amd phenom II x2 550 help!
 

Recently, I bought a phenom II x2 550 core and self installed it.
Unlocked the two extra cores and ran some tests. I ran it for 1.5hr and it was stable.

The problem is I dunno which temperature (TMPIN0, TMPIN1, or TMPIN2) represents the processor. What do you think?


Note: according to anitec.ca, the critical temperature for my processor should be 70 degree celcius.


I think my current x4 (x2 with unlocked cores) temperature reading is a bit too high and seems pretty risky (maybe this is why this chip was deemed defective?). Is there really anything I could do about it besides getting an aftermarket heatsink? Maybe I could remove some of the thermal grease so the chip would be a bit closer to the heatsink? Or maybe I could just remove my case cover and let it have more air?


If you were me, would you run it as x2 or x4?

btw, I won't be overclocking it since it's not the 555 black edition.


Softwares that I used:
processor info: cpu-z
stress test: prime95
temperature monitoring: HWmonitor



BEFORE STRESS TEST X2
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5028497_n.jpg

DURING STRESS TEST X2
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7326770_n.jpg

AFTER STRESS TEST X2
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4083485_n.jpg




BEFORE STRESS TEST X4 (x2 with unlocked cores)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6168403_n.jpg

DURING STRESS TEST X4
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...9_695838_n.jpg

AFTER STRESS TEST X4
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._8239283_n.jpg

Just trying cooling it more. Hows the airflow in your case? Should be a lot better if you have intake/outake fans it'll help keep everything nice and cool.

Keep it at x4, but ditto on the airflow.
And might as well spring for the aftermarket cooling, a decent cooler nowadays can be had for $30. Better cooling and quieter than stock depending on what you choose.

this is what I was afraid of.

x2 costs $95

x4 costs $160

if I buy a $30 cooler then that would make my x2 costs $125. Not that much more cheaper than an x4... not worth it.

in x4 mode it goes to 68-69 degree Celcius at full load. I'm scared that somehow it might go to 71-75 degree and burn.

Is there a ghetto method that i can use to cool down my processor 5-10 degree Celcius?

I don't care about the appearance of my computer. Maybe take the mobo out and leave it on the table?

I really don't want to burn my chip and spend another $95 on another 550.

that would totally not worth it.

what case do you have? How many fans can you fit in it? If it's just a case with just an outtake fan that may be you problem.

atx case

with one fan attached to one of the side panel.. too cheap to get a new case -__-

Rerun the tests with the case side removed to insure the case is not getting hot. Get another 2 temperature monitoring program to see if it reads the same. Your Mobo manufacturer usually supplies one. Try this as well. http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/supportlist.html
I'm sure they will all read differently.

here is what i'm debating.. my case side has 1 fan.. so if I removed it, wouldn't it be worst?

I can't use the mobo temp reading program. when i have it, my processor can't go into x4 mode for some reason.

how accurate is that core temp program? have you tried it?

btw, what exactly is a safe temperature for the cpu at full load?

You already told us the answer, 70C.
http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AM...FGIBOX%29.html

I think it's a good idea for you to run an open case, so we don't have to discuss whether your fans are adequate. Discussing the fans is a waste of time at this stage.

Run your computer in 2 core mode and compare the results of the "mobo temp reading program" and "HW monitor" and "Core Temp".

I won't comment on the accuracy for Core Temp becuz I don't have true reference to compare to. It's easier for you to install and run it than to discuss it's merits.

I think you need better airflow imo. One outtake fan isn't just enough now.

I'm doing a prime95 stress test right now. My CPU is OC'd to 3.12ghz from 2.6ghz and i'm using 2 intakes 2 outakes (1 rear 1 top). Will let you know my temps when I get home. Max was 66C on full load even with the OC.

If you can't afford to add a few more fans, you can't afford to run it as x4 right now (cause fans can be fucking cheap, albeit the cheap ones can be kinda loud).

Also, just removing the side panel might not make it cool better. Having proper airflow inside a closed case will run things much cooler than just taking the side off. Taking the front panel off would probably be the most effective.