Worst temp with TRUE + Core i7

iTravis · 09-24-2009, 06:51 AM

I've been working on this but still have no idea why my temps are getting worse with the TRUE + 2 Ultra Kaze 2000rpm in push/pull config. I try to remount and reapply thermal paste many times but I still get the same result. I even did the penny trick but it doesn't get any better. Is it normal when after you mount it then you can still twist it a little?
My idle temp for the core i7 920@4.2Ghz @1.36V are 48-46-48-43 and when using LinX at full load they all hit 90 and above. I don't really know if there is something wrong with my TRUE or the way I mount it, apply thermal paste but I did try every possible things I could come up with. That's why I would like to hear inputs from you guys about how to install, apply TIM....etc
Btw here's a pix of the base of my TRUE:

halfwaythere · 09-24-2009, 10:09 AM

1.36v is pretty high if you've got a C0/C1 and the temps are quite normal. Try to post a picture with the paste imprint after you remove the heatsink.

If your cpu isn't lapped that may be one of the problems.

kgk · 09-24-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halfwaythere

1.36v is pretty high if you've got a C0/C1 and the temps are quite normal. Try to post a picture with the paste imprint after you remove the heatsink.

If your cpu isn't lapped that may be one of the problems.

Agreed. That many volts on a C0/C1 and 4200Mhz with HT on, hitting 90C after half an hour with all 8 threads going isn't unbelievable.

What are your ambients?

iTravis · 09-24-2009, 02:23 PM

Ironically I got a D0 and as far as I know that's not really high for a D0 to reach it stable at 4.2Ghz since I know some people might need 1.4 to get to 4.0Ghz even if a D0 chip. Pretty much the rest are around 1.3 something even if you're lucky then you need 1.2x to get to 4.0Ghz stable. The thing is I worry about temp more than anything since even if I need that voltage, it shouldn't be that high.

halfwaythere · 09-25-2009, 05:35 AM

A friend of mine has two 920 and both do 4.3Ghz with under 1.3v. 1.36v is pretty high even for a D0. My friend is getting over 80 degrees with a TRUE and a 3000 rpm fan at 1.37v at 22 degrees ambient with prime and HT on. So at a higher ambient with a worse paste and your fan setup your temps are actually very normal.

Lapping the CPU might shave a few degrees if you're lucky. But if you want much lower temps water if the only solution.

iTravis · 09-25-2009, 06:00 AM

Speaking of the D0, I've come across a few forums and many people say that not all D0 require such less voltage to reach 4.0-4.2Ghz easily. In fact I used to have a D0 that requires 1.4V to get 4.2Ghz stable. And don't forget some people don't wanna talk about whether their CPUs are stable with LinX or OCCT, they might just run a few benchmark like SuperPI or 3DMark and claim that it's stable. I can easily boot into Windows and run SuperPI for under 1.3V but when running such programs like LinX or Prime95 I'm sure it requires much higher voltage to remain stable.
Anyway back to the temp issue, I got that TRUE lapped and my room temp is hot these days, around 28-29C. I use the MX-2 so it can't be called worse thermal paste. I went to eVGA board and people say that my temps are really high at full load. I don't think WC is worth it as I have to get another case, might as well consider another air cooler like the Megahalem.

tensai · 09-25-2009, 04:53 PM

just for comparisions
im using a megahalem /w AS5 on a 975ee at 133x31 4.1ghz 1.393v /w ht. Running prime95 on all 8 threads max temp on core 0 is 84C

kgk · 09-25-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tensai

just for comparisions
im using a megahalem /w AS5 on a 975ee at 133x31 4.1ghz 1.393v /w ht. Running prime95 on all 8 threads max temp on core 0 is 84C

Wha......? 1.4V?! Why?

You must have one hell of a dud, and an EE to boot.

I can hit 4.0Ghz at 1.2x V quite easily on my 975.

That aside, running an i7 at 4.2Ghz 24/7 seems to be the upper limit even of water. A lot of chips without an unlocked multiplier won't go higher than that without phase/tec.

4.0-4.2Ghz 24/7 is a great clock for people who aren't doing benchmarks. Really no need to go any higher unless you're trying to set 3DMark records.

iTravis · 09-26-2009, 05:39 AM

I just asked unclewebb the creator of Real Temp and this is what he said: "On Core i7 920 CPUs, core 0 tends to report the highest temperature and tends to be the most accurate. Overclocked air cooled Core i7 CPUs that are running at 4.2 GHz run hot as hell when LinX is loading all 8 threads. Given your room temperature, your core temperatures seem normal. Hot as hell but normal.

Running at 90C 24/7 probably isn't a good idea but I assume that most normal applications you run are not going to stress or heat up your CPU like LinX does. LinX is definitely over kill compared to most software you run so you're probably fine at 4.2 GHz as long as your computer is stable. If those temps bother you then I guess you need to reduce your overclock or use water cooling like many of the guys on XS seem to be using on these chips.

Intel sets the thermal throttling point at 100C. 90C is a big number but if it was going to hurt your CPU then Intel would set the thermal throttling point lower but they don't. The thermal shutdown temperature isn't until 125C which you'll never see unless your heatsink falls off. Intel has a lot of confidence in their CPUs so I think you should too".

I guess I can get away with 4.0Ghz since temps never go above 76C full load. Still aiming for 4.4Ghz for benching though