EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

[asmallrabbit]

Hey all, I just finished a new build, my first on my own, and had some questions about some temperatures. According to Easytune6 my idle temperatures are around 40C for both system and CPU temps.

Stock speeds at load have my CPU temp @ 60C+ with 4 instances of SP 2004 running as mentioned in the i7 pdf overclocking guide posted in this forum. I've got a thermalright 120 ultra with fan and for not having overclocked anything yet, this seems rather high to me.

The guide shows temps of under 40 under load and under 60 still overclocked to 4Ghz. I haven't even tried to overclock yet and im already higher then these temps. Can I safely try to overclock still? Should I remount my cooler or get a new one?

For the gigabyte cooling block with heatpipes etc on the extreme and one of the best reviewed coolers it doesnt seem like I am getting the temperatures I should.

Using the EX58-Extreme
thermalright ultra 120 with fan
nzxt hush case with 2 120mm case fans
gtx 285
6 gigs of patriot 1600 ram

if any of that helps.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

Congrats on the build, twas easy wasn't it!

That is a great cooler, you may just need to re-mount it with less paste? Or mount it tighther, you can also make it MCU Tighter if you have the ThermalRight backplate installed using the penny/washer trick. Do NOT do this mod if you do not have a backplate installed as it will flex the board >>>


Larger image with a good angle, just for another look
GameSpot Forums - PC Hardware Discussion - CPU temp. high with Thermalright Ultra 120!!!

Case Airflow and ambient temps play a large part in your temps as well so keep that in mind.

Hey, before I forget since you mentioned easytune. If you are using ONLY that to check your temps then you may have a big problem. That only shows the CPU Temp, not the Core Temps (What you need to watch). Normally CPU Temp will be a lot less then the Core Temps so you may be already at 70+ instead of the 60 you were thinking of.

You should be seeing @ 4Ghz (Sorry that is all I have ran/seen ran mostly) mid to upper 30's at idle and 65-70+ At load. With no overclock as you say you are running I would guess you should see 30-35 idle and 55-60 load

Use RealTemp or Core Temp, you can get them both here >>>

http://forums.tweaktown.com/f69/latest-overclocking-programs-system-info-benchmarking-stability-tools-30530/

[asmallrabbit]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

What can I use to remount my cooler?

Will rubbing alcohol and a q-tip clean off the old thermal paste?

Also realtemp works, but when trying to run coretemp it wont load and gives me a driver error.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

Well what did you mean by remount?

Ahh, I meant just to redo it all. Like clean off the paste and put new/less on and then reseat it was all I meant. And be sure it is tight as you can get it, that is partially why I linked you to the penny/washer trick.

Do you have the backplate for the Thermalright? If so you should use that method so it is tighter. If not, maybe you should pickup a backplate, let me know if you need a link to one. They are pretty cheap $8-10 last time I looked.

You could also try a few things with fans. You could try your fan in a Pull method on it instead of push if you are using push on it now. Or you could just add another fan so you have Push/Pull action going on with it.

Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean off the old paste, just be sure to let it dry before applying new, usually does pretty quick

Are you using the latest RealTemp and CoreTemp? What OS are you running? I find RealTemp to be better anyway, be sure you calibrate it, here is the calibration page >>>
Calibration Page

But if you are not using the Latest CoreTemp then that may be why it is giving you errors, what is the error?

[kick]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

rubbing alcohol,methylated spirits(meths) or those little wipes they use to rub your skin before giving an injection.

[asmallrabbit]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

Well what did you mean by remount?

Ahh, I meant just to redo it all. Like clean off the paste and put new/less on and then reseat it was all I meant. And be sure it is tight as you can get it, that is partially why I linked you to the penny/washer trick.

Do you have the backplate for the Thermalright? If so you should use that method so it is tighter. If not, maybe you should pickup a backplate, let me know if you need a link to one. They are pretty cheap $8-10 last time I looked.

