I just built my first computer yesterday, and it is up and running. The thing that worries me is my CPU/heatsink installation.
Here are my computer specs:
OS: Windows XP 32-bit
CPU: 3.0 GHz AMD Phenom II X4
Memory: 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 GSkill
Video Card: Sapphire ATI Radeon HD4870 1GB
HDD: Western Digital 1TB SATA
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P 790X
PSU: CoolerMaster 700W
Case: Mid-Tower CoolerMaster
Optical Drive: an old PATA DVD-burner
I installed the heatsink that came with the Phenom II X4 CPU. I placed the heatsink on top of the CPU and connected the two latches on the sides, but I can't move the handle thing on the side by 180 degrees (which is what the manual said to do). I can only move the handle by about 90 degrees (but doesn't stay in that position because of gravity), and if I push it more, it feels like I'll break the CPU. So, I didn't do the last step in the manual. Also the picture of the heatsink in the manual does not match the one that I actually have (the handles look different). I also did not apply any thermal compound because the heatsink already has some pre-applied. Or am I supposed to apply some anyway?
Right after I built my computer, I ran a CPU temperature test. I turned on my computer and checked the CPU fan, case fans (2 of them that came with the case), and the video card fan. They all work. Then I left the computer on in BIOS mode for about 15 minutes. The max. system temperature was 42C, and the max. CPU temperature was 48C. Is this bad? Does my computer need more cooling?
I installed Windows XP and played an old computer game (Warcraft III) to see if the temperature would go higher. The max. CPU temperature was 47C. Then I played a more recent game (Left 4 Dead) for about 7 hours straight on the highest video settings and 1920x1080 resolution. The max. CPU temperature became 55C, and max. system temperature is still 42C.
In summary, here is what I'm asking:
1. Did I install the heatsink correctly?
2. My max. CPU temperature is 55C, and my max. system temperature is 42C. Is that bad?
3. Does my computer need more cooling?
Here are my computer specs:
OS: Windows XP 32-bit
CPU: 3.0 GHz AMD Phenom II X4
Memory: 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 GSkill
Video Card: Sapphire ATI Radeon HD4870 1GB
HDD: Western Digital 1TB SATA
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P 790X
PSU: CoolerMaster 700W
Case: Mid-Tower CoolerMaster
Optical Drive: an old PATA DVD-burner
I installed the heatsink that came with the Phenom II X4 CPU. I placed the heatsink on top of the CPU and connected the two latches on the sides, but I can't move the handle thing on the side by 180 degrees (which is what the manual said to do). I can only move the handle by about 90 degrees (but doesn't stay in that position because of gravity), and if I push it more, it feels like I'll break the CPU. So, I didn't do the last step in the manual. Also the picture of the heatsink in the manual does not match the one that I actually have (the handles look different). I also did not apply any thermal compound because the heatsink already has some pre-applied. Or am I supposed to apply some anyway?
Right after I built my computer, I ran a CPU temperature test. I turned on my computer and checked the CPU fan, case fans (2 of them that came with the case), and the video card fan. They all work. Then I left the computer on in BIOS mode for about 15 minutes. The max. system temperature was 42C, and the max. CPU temperature was 48C. Is this bad? Does my computer need more cooling?
I installed Windows XP and played an old computer game (Warcraft III) to see if the temperature would go higher. The max. CPU temperature was 47C. Then I played a more recent game (Left 4 Dead) for about 7 hours straight on the highest video settings and 1920x1080 resolution. The max. CPU temperature became 55C, and max. system temperature is still 42C.
In summary, here is what I'm asking:
1. Did I install the heatsink correctly?
2. My max. CPU temperature is 55C, and my max. system temperature is 42C. Is that bad?
3. Does my computer need more cooling?