Thread: pc cooling :)

When it gets to ~70*c, what is the CPU usage? If you're using Windows, open up the Task Manager (ctrl+shift+escape). Maybe there are other intensive processes overheating the CPU.

Is the tower in a well-ventilated area? (i.e. not packed in furniture or crowded around other things)
How warm is it in the room?

I think that's a single core, but with 2 threads. (if you don't know what threads are, look it up) You can determine the number of cores (among other things) by using Speccy.

thanks for a reply,

when it hits 70 degrees, cpu usage is 100%.i've checked for the processes that could cause this.Sometimes its internet, sometimes the task manager itself, or even notepad
ive scanned for viruses , even used registry fixer
the pc is located where it has good ventilation, near window, so i think its not the problem.

If cpu usage is at 100%, I think it's normal that it gets to 70*c (or higher). Next time, open task manager, show processes from all users, order by cpu usage. See what process(es) has high cpu usage. Perhaps it is an unwanted process.

You may be overworking your CPU, I myself have had experiences with CPU usage in laptops causing high heat and even on one laptop the keys started to melt because of this heat. A home PC is different though as i said earlier your CPU seems to be overworked. Restart your computer and see what the CPU usage is without any programs running. I personally have an I7 second generation and with no programs running the CPU is around 2%. You may need to replace or upgrade your processor, but a cheaper option to prolong its life would be to add more cooling.

I can't post links as this account isnt 7 days old yet, Even though i have donated to the forum

Coolmaster makes fantastic computer fans, Infact they are the Number 1 seller in 'Computer CPU cooling fans' on Amazon
Have a look at these search them in Amazon.

Amazon.com: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2): Electronics

Amazon.com: Cooler Master SickleFlow 120mm Blue LED Computer Case Fan (R4-L2R-20AC-GP): Electronics

Also something worth a try before running any games on your PC

Search "Can I run It" into google, it will be the first website.

Best of luck

ShadowCloud

You could certainly do better than that heat sink, but your performance issues may not be heat related so much as you just have an old machine. Here's more on your CPU: Is a Pentium 4 a Dual core? It's single core but able to emulate dual core to a degree. Improving airflow may or may not help--your temps are way higher than mine (like, double), but googling around suggests a lot of machines run that hot. It would be better if your CPU cooler directed its exhaust out the back of the case rather than against the side (don't know if you have a side vent). Do you have any case fans besides the power supply exhaust? You should at least have one fan in the main compartment pushing air out the back (more or less lined up with your CPU cooler). You could also put in a front intake fan; a side intake would just be fighting that CPU cooler, if your case even has a side vent where you could put one. Replacing the CPU cooler on a machine that old IMO isn't worth the trouble and risk, especially if you're not that comfortable working on a PC. You'd be better off saving up for a new MoBo and CPU or a new off-the-rack PC.

It's an abysmal heatsink. Sometimes it doesn't seat correctly on the cpu. I would hazard a guess that this is your problem. Ditch it and get a better heatsink. Clean the chip and remove the thermal compound from the new heatsink with isopropyl alcohol and coffee filter paper. Then apply a decent thermal compound such as arctic silver 5 and follow some professional guidelines on applying the compound. Actually on arctic silvers website there are excellent guides.

Also add case fans if you can and make sure there is sufficient airflow around your pc.