You could also try a few things with fans. You could try your fan in a Pull method on it instead of push if you are using push on it now. Or you could just add another fan so you have Push/Pull action going on with it.

Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean off the old paste, just be sure to let it dry before applying new, usually does pretty quick

Are you using the latest RealTemp and CoreTemp? What OS are you running? I find RealTemp to be better anyway, be sure you calibrate it, here is the calibration page >>>
Calibration Page

But if you are not using the Latest CoreTemp then that may be why it is giving you errors, what is the error?

Well Im using realtemp now instead of coretemp. I removed the cooler and cleaned off the paste, then reapplied it. Put a washer on it as well since I have the backplate. Temps are lower now but following the overclock pdf guide posted in these forums and then testing with prime95 caused a BSOD in a couple of minutes. Doesnt seem like a 4ghz overclock will work for me.

How do I change the fan from a push to pull or vice versa? It seems like my case fans aren't pushing as much air as they could be but since they are plugged into the psu I assume they are running at max already.

I'm a little dissapointed that I dont seem to be getting better results considering I sprung for the thermalright cooler rather then just stock.

Not even running at 4Ghz right now and according to realtemp im at mid to high 50s at idle which is 20 degrees higher then what I should be according to others. =/

[Bee_Dee_3_Dee]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

Well Im using realtemp now instead of coretemp. I removed the cooler and cleaned off the paste, then reapplied it. Put a washer on it as well since I have the backplate. Temps are lower now but following the overclock pdf guide posted in these forums and then testing with prime95 caused a BSOD in a couple of minutes. Doesnt seem like a 4ghz overclock will work for me.

How do I change the fan from a push to pull or vice versa? It seems like my case fans aren't pushing as much air as they could be but since they are plugged into the psu I assume they are running at max already.

I'm a little dissapointed that I dont seem to be getting better results considering I sprung for the thermalright cooler rather then just stock.

Not even running at 4Ghz right now and according to realtemp im at mid to high 50s at idle which is 20 degrees higher then what I should be according to others. =/

Monitoring Temps correctly and preventing Over heating is always first. So now that you've got a good start at that, get a BIOS Template from Lsdmeasap- or search around this forum for one- so you can post all your BIOS Settings and Lsdmeasap or somebody will spot things you need to change in your BIOS setting. ;)

Make sure you have "MemSet" too. Tweakers.fr

[C3D76]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

Hey Rabbit,

I'm thinking you might be having problems because of the High voltage settings in the guide. I think I would BSOD too if I put them that high.....

-Here is a screenshot with the voltages I use for 4Ghz:
3.99GHz @ 1.296 (F4m)- ICH=1.16v

http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/c/6/0/177340/f4m190x21-0.jpg?rev=0

The only other (important) changes I make after "load Optimized Defaults" are
C1e= off
C2,c2,c3...= off
Ram= 2:8 + spec'd timings + voltage
Uncore freq= x17
QPI link = x36
BCLK = 190


If you are not stable, Try increasing:
Cpu Vcore-> max 1.55v
QPI VTT-> max 1.35v
QPI PLL-> max 1.35v
CPU PLL-> 1.84v
IOH-> 1.35v
ICH I/O -> 1.6v
ICH-> 1.25
Max Voltages from intel: http://img2.abload.de/img/datasheetmtu2.jpg


-Check the following screenshot @ 4.2, I hardly had to change any of the voltages from 4.0 apart from CPU Vcore, which required a huge bump from 4.0 to 4.2Ghz.
QPI Vtt voltage is lower because my Patriot 1600 C9 kit required less voltage at the time (looser timings?)...

4.2GHz @ 1.44v (F4m)

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/373/200f4m2zw8.jpg

- For my 24/7 I use the following BIOS settings (sig) @ 4.1, in BIOS F3:

C1e= off
C2,c2,c3...= off
Ram= 2:8 (7-7-7-24-2t, 1.64v)
Uncore freq= x18
QPI link = x36
BCLK = 195
Cpu Vcore-> 1.3625
QPI VTT-> 1.32v
QPI PLL-> 1.20v
CPU PLL-> 1.80v
IOH-> 1.20v
ICH I/O -> 1.60v
ICH-> 1.20


It might just be your CPU hitting a wall, or a weak mem controller. Can you OC the CPU higher if you use the 2:6 ratio for the RAM?

