Cpu at 50 degrees when virtually idle

You could try taking the ram out of xmp see what temps you get. if they do then it could be a faulty ram module or you may have knocked the cpu fan when you installed the new ram causing the over temp

Ok, I will have a look, but first, new thing: I have done several checks, all programs say my cpu is running at 3.5ghz idle (meant to be 3.4), and despite my efforts to get it into idle/powersaver mode, it doesn't want to go.

Took RAM out of XMP, CPU-Z reports 1.6ghz in idle, core temp continues to report 3.5, I can see turbo in effect because its getting up to 3.8 in core temp. Heat now in the 30-40s at idle. It still appears as though when it comes out of idle it goes to 3.5 though. What does this all mean? I mean like, do I have a faulty ram module or something?

It may be that the XMP RAM setting turns off the ability of the CPU to throttle down to 1600?

Root around in control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management.

Do you see a choice in there for "minimum processor rate"??? Is it set to 5% or not?? I think a "balanced" power plan with ordinary RAM at stock settings would show 5%, but XMP may force another number instead?

Do you see any settings in the BIOS regarding Speedstep or CPU throttling?



Just a guess.

I saw nothing unusual in my bios, although I hardly know my way around it :P. My power plan is on performance, there should be no cuts in power to lower performance.

No, the addition of the new RAM was the only thing.

Do you still have the original ram modules if so put them back in and test if it is all ok, put in only 2 of the new ram modules and test in XMP and normal and DOCP if it is available, then do the same with the other 2 (only use 2 at a time) also make sure that they are put into the correct slots, i.e 1in1 & 2in3 or whatever your board manual suggests. The idea is to eliminate any module errors and test whether or not running 16GB of ram in a overclock profile (which XMP is) is causing your problems.

If you haven't already try running the Intel cpu diagnostics.
Here it is for a 64 bit OS
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Deta...&DwnldID=19792

It will check out timing and various chip functionality plus a load test.