Overheating?

Hi!

My computer fan sounds like it's at high speed. We're having a sudden hot spell, and the fan normally wouldn't sound like this unless I had a bunch of programs running at once.

Will the computer display a window telling me if it's dangerously hot? As long as the fan is on, is it ok to play with the computer? I surf and e-mail, just the basics.

Specs in Siggy.
Thanks!

 

Have a look in the BIOS for a setting that will either warn you or shutdown the computer when it get to a specified temp.

You could also take the side of the case off during hot spells.

 

Not sure what BIOS means or how to get there. What temperature should it be set at?
Sorry.

 

Try this Motherboard Monitor 5.3.7.0 available free from MG, hey get it this week as it made the top ten list, and you to can be a Geek

 

Ahh OK. Have a look in your mother board manual for the setting of the temp. Safer than messing around in the BIOS. If the setting is there it is easy enough to set though.

I think mine is set somewhere around 60c.

 

Ahhh, thanks!
~ blushes ~
I'll have to look at that program. Thank you!

 

I looked at the manual and couldn't find a temperature setting. I'm probably overlooking it as it's packed with really big techie words! lol

I did however, find a program on the computer called Everest Home Edition.
Anyways, I found this information within the program, does this help?
Thanks again!

Sensor Properties
Sensor Type Winbond

Temperatures
Motherboard 42c
CPU 60c
Aux 41c
Maxtor 45c

Cooling Fan
CPU changes from 4688 RPM to 4821 RPM

 

Looks like you could probably do with a better fan for the cpu especially if all you are doing is basic stuff on the pc.

Is that the fan making all the noise?

 

Hi!
Wow, that's a bummer. The b/f asked the computer store to make up a computer for him able to play games too. I would've thought everything would be of qood quality?

As far as I know it's the fan? I don't know anything about the insides of a computer, other than the computer is normally quiet unless I'm running several scans all at once such as AdAware, Spybot, AVG Antivirus scan, yadda, yadda, yadda, then the fan (noise) will raise to a higher pitch, then eventually slow down once all the scans are completed.

 

Just downloaded & installed Everest.

My cpu is a pentium 4 2.6 clocked @ 3.1ghz.

My cpu temp is 41c.

Fan speed for the cpu is 2446 RPM.

Yours is way higher. Looks like the fan is ineffective.

I am running a Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu. If you look you will have to seach for CNPS7000A-Cu.

It is very easy to install but your P4 might not be compatible. It should give you a bit of an idea though of what to look for.

 

Thanks for your help, kinda not sure what to do now though. I'm surprised that the computer shop didn't put in a better fan when the computer was supposed to have been built for gaming (bf), and I'm having this problem with just surfing.
(Currently 26c in the house, a difference of 3 degrees when the fan sound was low yesterday). (Today outside was a high of 30c earlier, only raised the inside temperature slightly).

There's just a hint of dust inside the case, can this be cleaned by unplugging the computer and using a Swiffer Duster? I'm not comfortable doing this. Maybe a better fan could be put in, and they can dust it! lol

Thanks for the information!

 

Yea Oooops, I agree with Hipster that CPU is running HOT 50c is kinda the unwritten rule, sorry about making a good Canuck girl blush

 

Don't think a Swiffer Duster would be recommended for cleaning inside the case.

I use a suction cleaner but even that is not recommended.......but it is cheaper........if you don't suck any parts up......or create static........or.....

 

Ahhh shucks, is it getting hot in here, or is it just me. Oh wait, my computer also operates as a furnace. My igloos melting.
lmao

 

Darn it all, my Swiffer Duster is the best thing since chocolate! lol Well, if you guys don't recommend it, I better get a pro to tackle this for me, my luck I'd end up with a perm!


Side Note
Should I trust the shop it was bought from again for a new fan and dusting? My warranty expired a few months ago. Or maybe try Futureshop?

 

A simple clean may correct the heat issue or they might find a problem with the fan.

If you haven't had any other issues & the shop where you bought it looks after you give them one more try.

You could shop around for the best price but that doesn't guarantee anything either.

AHHHHHGGGG I hate computers.