Hope this helps,

Ced

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

Ya, that guide is for users to get a general Idea of how it works. I would not use those voltage either, of course some CPU's might need it but not all for sure.

Do keep in mind you guys could trade profiles if you are using the same BIOS versions.

[asmallrabbit]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

Yeah, I was pretty much following the guide step by step as I've never overclocked before, and this is my first build so I don't know if I've installed somethng wrong or not. I've remounted my cooler again following directions on arctic's site for paste, ive got the cooler orientated left-right with the fan pushing air over the fins, which is then exhausted out the rear case fan. I've got my front case fan sucking cool air in, and I'm thinking of adding two more fans to my side panel if I cut some holes, one in the towards the front upper as an intake that would be pulling in cool air for my cpu cooler fan to push over the heatsink and then another fan in the back bottom to exhaust hot air that might not be going out the mid mounted rear fan or coming from my gpu. How hard is cutting aluminum to install a case fan? :P I would add one to the top of my case, but I would have to take everything out for that... side panel seems easier. (Using nzxt hush case)

I'm not very familiar with the BIOS or temperatures so I'm not sure what I should be aiming for as far as "safe" operating temperatures. Tomshardware mentions they see a lot of high temperatures from the i7 but that it doesnt seem to cause any problems so I think I will continue to play around with OC'ing.

I'll try C3D76's setting when I get home tonight, and/or try to post my settings or get a template to work with. Thanks for the help and responses thus far though. :)

[xdozex]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

I personally am running the i7 920, on the UD4P board, and with the thermalright ultra 120 with fan I'm not getting higher than 26 degrees Celsius. Of course, I have yet to OC anything, and running "Optimized Defaults", but I seem to be getting great success with that heatsink/fan. I was weary because the fan does not seem to push much air, but its a pretty stable temp at idle.

I'm having some other kinks with the audio and LAN drivers, once I get them sorted, I'll start OC'ing for my first time, and get back to you with my temperature results.

[notios7]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

Hey Rabbit,

I'm thinking you might be having problems because of the High voltage settings in the guide. I think I would BSOD too if I put them that high.....

-Here is a screenshot with the voltages I use for 4Ghz:
3.99GHz @ 1.296 (F4m)- ICH=1.16v

http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/c/6/0/177340/f4m190x21-0.jpg?rev=0

The only other (important) changes I make after "load Optimized Defaults" are
C1e= off
C2,c2,c3...= off
Ram= 2:8 + spec'd timings + voltage
Uncore freq= x17
QPI link = x36
BCLK = 190


If you are not stable, Try increasing:
Cpu Vcore-> max 1.55v
QPI VTT-> max 1.35v
QPI PLL-> max 1.35v
CPU PLL-> 1.84v
IOH-> 1.35v
ICH I/O -> 1.6v
ICH-> 1.25
Max Voltages from intel: http://img2.abload.de/img/datasheetmtu2.jpg


-Check the following screenshot @ 4.2, I hardly had to change any of the voltages from 4.0 apart from CPU Vcore, which required a huge bump from 4.0 to 4.2Ghz.
QPI Vtt voltage is lower because my Patriot 1600 C9 kit required less voltage at the time (looser timings?)...

4.2GHz @ 1.44v (F4m)

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/373/200f4m2zw8.jpg

- For my 24/7 I use the following BIOS settings (sig) @ 4.1, in BIOS F3:

C1e= off
C2,c2,c3...= off
Ram= 2:8 (7-7-7-24-2t, 1.64v)
Uncore freq= x18
QPI link = x36
BCLK = 195
Cpu Vcore-> 1.3625
QPI VTT-> 1.32v
QPI PLL-> 1.20v
CPU PLL-> 1.80v
IOH-> 1.20v
ICH I/O -> 1.60v
ICH-> 1.20


It might just be your CPU hitting a wall, or a weak mem controller. Can you OC the CPU higher if you use the 2:6 ratio for the RAM?

