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[scaryogre]

CPU Temp Question:

Just fired up my new rig for the first time. I'm in the BIOS and just wanted to monitor the CPU temp for a bit before proceeding. I want to ensure I don't need to make any modifications to the 9700 Zalman cooler I have on it before I go any further.

BIOS CPU Temps after 10 minutes with CPU, memory, etc. ALL at default speeds. e6600 CPU:

Processor Temp: 38C
Internal Temp: 32C
Remote Temp: 31C

Is this acceptable, good, bad, normal, or ???

Thanks.

-scaryogre

OK, first an embarrassing admission. I had the 9700 on backwards. Fan was fighting against the rear 120mm fan. Didn't even realize it.

OK, so now I also changed my case to an Antec Nine Hundred and my Zalman 9700 is on correctly. My temps are as follows according to Everest (again everything at default e6600 speeds...NO overclocking....yet):

Processor Temp: 27C
CPU Core #1: 21C
CPU Core #2: 19C

Quite a difference!

Next Question: I notice that my cores are seldom at the same temp. I am running browser windows, Everest, MSN Messenger, etc. Occasionally they will both go to 19C, but not that often.

I am concerned my thermal paste (Arctic Silver 5) may not be equally applied, or I have another issue with the 9700 mount. Is it normal in Windows for one core to be higher temp than the other? Is it a problem? I guess I was thinking (hoping) that perhaps the Core#1 (which is always the one that is higher in temp) was doing some "work" and that is why the temp is a bit higher?

I really do not want to take all this apart again and re-apply thermal grease. I did it according to the instructions on Arctic Silver's website and am sure I got it right. I just am not sure about the dual-core temps and if they should vary by ~2C (or less) on a regular basis.

Thanks for any help!

-scaryogre