Hello, I have an Athlon XP 3000+ (about 7 months old). I run it on a MSI K7N2-Delta motherboard with a Tt Volcano 11+ (at full speed). It might be worth mentioning I have this all stashed in a Thermaltake Xaser III Super Tower. All 7 fans are up full in the case as well. Usually, I found my average temperature was around 28c-34c at full workload. But in the last month or two I've been IDLING at 50c. I crash alot (full lock ups) even though the software is all brand new. I've included a screenshot of my temps..

http://nebulax.co.nz/chris/heater.JPG

My CMOS failed about when this all started. Someone suggested it might have overclocked itself? I'd appreciate all help trying to fix this problem, as its one of the servers in my company. Thanks in advance..

<<My CMOS failed about when this all started.>>

Did you reset properly?

CMOS doesn't fail without reason.

Besides, any IT guy at your work should be able to fix this minor issue.

I bet u have dust inside ur heatsink. If u can take it off clean it apply new thermale paste.

<<My CMOS failed about when this all started.>>

Go into the BIOS settings and make sure your settings are proper for what you are running. I am not sure what you meant about a "CMOS failing", but at face value you shouldn't even boot if the BIOS was corrupted. Especially if your probs with overheating started when your BIOS corrupted, that's where to begin to troubleshoot.

Well, when my PC was posting it said the 'CMOS checksum' had failed or something like that. After this happened I got a warning message about a low battery. I've changed it several times and the warning is still present. VCore = 1.64v or something (3v SONY battery is in place).

I've also updated the BIOS (with success). As for dust under heatsink, I follwed Rob's instructions and there was no difference, sadly.

I've tried modifying alot in the BIOS, tried defaults etc. RTFM about the jumpers and have verefied their positions.

On a side note, ever since this started, my phone has had a high pitched squeal when in the same room as the PC. My headphones also squeal a bit. Dunno if thats even remotely related.

OK...so your CMOS battery failed & you replaced it, which probably reset everything to the defaults. I'm guessing that you didn't have the original BIOS settings recorded, so now you're experimenting & trying to get it right?

When did you do the BIOS flash, & when did you notice the change in temp readings? The two may be connected...it's possible that your original temp readings were wrong & the BIOS flash corrected them, now you're getting the "true" temps. 28-34C under full load seems awfully low...regardless of how many case fans you have! But 41C seems awfully high for your new chassis temp...what was the chassis temp when your CPU temp reading was in the 28-34C range?

I kinda doubt your crashing is temp related...I'd bet it's incorrect BIOS settings....

Right. Experimenting and trying to get it right :).

I noticed the temperature change before the flash. The chassis temp used to be around 18C (I live in a very cold place in NZ). Room temp is usually less than that.

Its probably incorrect BIOS settings like you say.

The PC -literally- warms up the room now..

Hey, it's cold where I live too...the outdoor temps have been about 10F (-12C) for several weeks now, but I keep an indoor temp of at least 68F (20C). Have you no heaters in NZ? lol

any dust inside it?

Ahhh, technician said I'm getting a very unstable Vcore of around 1.6 (it spikes up and down alot). He reckons this is caused by buggered powersupply and will MOST likely be the cause of electronic interferance. What do you guys think? :)