[redk]

Okay, so here's the just of it.

My friend has an older PC he needs repaired. I've looked at it in the past, but haven't touched it for a while, so I'm a little fuzzy on specific specs, however I remember most of the important bits.

Specs:
Pentium D-Class Processor, originally clocked at 3 GHz.
Asus P5-Series Motherboard
1.5 GB RAM (2x Older DDR2 256 MB Sticks, one 1 GB PC2-6400 Stick)
ATI Radeon X550 Graphics Card (PCI-E)
Windows XP SP2

Now. His processor, with almost no running background programs runs at 72+ degrees celsius (160+ Fahrenheit). It will hit 110 Celsius on load, and shuts off due to overheating. I've reseated the HSF, Cleaned the processor off with 90% alcohol and reapplied Arctic Silver 5 to the processor, removed and cleaned the fan, added a case fan, blew the whole tower out with compressed air, underclocked the processor to 2.25 GHz and STILL, the thing will not cool down.

What else can I do?

He can't really afford to buy a new motherboard and processor right now, so that's mostly out of the question (Unless as a last resort) but he may be able to afford a new HSF or some small parts/tools.

Keep in mind we live in Ontario, Canada, and do not own credit cards or methods of internet payment to buy parts, etc.

[mctw]

ouch, i have a pentium D, and tht runs at bout 40 degrees at idle!
firstly, are you sure the heatsink is making a good contact with the processor? sum lga775 heatsinks are pain to fit on properly!
if it is, are you sure the BIOS is up to date? it could be giving a false reading from the temp sensor...
MCTW

[SocialWarfare]

Yeah check in the bios and make sure that the volts aren't through the roof!

[redk]

I've reseated it and tried a different HSF I had laying around, so unless they're both bent or something...

I definitely spaced on the BIOS update, haven't had to do that in years. Maybe I'll check that out, good idea. As for voltage, it's set to automatic, which is the default. I can try undervolting, that might help some. It is underclocked, so there shouldn't be a problem undervolting.

[kel13]

i have a 925 pentium d @3ghz {90 watts} i would bet you have a 930 @3ghz{130 watts} , during my setup {with no mods} stock hsf mine would idle @52c and shoot to 70c after less than a minute{and keep climbing} i had just one 80mm fan at front. my solution was an old cpu fan {60mm} mounted at right angle to cpu fan which blows across cpu fan. now my temps are 42c at idle and 58c at 100% for any amount of time. most cases have poor airflow and the cpu simply sucks the heat off the motherboard. i've always had luck with positive airflow{more fans blowing into the case than out} but that is upto you to decide. get the exact specs for cpu {mine =thermal design temp=63c} and remember stock heatsinks and fans must be tested in open air{i'm guessing since they never perform to the numbers stated once inside a case.}

[mctw]

that a good point actully, how much case cooling do you have??

[Bubba]

Please forgive my slightly off topic comment Redk, but your avatar intrigues me. Is there someplace I can go to view it at a larger size?

[redk]

The case has I believe 2 fans. An intake at the front, bringing air across and blowing it out the back with a second fan. Both are 80mm, and set to full speed.

The case is also fairly big, probably 10 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 18 inches tall.
I'll be going over there tomorrow I believe so I'll be able to try the suggestions then.


(The pic can be located here, Bubba: http://i44.tinypic.com/14t3jfp.jpg)

[redk]

I couldn't find out how to edit my post, so sorry if I can't double post.

Anyways, It's a Pentium D 820, and the motherboard is the P5LD2
I undervolted to 1.250 V, and updated the BIOS, and it's now running at 66*C with the upper shelf at 92*C. It no longer overheats, but this is STILL way too hot.

[Bubba]

Thanks RedK.