Solved: cpu overheating

[iDGAF559]

i dont know whats the problem but everytime i start windows it freezes at startup....i was wondering if its my heatsink because i touch it and it is very hot....so can anyone tell me whats going on,
thanks,

 

[crjdriver]

Enter the bios and check your temps and voltages. Post those here.

If you are unsure of how to access the info in the bios, read your manual. It should have detailed instructions on menus, etc.

 

[How'dIdoThat]

Is there dust buildup inside the tower, are the fans working, what is the make and model of the computer, are you low on ram... please give as much info as possible.

 

[iDGAF559]

Enter the bios and check your temps and voltages. Post those here.

If you are unsure of how to access the info in the bios, read your manual. It should have detailed instructions on menus, etc.

ok i got information on my computer:
hp pavillion 521n
256 mb ram pc100
cpu: AMD Athlon 1600+
cpu speed:1400 MHz/266MHz
cache ram: 128k+256k
cpu fan: 4340 rpm
system fan: 2073 rpm

and here comes the problem

cpu temperature: 63°C/145°F, and could've keeped on going but didnt want to risk it damaging it more

 

[iDGAF559]

Is there dust buildup inside the tower, are the fans working, what is the make and model of the computer, are you low on ram... please give as much info as possible.

ok i got information on my computer:
hp pavillion 521n
256 mb ram pc100
cpu: AMD Athlon 1600+
cpu speed:1400 MHz/266MHz
cache ram: 128k+256k
cpu fan: 4340 rpm
system fan: 2073 rpm

and here comes the problem

cpu temperature: 63°C/145°F, and could've keeped on going but didnt want to risk it damaging it more

 

[iDGAF559]

ok i got information on my computer:
hp pavillion 521n
256 mb ram pc100
cpu: AMD Athlon 1600+
cpu speed:1400 MHz/266MHz
cache ram: 128k+256k
cpu fan: 4340 rpm
system fan: 2073 rpm

and here comes the problem

cpu temperature: 63°C/145°F, and could've keeped on going but didnt want to risk it damaging it more

 

[win2kpro]

HP used crummy processor coolers on many of their machines (small heatsinks and high RPM fans).

Unplug the machine from the power source. The fan very likely is attached to the heatsink by 4 screws. Note the orientation of the fan and remove the screws to remove the fan. You will most likely find the heatsink is clogged with dust.

Take a small soft paint brush and gently brush the dust from the heatsink then blow the dust out of the chassis with compressed air. Next take some "Q-Tips" dip them in alcohol and clean both the front and back of the fan blades (it will probably take several "Q-Tips" to clean the blades.

After the heatsink is cleaned and the fan blades are clean re-attach the fan to the heatsink in the same orientation as it was removed. Tighten the securing screws "snugly" but do not try to over tighten the screws.

Plag the machine back into the power source, start it up and see if the temperatures are lower.

 

[crjdriver]

While you are inside the machine, take hold of the heatsink and see if it is still firmly attached. With that old of a machine, it is possible that one of the retention lugs or clips could have broken.

Post your temps again after you give the system a good cleaning.

FWIW those old amd athlons should run in the mid 40s or so with a decent cooler.

 

[iDGAF559]

i clean it and everything but still gets hot.
whats the next option?

 

[iDGAF559]

i clean but still hot...
the bottom of the heatsink is like brownish burnt though.

 

[crjdriver]

Remove the hsf and clean off the old thermal compound; replace with new thermal compound and reinstall the hsf. I assume you have checked and the hsf is in fact spinning when the system is pw ON.

Note for socket A type cpu, I always recommend pulling the mb to install a hsf. this is for two reasons;
1 The hsf has a recessed edge that fits over a lip on the retentions socket. If you do not get this installed correctly, it will overheat.
2 The socket A type cpu has an exposed die ie no heat spreader to protect the die. It is not that hard to crack the die when installing the hsf.

For the above two reasons, it is better to pull the mb and do the hsf install then replace the mb.

 

[iDGAF559]

ill do that. where do i get thermal compund for cheap?

 

[crjdriver]

Any computer store or I have even seen it at Staples. This is an example of what you need. Arctic Silver

 

[iDGAF559]

do i have to buy thermal pads? or should i stick with the arctic silver?
because my cpu is athlon

 

[crjdriver]

It is either or NOT both. If you buy a new hsf, it should come with a thermal pad. If you are going to reuse the old one, then you need to buy arctic silver.