Help!

[digitaldan]

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased a GigaByte 6600GT AGP Graphics Card. (The one with the huge "SilentPipe" Heatsink). Ive had it running in my machine for around 2 weeks without a problem.

However, 2 days ago, my CPU started running at even higher temperatures then before, causing the safety to cut in and the computer to shut off. It might be something to do with the sudden increase in heat in the UK recently however im open to any advice anyone can give me to keep the bastards temperature down. Ive currently got the side off my case which isnt helping at all.

My computer's specification is as follows:

ASUS P4P800SE Motherboard
3.00 GHz "Prescott" Pentium 4 Processor
Gigabyte 6600GT Graphics Card (500Mhz, 1120Mhz)
Creative SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS
512MB Corsair XMS RAM (1 x 512)
Hauppauge WinTV Nova-T
Maxtor DiamondMax 10 160GB SATA Drive
Microsoft Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005


If someone has any ideas what I can do (Including upgrading my cooling solution from the base P4 fan)
Please say so.

All help greatly Appreciated.

Thanks Again,
D@n

[0iD]

First off good airflow in your case is (imo) as important as good in-case cooling. Forst off ditch the std P4 cooler & get youself something more adequate like a Thermalright XP120 or a Gigabyte 3D Cooler-Ultra GT.

Also, what case have you got, how many fans & where are they situated?

[digitaldan]

Forgot to add by my case. Ive currently got a Coolermaster Cavalier, with the standard fans. Could ya give me a link for the fans you specified?

[ArmagoN]

Weirdly enough this has happened to me, Sometimes the thermal compound that is between the heat sink and fan can actually vibrate out of position. Sounds weird yes but after removing my heat sink i found all the compound bunched up on the sides of the core, and nothing actually between the heat sink and core.

after reapplying the compound my processor went back to normal tempratures. I think what may have happened is during transport between lan's, the heat sink may have only slightly dislodged allowing a small pocket of air underneath. The possibility here is that when you moved you machine to place the Graphics Card into your case, the heat sink moved ever so slightly.

Try that before buying millions of fans.... cos they are noisey.....

Then again, this may have only happend to me, cos i build my computer sticky back plastic and upvc glue lol

[0iD]

Here's a few linkys for you
Gigabyte
Star Ice
Thermalright which will need something like this

Remember to clean off the old thermal paste & re-apply some Arctic Silver or Ceramique

*Check motherboard compatability before purchasing!*

[digitaldan]

Thanks for your help.
Weird thing is I dont think I put thermal compound on my process. I just wacked the fan on top. This was over 8 months though when I build the machine.

It has also been moved many times so Im not sure why it would move now but ill take a look. It seems to be running more stable now, with the side of the case off. But that could because the whether has gotten worse and the temperature dropped.

I've been thinking for upgrading to watercooling (Although I wish I could afford a Vapochill lol) for a long time anyways so I may decide to do that shortly. Anyone got any good suggestions for water cooling kits? I was thinking about the CoolerMaster Aquagate. That a good choice or not?

Thanks Again,
D@n

[0iD]

Well if it came with a stock cooler it'd have a thermal pad on the bottom. Now over time & especially on an uber toasty Prescott these have a tendency to dry up & become brittle. So, movement may have disturbed it & caused a gap somewhere. And as you're probably aware Prescotts run mighty hot anyway, 70c is not unlikely.

Now cooling a prescott with water is a good idea, just make sure the system you go for is man enough. Now I personally have no experience of an Aquagate, so i cant comment. However, there are plenty of watercooling theads (such as this), or better than that post for people's opinions in the Hardware & Overclocking section. There you will no doubt find the advice you require.

[digitaldan]

Cool Thanks for all your help