 

Ok, I'll give them another try. Would you happen to have a guesstimation as to how much another fan would cost? Canadian dollars if possible? Did I mention that I'm both a computer and math dummy?
Ho hum.
Thanks again, I really appreciate all this help!

 

You are probably better off searching for it for yourself.

What you need to know is the type of pentium 4 you have. eg, I have a Socket 478. That's what you will need to find out first. Everest might be helpful getting the info.

Once you know that try doing a google for eg, cooling socket 478. Do a bit of research & make you choice.

Hopefully others here will make recommendations........once we know the socket number.

 

From "CPU Type" in Everest........
Intel Pentium 4, 2400 MHz (18 x 133)

Is that the information requested? I was able to click on that line for more info., but got a "Page Not Found"
http://www.intel.com/products/browse/processor.htm

 

Why these sites can't pick a page & go with it I don't know.

In everest under CPU type you'll see CPU Physical Info/Package type.

What does that say?

Also right under CPU type what is the CPU alias?

 

Does this show up ok?
Thanks!

 

OK looks like a Prescot Socket 478. Now to do some digging with google.

 

You're the bestest!
I think it went down a degree, lol.

 

Just read that the Prescotts run about 10c hotter than the Northwoods. So if you can get that down by around 10c it may be OK. Maybe giving it a good clean might do it.

Do a google for cooling socket 478 prescott.

 

I appreciate all your help. I will continue this tomorrow, as it's almost 1am and need some sleep. Thanks for specifiying exactly what to Google!
G'Night Hipster Doofus!


PS.
Will this overheating cause much damage? Fire hazzard? Or just quicker wear and tear on parts?
Thanks.
ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

"Prescotts soon became known as blazing-hot power-sucking hogs."
lmao
I found that in one of the Googles. Oh my.

 

Compare temps here.

That will give you a bit of an idea of what to aim for. You could try adding 2.4 to the end of the search string.

Av a good one....sleep that is. It's mid afternoon here. Sleep later.

 

Hi!
Had a good nights sleep, and turned the computer on to see the warmth. Not that much difference in temperatures. I'm confused! The computer has only been on for a couple of minutes, and I don't hear a fan on full speed. Everything is quiet, except for the regular hum of the computer.

 

Hey Oooops, think we might have to give you a new moniker “HotStuff” comes to mind with your problem, dang don’t you just hate it when your Igloo melts.

That CPU temp is high anything over 50 ºC is a danger sign. Your Power Supply Voltages are a tad low as well, general rule is no more than .25 of posted voltage example +12V is reading 11.55, and your -5V is reading -4.29. Also your CPU core voltage should be 1.4 but Everest is showing 1.34, just wonder did b/f have the computer overclocked? If not it maybe a faulty Power supply. Cleaning the dust bunnies out of your computer, is relatively easy just pick-up a can of compressed air from the computer store and blow those little fuzz balls out of both your computer and keyboard,

Warning though the SPCA might try to nail you for cruelty to DB’s, here in Lotus Land I think they are on the “Endanger Species” list along with the other household critter called Fur Balls

 

Hi! HotStuff here........

Thanks for your reply, although I didn't understand much of this techie talk, lol. Believe it or not, I think I know more about the computer than the b/f, I know scarey! I had to look up the term overclock, I haven't done so, and I know the b/f never has. I don't allow him much computer time, I get a little possesive with my 'puter toy, lol.

As for the low power suppley, my only guess is because this is an older house that we rent? I was given an Energizer Battery Backup for the computer last year by his Uncle, would that have any effect? I know that the b/f had a heck of time getting it plugged in as the wires were opposite or something, so he corrected it so the backup battery would work. Is it this screwed up house causing it, or the computers screwed up?

Since I haven't much of a clue about this, would you be able to write a few notes for me that I can give the computer shop to check out on the computer? I'll ask them to dust the computer for me as I'm allergic to dust. Seriously! Not an excuse! lol The computer I think is a year and half old, the b/f had it made up by a little computer shop, and he had asked for it to be able to play video games. I just surf and e-mail.

Everyones help very much appreciated. And the explainations of what you're talking about help me understand more about my computer. Thank You!


PS
The computer shop is a bit of a drive away, would Futureshop be able to handle this for me, or should I go straight to the place that built it?
Thanks again.