Hope this helps,

Ced

i follow your setings and system iw unstable .when runing realtemp+prime95 crash.bsod.temps over 86.cooler is asus triton88+artic ceramique.maybe have problem with paste? try beter artic silver5?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

@asmallrabbit

It all depends on your skills and tools how hard it is to cut a fan hole, but it is pretty easy I think. If you have a dremel and want to cut then it should be pretty easy for ya.

Have you tried your fan on your CPU Heatsink pulling air instead of pushing? Might want to see if that is any better, or add another fan so one pushes and one pulls.

@ notios7

Try some TX-2 or MX-2, you will like it!

[notios7]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

@asmallrabbit

It all depends on your skills and tools how hard it is to cut a fan hole, but it is pretty easy I think. If you have a dremel and want to cut then it should be pretty easy for ya.

Have you tried your fan on your CPU Heatsink pulling air instead of pushing? Might want to see if that is any better, or add another fan so one pushes and one pulls.

@ notios7

Try some TX-2 or MX-2, you will like it!

TX-2 or MX-2 ? sorry i dont understand.help me please!!!!

[asmallrabbit]

Re: EX58-Extreme, i7 and cooling

@asmallrabbit

It all depends on your skills and tools how hard it is to cut a fan hole, but it is pretty easy I think. If you have a dremel and want to cut then it should be pretty easy for ya.

Have you tried your fan on your CPU Heatsink pulling air instead of pushing? Might want to see if that is any better, or add another fan so one pushes and one pulls.

I'm familiar with tools just not sure what the best way to do it would be. I was thinking of either marking a pattern and drilling out a grill for the fan to push/pull air through the side of the case, or just outright cutting a hole and then getting some wire mesh/filter to put over it. I'm basing where I would put the holes on how hot my case feels after ive been using it for awhile. An intake fan in front of the cpu cooler where the side is usually cool or only slightly warm, and an exhaust where the side gets quite warm.

I only tried changing the orientation of my cooler from left/right to up/down. The way my case is and how the cooler sits, its pretty much right inline with my rear exahust fan. so ive got my cooler fan pushing air over the fins which is then sucked out the back of the case. I don't know that adding another fan on the back of my cooler would work as it would be too close to that rear exhaust fan. I tried it up/down for a bit but then its either pulling air from near my video card which wont be as cool or blowing hot air at it which I dont want either.

Cpu temps haven't seemed too high lately, but I want to get my system temps down as it seems to get quite warm. Where is the system temperature measured from? Could I have done something wrong installing the bridge cooling? Name escapes me at the moment, but the piece that came with the extreme mobo that fits like an expansion card and screws into the north bridge iirc.

------------------------------------------------------
| <         |                  |         DVD          |
| <   PSU   |                  |                      |
| <         |                  |                      |
|---~~~~~---                   |                      |
|   ^^^^                       |                      |
S< < <^^^    ////              |                      |
S< < <       llllS < < < TRUE  |                      |
S< < <       llllS < < <        ----------------------|
|120mm       ////                      |              |
| exhaust                              |              |
|                                      |              |
|                                               < < < S
| --GTX 285 -----                               < < < S120mm intake
| ---------------                               < < < S
|                                      |      HD      |
------------------------------------------------------

A rough idea of my case..... Im thinking of adding an intake fan on the side just in front of where my TRUE is to suck cold air in and an exhaust fan on the side near my gtx 285 as an exhaust to get rid of some more heat. The area behind my cooler is very crowded and is usually very warm from the psu + air coming off my cooler. Would a vent there be a good idea as well or compete with the exhaust + cpu fans trying to suck the hot air out?