Solved High CPU temps, need new cooler?

[Flar]

my phenom ii 965 is idling at about 46C and up to 50C. It's overclocked to 3.8Ghz with 1.47v, but still was about the same at stock. I'm using Asetek 550LC Liquid CPU Cooling System or a very similar model (I got it from Ibuypower about 3 years ago.) After looking around this seems pretty hot for it and I was wondering if I should just replace the cpu cooler?

 

[HonorGamer]

Overclocking is extremely riskful. Could also cause some major problems. I suggest reseting the overclock to default settings. Also make sure your cooler system is on the CPU all the way. Just some simple suggestions.

-Justin

 

[Flar]

I'm aware of the risks, I'm going to check the thermal paste (if it has any?) and if it's not that I'll get a new cpu cooler

 

[HonorGamer]

If there was no thermal paste at all, then it would freeze at the BIOS loading screen. Because it would be overheating so much. Atleast that is what happened to me on my old computer.

-Justin

 

[Flar]

yeah normally it would, but I read somewhere that you don't use thermal paste with this since it's liquid cooling, but that doesn't sound right to me

 

[HonorGamer]

When my brother was using liquid cooling he said you do still need thermal paste. So yes use thermal paste.

-Justin

 

[Layback Bear]

YES, YES you still need thermal paste, The metal in contact, (the cpu and cooler) have no idea if you are water cooled or air cooled. All the know is if their is proper full contact and is heat being transfer. Have you load tested using Prime 95 and see what temps you get? Don't do this if you don't have thermal paste applied properly.
Take a look here.
Arctic Silver, Inc. - Instructions

 

[QuackPot]

The thermal paste lost its effectiveness when I got my new motherboard a few days ago. I replaced it with a True Spirit 140 with Arctic silver 5 paste and since then them temps rarely go over 35c under load.

I have a 2500k but I'm sure it'll just as effective with your AMD.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Highly recommend proper removal and a re-application of quality thermal paste and I stress quality. Please remember less is more and to wiggle and squeeze it into place and then tighten with equal pressure. Also allow the new compound to seat for at least a day at regular temps before hitting it with a full OC. I used to use the single lentil size drop in the center but it always caused a oblong smear. I now prefer to use a small single dot with four dots in a square around the center dot, squeeze it into place with some twists and then tighten with nice even pressure.

 

[essenbe]

That is a pretty high idle temp for an AMD CPU. I have never used one, but have heard that Asetek makes some fairly good coolers. I believe they make the Corsair Hydro series coolers. I would suggest following some of the advice given above and completely clean the CPU and heatsink of old paste and re apply a good quality paste in a proper manner. If that does not solve your problem, I would consider a better cooler or air flow set up in the case. And as has been said above, liquid or air need the same thermal paste, it makes no difference.

 

[IIllytch321]

Easiest first, reset OC to default and see what happens. If you get much better temps, just OC a little more "gracefully", perhaps (If I remember correctly, increasing voltage creates a decent amount of heat. And I read that stock voltage is roughly 1.365, so just for a 400 MHz increase is that increase in voltage necessary?). If it's just as bad, definitely repaste (How often does one repaste? I don't know, but don't go cheap).

Even if it runs cooler with a more conservative OC, try repasting anyways, when was the CPU put in the machine?

 

[Flar]

YES, YES you still need thermal paste, The metal in contact, (the cpu and cooler) have no idea if you are water cooled or air cooled. All the know is if their is proper full contact and is heat being transfer. Have you load tested using Prime 95 and see what temps you get? Don't do this if you don't have thermal paste applied properly.
Take a look here.
Arctic Silver, Inc. - Instructions

I haven't ran prime 95 for too long, but the highest I've seen is 62C so just on the edge of suggested temp range

I just ordered some MX-4 so we'll see if that helps, but recently I've noticed some clicking coming from the pump so that could be it too. I'll let you guys know what happens

 

[Layback Bear]

To Flar. At this point don't worry about O/C voltages none of that stuff. Don't even use the computer until you get the cpu cooler mounted correctly with compound applied properly. I don't know what temps a AMD cpu should run. Their are people hear that are AMD people that can help you down the AMD road. I'm just trying to stop you from making a toaster. Then I will be on my way.

 

[Flar]

Easiest first, reset OC to default and see what happens. If you get much better temps, just OC a little more "gracefully", perhaps (If I remember correctly, increasing voltage creates a decent amount of heat. And I read that stock voltage is roughly 1.365, so just for a 400 MHz increase is that increase in voltage necessary?). If it's just as bad, definitely repaste (How often does one repaste? I don't know, but don't go cheap).

Even if it runs cooler with a more conservative OC, try repasting anyways, when was the CPU put in the machine?

It gets about 2-3C cooler idle temps when at stock so not too big of a change and it was put together about 2.5 years ago by ibuypower and I haven't touched the cpu or cooler since

 

[linnemeyerhere]

The clicking coming from the pump is something to listen for and watch temps like a hawk. Good news is the thermal shut down will step in but we don't want you to rely on that. If it was me I would back down my settings to stock, then re-apply the paste and listen to the pump once reconnected. If you hear clicking and still see higher then normal temps after cleaning the rad and fans with compressed air then toss that cooler and jump into a top quality air or a premium sealed water system.