 

Might be best to back up a bit Oooops!

Let's see what temp the CPU go up to. Who knows it might not get much hotter.

Grab Prime95 & install it. When installing you just want it for testing purposes.

Open everest up to the temp. Run Prime95 & watch that temp. What does it get to after 10 or so minutes?

If it starts pushing 68 - 69c close off Prime95.

How did it go?

 

Hey there “Hotstuff”, oops I mean Oooops. Hipster has a good suggestion as I do believe that your CPU has Thermal monitor so possible ramping up the temp some more should not hurt. However I am still concerned with the low voltage values that Everest is showing. With regards to the Energizer Battery Back-up just unplug the computer from it and then plug in the computer to the wall socket and check the voltage again with Everest if you note they go up, you will know where the problem is. Futureshop here in Canada is a joke, they only want to sell stuff, do not even back-up the stuff they sell Grrrrrr. Suggest you ask some of your friends who they use and print out this thread to take with you to the computer store. Just to let you know I had a friend that had to install three Power Supplies (PSU) before he got one that worked, and they are cheap and easy to install. That you have Everest helps the computer shop a lot, so make certain that you print-out copies of your Everest reports as you go along. They should be able to install PSU, dust out your case for about $100 CDN, though some shops ask $175 CDN just to look, so check with your friends. But hey lets be positive it may just be your Energizer Battery Back-up, could also be low line voltage into your house, your local Electrical Utility must check that, and it should be FREE

 

Hi!
I installed the Prime95 program, pressed the "test" option, then I get headings along the top such as "File", etc. What do I select? It opens to a blank screen. I've had the computer on for about 10 minutes now, (house temperature is a 26c) and the CPU is currrently 57c, the fan isn't quiet anymore, it's slowly starting to get faster, but not at top speed.
Thanks!

 

Thanks!
This is a picture from when I unplugged it from the battery backup into a regular socket. Well, somewhat regular. This socket is actually in the floor, we're renting an older house, probably about 50 years old. The cord won't reach a regular wall one without using an extension cord. I'll try that next. I don't understand electricity, but I think this plug was made "correct" for the battery to work, the socket was hooked up backwards (?) originally. I'll unplug it, and use the extension cord to a further away wall plug. I think that one is also backwards, but not fixed like this one? Anyways, I'll keep yas posted!
Appreciate your patience very very much!

 

Ok, nevermind that idea. The other further away wall plugin doesn't accept a 3 prong plug.

Long story short, I may not be able to get Hydro to look at the house, as Hydro is still in previous owners name. I pay the bill, she moved to Arizona! We just rent it out from her, was a friend of mine. Maybe I could get her Dad to call them up for me, as he's acting landlord.
Clear as mud? lol

 

Did a check on your Everest readings and Intel fact sheet for your CPU and have noted that as your temp rises your voltage drops, so it sounds like you either have a Power Supply problem or your Line Voltage is low. Due to the hot weather back East you could just be suffering from a “Brownout”, so I would keep an eye on it over the next little while, or you could move to “Lotus Land” snicker for we are always saying where is Oooops.

 

Thanks for checking that information for me. The more I understand, the better I can describe the problem/affects to the fix it shop. Hopefully get it in to be looked at tomorrow as I only have a short work day Friday.

So, tell me about this Lotus Land that you have mentioned! lol

 

I know I'm coming into this a little late but you should probably look at your case ventilation too.

Your Aux temperature is the temp inside your case, if the room is at 26 degrees then I'd expect the cse temp to be more like 30. As it is then one reason you can't cool your CPU is that you're blowing hot air onto it.

A good case has one fan blowing air in and 2 blowing air out, all moving the air from the front of the case to the back. Could you let us know what case fans you have please (any that are not on the CPU or Graphics card would be interesting). I ask because my family have a Dell with NO case fan at all (just a CPU fan with a duct to the back of the case)...

Good luck.

 

Hi Orbital57, thanks for joining in!


I wasn't able to get the computer in this afternoon, will try again Tuesday. I didn't realize, but I think that I have 2 fans, not just one.

My case has a see through side, and from what I gather, there's a fan in the corner blowing warm air out the back of the computer. I found another fan which looks like is placed against an object on the wall of the computer. There's 2 vent holes (no fans attached) at the back as well.

