Hi,

My computer specs are as follows:

OSes: Windows XP Pro
Motherboard: ASUS P5ND2-SLI
Processor: Intel Pentium D 830 3.0GHz (not overclocked)
Hard Drive: 250GB SATA
RAM: 2x 512MB DDR 667MHz
Video Card: ATI Radeon X1300 PRO
Optical Drive: Pioneer DVR-110D DVD-RW
USB: 4x USB 2.0
Sound Card: 7.1 Channel
Ethernet Adapter: Intel 10/100/1000 Gigabit

I dont know but I think my Pentium D 830 is too hot. Upon startup
(after being left off for about 10 hours), the CPU temperature is
around 45C (celsius) and steadily rises to about 70C. Even when I'm
not doing anything on the computer the temperature varies from 70C -
75C. When I am doing stuff, playing games, browsing the net, etc. the
temperature is around 75C - 81C. When I am doing big multitasking, the
temperature varies from 81C -86C. Is this normal? I know Pentium D
chips are hot but are they supposed to be this hot?

Thanks

Is this normal?

No.

First, how are you measuring the temps? When did the problem start?

Second, you need to inspect the insides of your case and clean out all dust, hair, dirt, dander, microscopic creatures that eat dander, and microscopic waste products from all those microscopic creatures. Look closely at the CPU fan and heatsink and ensure they are clean. I recommend taking the PC outside and blasting the heatsinks and entire case with compressed air. Make sure all other fans are clean and case vents are free of dirt. Blast the PSU from the inside out. Make sure all fans spin freely but use a plastic or wooden stick to hold fans stationary while blasting them. Do not see how fast you can make them spin - you can easily make them move faster than design limits allow. Observe static discharge control at all times.

Inspect inside of case for additional fan options. You want good front to back air flow. I recommend at least two case fans (excluding PSU fans), preferably one in front and one in back. 120mm fans are better as they move massive amounts of air but at a lower RPM resulting in better cooling and less fan noise. Replace flat, air flow blocking ribbon IDE and floppy cables with round cables.

When powered up, make sure all fans are turning.

How was the CPU mounted?

the Intel Pentium D processors have a slightly higher temp rate, but going up towards 80+ is really too much. my friend's comp goes up to about 70, and last he checked that was still acceptable.

you might want to think about applying cooling compund. that should drop it a degree of 2. if not if you have the funds then i would recomend water cooling as its brilliant.

Originally Posted by Sniper210010

you might want to think about applying cooling compund.

Yeah, that was what I was alluding to when asking about how it was mounted.

@Toto - some sort of TIM (thermal interface material) MUST be used between the CPU and heatsink. This may include a pad, or some sort of paste (often called compound, grease, or goop).

The most common mistake new builders make when applying thermal compound is they apply it too thick. As noted in this AMD White Paper:

"Heat transfer is inversely proportional to the thickness of the interface material layer, better heat transfer is achieved with a thinner TIM layer."

The purpose of the TIM is to push out heat trapping air in the microscopic pits and valleys in the CPU die and heatsink mating surfaces. Any excess is in the way and is counterproductive.