ASRock FM2A88x-ITX+ Running Hot with A10-7850K

Hello All!

I've just built out my first Mini-ITX build, and all works well except for the really high CPU temp! We are talking 60 - 70C on idle. I've made sure that the motherboard's BIOS was updated, and that didn't do anything. I've contacted ASRock, but I figured someone here will probably get back to me sooner than them. If anyone wants pictures just let me know so that I may post them. In the mean time I will wait for ASRock to get back to me as well. Just to give you more info:

ASRock FM2A88X-ITX+
A10-7850K AMD APU
240 GB PNY SSD
Athena Power 320 Watt Power supply (Mini-ITX/Flex ATX)
G. Skill Sniper Series 2400 Mhz DDR3 Ram 2X4 GB

I've scavenged on the internet, but the only thread I have found was a guy that was attempting to run this exact build with a R7 Card attached to a 150W Antec power supply! IMO that's pretty nuts.

On a side note: I have re-seated the CPU and the RAM. Everything looks fine on the motherboard, but this ridiculous temperature is driving me up the wall. Also, I have noticed that when I'm in the BIOS and looking at the H/W Monitor the temperature goes from (first boot) 32C -> 65.5C. What's going on there? Could this be a defective motherboard?

 

A sudden temperature spike usually indicates the cooler isn't seated correctly, you might want to check that first.

 

:cry I've tried that already. Re-seated the heat sink, and the heat sink had its own thermal compound already on it (AMD Stock heat sink). Should I try putting more thermal compound on it?

Also, it's not a sudden spike. This is how it goes.

Boot straight to Windows 8.1
runs a little hot approximately 38 - 40C then gets gradually hotter perhaps up into the 50C arena. I approximate this temperature as I can't get the readings without proper working software. I've tried Cpuid's HW Monitor and those temperature readings are completely bogus. Something about AMD's APU drivers...

Boot straight to ASRock Bios
Runs from 38C all the way up to 66C while digging around in the BIOS.

What's going on here?

 

P.s. - I'm getting the temperature readings from the BIOS when I quickly jump from Windows to it.

 

So... I installed the latest amd all in one driver, and rebooted. Still the same ole' same ole' unfortunately. Checked the device manager - no yellow or red exclamation marks at all.

One thing to point out is the random cpu spikes with no real extensive processes running. I've attached a picture with AIDA64 to also show the temp.





Any ideas?

 

Also I've noticed something unusual.This is after 20 minutes of the system running. See pic below:



The disc usage is strange to me... Also you can't really tell in the image, but the CPU usage seemed to have died down a bit.

 

If you are using a stock cooler and an average ventilated case, this is not an abnormal temperature.

 

I'm sorry I just can't get over that (I understand it is a stock cooler). Seems too hot even for it being in idle; especially when in BIOS why does the temp get that high when doing nothing in the BIOS? I understand that it is an APU, but still seems hot after I researched it and found that others are having it run at least 10C cooler (even at full load).

The other problem is... I can't find a great after market cooler that will fit comfortably [with height restrictions] without having to do some modifications (i.e. - buy new ram that is low profile). I know there is the Noctua NH-L9A, but that is meant for 65watt TDP processors and below at least according to their website.

So, as much as I hate to - I'm going to do an RMA for both motherboard and APU. I will get back with you guys once I get the new stuff going and we'll see if we have the same results. In the mean time, thanks for everyone's help!

 

So, In the mean time (about 2 weeks ago) I sent ASROCK a tech support email and not surprisingly they haven't emailed me back yet. However, what is surprising is that I posted a review on Newegg.com and they responded to that review ASAP. Check it out below:

Manufacturer Response:
Dear ASRock Customer

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Due to UEFI BIOS has no power management control, CPU usage is max and temperature will be higher.
However, Windows has above mentioned function and temperature will be lower than BIOS except CPU usage is max.
If you have any technical questions or warranty issues in the future please contact us at http://www.ASRock.com/support/tsd.asp. We will assist you shortly.

Thank you

ASRock SUPPORT
Tech Support Email: http://www.ASRock.com/support/tsd.asp


So.... what?? This is normal for the BIOS to do this? Also, how would you explain it running hotter than usual for it idling in Windows? Clearly they didn't explain that.

 

Hi,

@laszlo87 I'm having identical problem as you. I also have A10-7850K in combination with FM2A88X-ITX+. When in BIOS, temperature quickly rises to 65C. That was my first problem with it, but as I now can see, I'm not the only one. In windows, CPU temperatue is quite normal, but I'm concerned of CPU Package temp which is ~80C. I don't think this is normal. Inductors and MOSFETs on Motherboard are so hot that it is impossible to touch it for more than 2 seconds. I have even measured MOSFETs temperature with thermometer and they are between 70-80C. Can you check what is your's CPU Package temp with hwinfo and if MOSFETS are hot? Also, with Prime95 test, CPU Package has grown to 105C really fast. I have canceled Prime95 before my MBO burns

 

@rmares

I returned both the CPU and the motherboard, so at the time I couldn't give you that info. I received a new CPU (still the same one... A10-7850K), but instead I purchased a different motherboard. I bought the:

MSI A88XI AC FM2+ / FM2 AMD A88X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130756

And actually I'm still receiving that high temp in the motherboard. So, just maybe ASRock was right when they said that they have no voltage regulation when browsing through the BIOS. That to me is still weird. Both MSI and ASRock have their motherboards programmed the same way.

I will say one thing. MSI took a little while to get up to the 65C temp in the motherboard (about 3 - 5 minutes versus 1 - 2 minutes in ASRock). I never experienced this when I built my first build with an AM3+ micro ATX motherboard.

 

@rmares

BTW - I also used software for measuring the temps on Windows 8.1, but it was extremely inaccurate (it also got in the 100C temp). I'm at work, and I don't remember what software it was. HWinfo sounds right. Something to do with the new drivers... I'm still working on it as I have other stuff to do, but I will check the mosfets and will get back to you.