Intel Quad Core: How Hot is Too Hot?

Question

just built my first computer:

i downloaded an App called "speedfan" to help easily monitor my core temperatures on my new computer, just to see how cool it runs... but im not 100% sure how hot is too hot. When gaming ive been getting temperatures around 45-58°c.

I also do a lot of video editing and 3d modeling/rendering... so id like to know in advance what my acceptable temperature range is so i can compensate.

Also - any tricks to keeping your PC cool besides more/better fans? my heat sync is already modestly nice.. Arctic Cooling freezer 7 pro

Answer 1

from what my reseach had turned up with a desktop PC you want it to stay below 85 C but yeah a good heatsink and cpu fan is about as good as you can do without going to liquid cooling, your case will effect it alot too if it doesn't have good airflow or to much inside but 45-58 when gaming is pretty normal

Answer 2

Yes, 45-50c is not necessarily too hot, unless that's idle temperature.  I usually run around 35c with 100% load on my Quad 3.2.   Your cooling units may be fine, but what is the airflow like in your computer?   If it's pretty constricted, that could lead to overheating as well, with all the heat centralized and no way to escape.  If you think it's a problem, i recommend opening your case up while it runs.  Only downside to that is you have to dust it often, lol.

Good luck!

Answer 3

45-58 is normal/avg, especially if you are gaming, or running multiple programs.  Most computers dont have any trouble handling temps up to around 65-70c so I wouldnt worry.  

The best way to keep your pc cool is to make sure your fans are kept dust/dirt free, there is ample room to provide airflow around your computer.  If you are really worried about overheating and/or start having issues with it, you can install a water cooling system.  These have water flowing through tubing that is in your case, and it runs the cool water, lets it absorb heat and pumps the hot water out.  But unless you start having problems or are overclocking yoru system it is probably overkill.

Answer 4

I wouldn't start to worry about it unless it gets into the 70s, also the motherboard thermistor is often inaccurate so watch out! :D

Answer 5

That temp is a little high but understandable.  Dual cores are made to take higher temperatures then single cores and quad cores are probably made to take even higher temperatures.  

I know for a fact that a CPU of that nature can function for hours around 50C but that's almost the hottest my dual core ever gets.  I have like 10 fans in my PC setup.    58 would worry me , but if you have a PC that has above average cooling and those temps still show up then guess what it must be about normal.  Well things like your room temperature can effect it as well.  Place your PC away from other heat sources.  Keep your room as cool as possible.  Clean any dust off of the fans in your PC.  And make sure the wires are as tidy as possible in the case to improve air flow.    

I suggest you do not try to overclock your CPU if you are or plan to because that will increase the temps more.   If you have warranty that will replace a CPU if it blows you could try to stress test the CPU by working as much as you can for like 4 hours in a row for a few days. If it still works chances are your good!  Also if you notice little or no performace decrease when it gets up to 58 that's also a good sign.  

CPUS tend to perform worse when they reach there limits.  But everything I said is based off of my know knowledge. I have never used quad cores but I have been building and testing PCs for the last 10 years.

Answer 6

45 - 58 is low, mine is around 75-85

Answer 7

Intel quad core processors have a maximum temperature of 71C.

Answer 8

Thats not too bad, I have a quad core as well and when the heatsink fan stopped working I noticed the computer would shut off in the high 70's.  I replaced the fan with this baby:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

works wonders!  Anywho, now I idle at 35ish and cap out at mid 40s!