Also my advice to you is to keep your case open.

i figure all the excess just squishes out...the stock cooler has a pad....AS5 and that will cook into a pad you might risk having a total bare spot wiping too hard... I could play half life 2 online in the high sixties and i went ot water and drop a usual 10C and will add another radiator as i have a 3.4 at 3.83 that does not go over 50C while running DV that is near 100% with water...that idle starts in the high 30s and idles after time at 40C i glopped the stuff on....i usually see a blob all around the edge if i take the coolr off PS i tried a Gigabite Rocket aluminum heat pipe cooler and they will not help----maybe there is a new heat pipe that will cool a Prescott...BUT...the heat off the Heatsink Fan stays in the case...with H20...the heat is sucked out of the case