Solved Custom Computer at 70C While Gaming (Is it a bad thing?)

[Semicolon]

A couple months ago I build my first computer and so far everything has been great. But since the weather has gotten warmer (I live in Buffalo) Core Temp has been reporting around 70C when I am playing games (most are Steam games). Otherwise it idles around 25-30C. Is this normal?, good?, terrible? Below are my system specs.

OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1

CPU
AMD FX-4170

Motherboard
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. SABERTOOTH 990FX (AM3r2)

Memory
8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 722MHz (9-9-9-24)

Graphics Card
2048MB AMD Radeon HD 6900 Series (Sapphire/PCPartner)

Hard Drives
932GB Western Digital WDC WD10 02FAEX-00Z3A0 SATA Disk Device (SATA)
233GB Maxtor 7 Y250M0 SATA Disk Device (SATA)
233GB Western Digital WDC WD25 00BEVS-08VAT2 SATA Disk Device (SATA)

PSU
CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 600W ATX12V v2.3

Case
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower

Cooling
Stock

 

[Golden]

70 seem far too high to me considering the max temp should be around 61:
AMD Processors for Desktops: AMD Phenom

Operating a component above its maximum rated temperature could damage it.

I would re-check the CPU cooler and thermal paste application, and then stress test the CPU under load to make sure its all good:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220743-cpu-stress-test-using-intelburntest.html

Regards,
Golden

 

[Layback Bear]

I personally never use a stock cooler. I agree 70c on a cpu is to high for me and it's right on the edge for a gpu under load.

 

[AddRAM]

Way to high

 

[Semicolon]

I am using the pre applied thermal compound that came on the heatsink. Would buying a third party cooler be a viable option now? Or should I look into other possible issues first?

 

[Golden]

Buy some thermal compound (E.g. Arctic Silver) then redo the stock cooler and test before buying an aftermarket cooler, just in case the pre-applied compound wasn't good.

 

[Semicolon]

So before I go out buy thermal compound and try to apply it to my heatsink, I was wondering if the internals of my build are setup it a good manner. I put links to some pictures of my tower.
IMG_7857.JPG
IMG_7858.JPG
IMG_7859.JPG
IMG_7860.JPG

 

[Dude]

Buy some thermal compound (E.g. Arctic Silver) then redo the stock cooler and test before buying an aftermarket cooler, just in case the pre-applied compound wasn't good.

So before I go out buy thermal compound and try to apply it to my heatsink, I was wondering if the internals of my build are setup it a good manner. I put links to some pictures of my tower.
IMG_7857.JPG
IMG_7858.JPG
IMG_7859.JPG
IMG_7860.JPG

I would go with Golden's advice and reapply the compound. Your build looks good to me as you have done well with cable management as far as I see.

 

[Semicolon]

Since it was my first build I was a little worried that I had not gotten everything in there properly. Since I have a gift card to l Best Buy I might also get a new cooler at the same time. I will keep posted on what happens. Thank you all for the help so far.

 

[COMPUTIAC]

Might be just me but, looking at the pic's the CPU cooler appears to have a dust build-up in it.
If you look in the first two pic's close, there is dust on the cooler fins behind the blades and on the edges of the fan blades. This could be part of the problem.
There is also a lack of fans ? I only see one in the rear ?

Of-course I agree with Golden on the thermal paste also.

 

[Semicolon]

There has been a bit of dust build up. I try to clean out out every week or so but it might just be extra dusty in that picture. There should be no lack of fans. Beside components with fans there are four fans. Two on the front as intake (with filter screen), one on the rear as output, and one on the top as output. The gpu has two fans on it also.

 

[COMPUTIAC]

OK, could not see the front fans or the top fan.

Is there a dust build-up behind the CPU cooler fan on the fins ?

 

[Semicolon]

Not really. I use a compressed air can when I clean the dust. It probably doesn't help that the house I am in is over 100 years old...so much dust.

 

[Dagens]

My overclocked Q6600 reaches 85 C

 

[Juxxize]

Not really. I use a compressed air can when I clean the dust. It probably doesn't help that the house I am in is over 100 years old...so much dust.

I like your thinking , that's my excuse too my house is dusty because it's old and I live near a busy road .

 

[Semicolon]

Haha yes. I think I would like to get a new cooler anyways, could anyone suggest a good one that I could get from Best Buy (I have a gift card there).

 

[tommyg562000]

May I also suggest getting some filters for your fans. That way you just take out the filters and wash them instead of having to blow out your rig every week.

 

[Semicolon]

There is a filter on the two intake fans on the front of my case. Would I need ones for the exhaust fans? To me that kinda is like closing the barn door after the house is out.

 

[Stephanie]

Hi Semicolon

If you do go for a new CPU cooler do check (clearance) as your RAM has high heat sinks.

 

[Semicolon]

They are kinda high. But hopefully I can find a cooler that will fit.