Is this much heat normal for an FX-55 San Diego?

[saratoga]

Is the waterblock warm to the touch? You're sure its well mounted?

[madpete]

saratoga, definatley mounted correctly, I have reseated it four times in total and everytime the temps are the same. I think either all these chips run very hot or it has a bad connection between IHS and the chip, thats why I am considering Sai's suggestion on removing the IHS.

I think that if I removed it, it might only be to reseat it with a good connection. I've heard that if you do this right you can't tell its been done from the outside, so warranty wise you might still be ok?

Whats the general concensus on how dangerous this is? Do you guys think its worth it?

[Thorry]

It isn't that dangerous but offcourse you will always lose your warranty. It can't be done without some markers indicating you've done it.

The core itself is pretty strong so you wouldn't crush your chip easily.

First you should try mounting another CPU and check if the temps go down again (confirming that it is indeed the CPU that's causing the problem).

Also try and measure the temp with some kind of probe, never trust software reading of tempratures.

If you apply more volts does the heat go up and does the CPU crash when stressing it for like 5 mins (indicating that temprature is the problem)

[madpete]

Man if you want an adrenaline trip, try dissecting a 600 quid CPU with a razor blade

I did it though, so far it seems to have made around an 7-8 degrees difference, which might not sound a lot but I think that’s a fair drop. I still think these chips run hot, but I must have had a bad connection too.

I also had my Mushkin Redline XP4000 back from RMA today

Lots of testing and benching ahead

[G H Z]

Man if you want an adrenaline trip, try dissecting a 600 quid CPU with a razor blade

LOL, no doubt. That's a nice temp drop you got however....always makes me re-think it when I see these reuults.

I have a tricky SS mounting that keeps me from trying...

[timpanogos]

good job pete! giving me the courage to try the same!

[madpete]

Well guys, just to wrap this up I thought I'd give my results now that the AS5 has settled...

Before operation: max prime/occt stable speed 2.97ghz with 1.55v - temps @ around 38-40 degrees idle / 58-60 load.

After operation: max prime /occt stable speed 2.98ghz with 1.5v - temps at 34-36 degrees idle 46-48 load. I tried 1.55v again just to see how it compared, load temps never went over 50 degrees, though the CPU will not clock any higher without becoming unstable.

So as you can see I have gained some speed and stability, using slightly less voltage and my temps have dropped a fair bit. A good result.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their advice and encouragement