I'm sorry, I can't get the computer out far enough to take a picture without unplugging everything.

So, so far what I can tell the computer fix it shop, is that;

• Inadequate Ventilation
• Power Supply Problem / Voltage Drops when warm
• Dusting

Thanks for the guidance!

 

AaaaaaaaaaaaaH "Lotus Land" Well for one thing Oooops, our computers never overheat, it only rains at night, and the temperature never goes over thirty or under twenty degrees C. Oh yea, and us dudes ride around on white horses and wear funny looking armour...snicker Has the outside temp dropped back east yet, if so check your settings on Everest

 

AAAaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh, I like the sounds of Lotus Land!
~ Sits dreaming at her computer ~

OH! Ahem...... The heatwave is over, it's a nippy 18 Degrees C outside now, lol, and the computer temps seem to be about the same. I think I've got a date coming up with the computer fix-it shop!

 

Sorry to hear that Oooops, But hey a PSU isn't that expensive, which is what I am pretty certain it is, but money doesn't matter to you rich easterners right. Hey PM me when you get the problem licked, and hey only us "Lotus Land" characters can dream at the computer

 

Hi Oooops!

Sucking dust off probably isn't the greatest idea.. Widgets and gadgets can get bumped, and you could end up with a shiny box of bits that does little more than get hot and cause angst!

Blowing is a good option and the amount of dust it leaves behind is fine. You could get a can of 'dust off' or similar from a photogrpahic store. Make sure there is nothing too ugly in the can, and, don't tilt it so that the liquid comes out.

Be very careful touching any of the motherboard even with dusting tools!

Bolts

 

Hi Bolts!

Thank you for your concern for cleaning the computer, and explaining the reasons why. I'm not gonna attempt the "dusting" of the computer myself, 'cause I'm afraid it'll end up as a new "door stop", lol. While the computer is at the fix it shop, I'm going to ask them to take care of that for me. I don't want to risk the chances myself, as I'm too addicted to the computer, and don't think I could survive the withdrawl, lmao.

Thanks for your input! Very much appreciated!

 

Right! If my overdraft is overdrawn, I can always purchase the new unit with one of my credit cards, lmao.
Smart Ass!


Dreams of Lotus Land..............

 

Update!

Hi all!

Took my computer into the fixit shop today with my Everest Notes and your suggestions written down for the repair guy, turns out the computer is ok, just needed some dust/cat hair cleaned from the fan which was half blocked, causing the higher temperatures.

As I understood it, the guy said that this computer is fine to run at 55C, or around there, it's not until 70C that I need to worry. Pulled the desk further away from the wall to allow for more air flow as well, and vacuumed the carpet behind. He said I didn't need another fan installed for air flow, cause there's 2 vents, and the voltage was within his parametres, (the house is older, but the landlord said the floor socket is a direct line, nothing else uses it, and was installed not too long ago for an air conditioner).

The fan doesn't sound like it wants to fly off anymore, thanks for your guidance everyone, I've learned a lot, and will continue to do so, and appreciate your personal preferences on computers.

 

Awh shucks now our "Hot Stuff" has just become an Ooooops again Congratulations Oooops, did you get any word on the Voltage situation?

 

Gosh darn it all, I was just getting used to my new nickname! lol Oh well, back to Oooops, until I mess something else up on the computer, shouldn't take me long! lmao

The voltage thingy, well the fix-it guy said it was ok, it's within "parameters". The house is a bit older, and some of the outlets are new, one looks kinda weird, some look normal, and the only one available outlet that I can plug the computer into is in the floor. I asked the landlord about it, he said the outlet was added to the house a few years ago to accomodate a big ass (pardon my french) electricity sucking air conditioner at the time. He said it's a direct line, and nothing else is hooked up to it.

So, dunno. The computer sounds better, the fan isn't whirring so loud anymore. All is good.

 

Here's another picture, the computers been on for about an hour this evening. On and off during the day............

 

Great to see you lost your "Fever" Oooops, volts are a little below "Parameters" but hey as long as the temp is okay who cares stay "cool" Ooops and catch you again on the "ether"