Solved AMD X4 9850 Temp Issues

[oneextraid]

I just constructed a barebones system from Tigerdirect. Uses Asus M4a785 m MoBo, AMD II X4 9850 Quad processors. I was planning to play with overclocking but my temps seem to be high even when running at 2.5 Ghz. Temp from speedfan and Amd Overdrive say temps are 58 - 59 degrees C. I have set it to 2.7 and temps get to 60 C without any load so I am concerned to leave it OC'd.

Do these temps seem high? All forums that I have read seem to say yes.

 

[Wallonn7]

I imagine that the processor is being used with the stock cooler ... OCing with a standard cooler is not the best of ideas ...

 

[Sardonicus]

They do seem high, but within a safe range.
They could be lower.
It may have something to do with your cooling solution and how you applied the thermal paste.
Are you using Arctic Silver 5 and did you follow the instructions in the link?
Arctic Silver Incorporated - Route to Product Instructions for Arctic Silver 5

 

[oneextraid]

I am using the heatsink/fan that came with the barebones system. I have considered another heatsink/fan but I am not sure that I want to spend the additional money right now.

I used the thermal paste that was provided. Don't know if it was Arctic Silver proabaly not. If I do decide replace the heatsink, I will get some Arctic Silver paste.

Also, would an additional case fan help significantly? I have one small one on the side and the PS fan.

Could I run safely with temps in the high 50s?

 

[Wallonn7]

72 º C is the last step before the boom! Say you're between the lowest and boom ... exactly in the middle.
That's mine at idle - see below:

 

[oneextraid]

What heatsink are you using to get those numbers? You must use water cooling to get that low.

 

[Wallonn7]

What heatsink are you using to get those numbers? You must use water cooling to get that low.

Stock cooler... As I mentioned in previous post, this temperature is recorded at idle - see the clock of each processor core. Room temperature is around 24 º C... Did you reactivate Cool n' Quiet in BIOS?... Sounds like you didn't...

 

[oneextraid]

Yes, I reactivated C n Q. Mine idles at 41-43 C. Also, processors run at half speed 1255 Mhz.

 

[Wallonn7]

Could you download Core Temp and do what I did above?

 

[oneextraid]

I captured in Temps.jpg. Hope it attaches.

 

[Wallonn7]

I captured in Temps.jpg. Hope it attaches.

Thanks for posting the thumbnail.
Well, my last question was settled: vid and idle frequencies are consistent with the processor specifications. What remains is to return to post http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/151936-amd-x4-9850-temp-issues.html#post1303520
Unless you live in a desert, the problem is the result of bad thermal paste ... you had trouble centering the cooler over the CPU?!

 

[oneextraid]

I spread the paste evenly on the processor per instructions. The heatsink attaches by clips on either side, there were no instructions regarding alignment. Is there any documentation anywhere on how to do the alignment?

 

[Wallonn7]

I spread the paste evenly on the processor per instructions. The heatsink attaches by clips on either side, there were no instructions regarding alignment. Is there any documentation anywhere on how to do the alignment?

When I mentioned the alignment, I mean my concern that when installing the heatsink maybe you could have done it "dance" on the processor, which would cause portions of the surface of the processor ran out powered thermal long as they're that others stay with excess ... In short, it would bring relatively high temperatures such as those you have mentioned. As the case or not, your best bet is to get a good quality thermal paste. Review the post http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/151936-amd-x4-9850-temp-issues.html#post1303520
Let us know when you're ready!

 

[oneextraid]

The paste that came with the processor was a very small amount so it may not have provided enough coverage.

Here are the specs for the heatsink that I have.
http://masscool.com/product_detail.php?pid=&id=111

I have also ordered some Arctic Silver 5. I should have by end of week or next week at the latest.

 

[Wallonn7]

The paste that came with the processor was a very small amount so it may not have provided enough coverage.

Here are the specs for the heatsink that I have.
Masscool

I have also ordered some Arctic Silver 5. I should have by end of week or next week at the latest.

From what you said above, you got a PIB WOF cpu, ie "Processor in a Box Without Fan and Heatsink". As you had pretensions to OCing, so far so good. But after meeting the heatsink you chose ... I must say it was not a good choice! AMD heatsinks that come with Black Editions have a copper base and the remainder is aluminum. Masscool 5W1081F1M3 is pure aluminum ... Considerable difference. And I hope in my heart that the temperature measurements so far have been motivated only by low-quality thermal paste only ... Let us know the results after Arctic Silver thermal paste. I wish you best wishes for success!

 

[oneextraid]

I agree that the heatsink was not my first choice. However, this is a barebones packaged deal from Tigerdirect. It is my first so I have learned and am learning a great deal about what I would have done differently. The processor is going to be a challenge because it is not a black edition. Therefore, multiplier is not unlocked. I have been able to change bus speed to get higher speeds but have not done much due to temps. After I change the paste, I will see if I can move forward with OC'ing or if I need to get a better heatsink. Right now I don't want to spend a lot of money until I know what my issues are.

Thanks for your help. I am retired and thought that this would be a fun project. Worst case I wasted $400. I can always use the hard drive and DVD burner so it won't be a total loss if it goes south.

 

[Wallonn7]

I agree that the heatsink was not my first choice. However, this is a barebones packaged deal from Tigerdirect. It is my first so I have learned and am learning a great deal about what I would have done differently. The processor is going to be a challenge because it is not a black edition. Therefore, multiplier is not unlocked. I have been able to change bus speed to get higher speeds but have not done much due to temps. After I change the paste, I will see if I can move forward with OC'ing or if I need to get a better heatsink. Right now I don't want to spend a lot of money until I know what my issues are.

Thanks for your help. I am retired and thought that this would be a fun project. Worst case I wasted $400. I can always use the hard drive and DVD burner so it won't be a total loss if it goes south.

AMD Phenom 9850 is rated as Black Edition at AMD's website. See - the asterisk: AMD Phenom
Anyway, despite the $ 400 ( ? ), you got more experience, which offsets any disappointment, at least that's what I think. I'm glad I was able to give you some help in this process. I hope that continuity will be even more rewarding ... at worst, as I say, "dying and learning"... Stay tuned!

 

[oneextraid]

Well I cleaned the old paste and installed Arctic Silver but to no avail. Still high temp. I ran Prime95 for about 3 minutes and was still climbing at 65 C so I ended it. Guess I have no choice but to not OC or spend money for better heatsink. Tigerdirect really screwed me on this one!!

 

[Wallonn7]

( ... ) Guess I have no choice but to not OC or spend money for better heatsink. ( ... )

I sadly agree...
If you can tell me the inside width of your case, I might suggest some heatsinks. What do you say?!

 

[oneextraid]

Where do I measure? It is a large case. Here is a link to the case. It is really cheaply built but works.
PowerUp ATX Black Mid-Tower Case - Clear Side, 2x USB, Audio Ports, 4x 5.25 Bays, 6x 3.5 Bays, 450-Watt Power Supply at TigerDirect.com