Computer maintenance

well I was fiddling around with my computer, installing utilities etc. when it came to my attention: my GPU is running at 130 F! my processor is only running at less than 70F, which makes me concerned: should my GPU be running that hot? (nVidia 8800GTS)
44,608 views 13 replies
Reply #1 Top
my GPU is running at 130 F


That's only 54C, which is actually great for air cooling. I wish my Radeon ran that cool (x850 gets up to 70C under normal load). Generally there's nothing to worry about until anything starts getting in the 70-80C range, but some cards (like the Radeon 2900s) are designed to even tolerate upwards of 100C.
Reply #2 Top
thanks kryo, but keep in mind this is for running a standard picture and some internet boxes, my CPU runs that at 30 C, and when its running an intensive video game the GPU runs at 67 C, where the cpu runs at only 40C!
Reply #3 Top
the new 8800gts from Nvidia have been known to go up to 90-95c

Reply #4 Top
Just an FYI: But modern chips are "specced" to run at 120 degrees celcuis (SP... I miss my firefox ) when under load (Well, that was my old x1800xt not sure what the GTX's maximum is but I bet its higher!). 54C is plenty low for an "idle" temperature (I don't think I get that low with my GTX, in fact... I know I didn't with my x1800XT when I still used it!)
Reply #5 Top
phew, then I'm fine
Reply #6 Top
next question: how hot can my processor run before I risk damaging it? (intel E6600)
Reply #7 Top
next question: how hot can my processor run before I risk damaging it? (intel E6600)


Thats a more difficult question. I believe 60/70 degrees (C) is the normal "max" -- you want it under 60. I usually don't manage that, alas, but you probably want 50C or so.
Reply #8 Top
good, mine tends to run at ~35 C
Reply #9 Top
I had mine on 100C a week ago.... damn thermal paste was dry so it was not tranfering the heat to the heatsink. The machine shutdown when it hits a certain temp to keep the heat from getting damaged. Still working though so I'm happy.
Reply #10 Top

I had mine on 100C a week ago.... damn thermal paste was dry so it was not tranfering the heat to the heatsink. The machine shutdown when it hits a certain temp to keep the heat from getting damaged. Still working though so I'm happy.


Wait, your CPU is running at 100C?

Get that system repaired now before its a pile of rubble!
Reply #11 Top
it was...

My thermal paste was dry so it was not channeling the heat from the cpu to the heatsink. Only found out when my machine shutdown, reboot and told me.. WTF!!! IM OVER HEATING!!!
Reply #12 Top
yeah... if your CPU is hot enough to boil water, you're thermal paste might be a little dry...
Reply #13 Top
hmmm, would you mind making me some tea?