Overheating problems

CaspianPuddle.DeleteThis@gmail.com wrote:
> I was wondering what might be the cause of my computer's overheating
> problems.
> As i am typing this i have the program "SpeedFan" running in the
> background.
> It says:
> Temp1: 22C
> Temp2: 68C
> Temp3: 5-60C (it fluctuates violently for some reason) >_<
> HD0: 41C
> HD1: 45C
> Temp1: 70C
>
> It's the Temp 2 and the second Temp 1 that i am worried about
> after much consulting with friends Temp 3 Fluctuating is just due to
> old damage done to it.
> It is also concluded that it's normal temperature after a couple hours
> is around 30C, no biggie.
>
> but again, Temp 2 and Temp 1 are usually within 2 degrees (celsius) of
> eachother,
> and when they get around 74+ w hen playing games like World of
> Warcraft, Starcraft, F.E.A.R., the computer usually overheats...
>
> The funny thing is that it has only started to overheat in the past
> couple weeks or even month.
> I have checked all fans and they are working properly.
> I have cleaned it with a hair dryer (on cool)
> and perhaps i should buy that air stuff form stores that cleans
> computers dusts and stuff?
> not sure...
>
> If i air dry it with that Air stuff.... not sure what it's called, and
> it still overheats what should i try next?
> What do you guys think might be the problem?
>

Try ordinary cleaning methods. High velocity air can generate
static electricity (caused by the dust hitting things, not the
air itself). Alcohol and a cleaning rag or cotton bud, can
be used to clean things without harm.

I would remove the CPU heatsink, clean off the thermal compound,
and apply fresh compound. Then reassemble the CPU heatsink to the
CPU. Thermal compound can be "pumped out" from between the CPU
and heatsink, and thermal paste needs to be replaced if you find
your CPU temps are too high. You can get application instructions
here. Take extra care if your CPU has an exposed silicon die.
Ask for help if you don't know how to deal with an exposed
silicon die. You can chip the edge of the silicon die on
the ones that are exposed.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique_instructions.htm

To remove the CPU heatsink, to change the paste, try this:

1) Operate the computer with one of your games, so the processor
gets good and hot.
2) Shut down the computer quickly. Remove external cables.
Sit the computer on your lap.
3) Remove pressure from the heatsink clips. Depending on the shape of the
clip, some have a tab that you can manipulate with a hex screw
driver. The hex driver won't slip off the clip quite as easily
as a normal slot screwdriver. With a slot or blade screwdriver,
if you slip off, it hits the motherboard and sometimes cuts a
signal track.
4) Once the clips are loose, give the heatsink a slight twist, to
break the suction force. The reason you heated up the CPU, was
to make the old paste a little more supple.

Also, the CPU cooler only works, as long as cool fresh air is being
moved through the computer case. Check that your computer case
separate exhaust fan on the back of the computer is still working.
The fan on the PSU is not enough to cool a computer - you need a
separate fan on the back of the computer to help with the duties.
There must be sufficient intake vent area on the front of the
case, so that the efforts of the rear exhaust fan are not for
nothing. I had to mod my case, by removing the plastic bezel on
the front, so my rear fan could move more air through the case.
At normal room temps, my CPU is 43C while gaming.

Paul