X6800 Is Too Hot

[Celcius]

I've been running my X6800 ES @ 3.4ghz & 1.42v since nov '06. I thought it was strange that it didn't overclock higher, especially since it ran 3.2ghz stable on stock voltage. Fast-forward to today: I noticed my temps are high. My idle temp is about 56C and I haven't even looked at load (no wonder it didn't OC higher).

 

56k warning on all pics:

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/8620/biostempqy4.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/869/temp1qp7.jpg

 

There's nowhere on the heatsink that says which model it is, but based on the look and checking the website it has to be the CNPS9700 NT:

http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=165

 

I took the hsf off and after cleaning it and the cpu off, I applied some AS5 and reinstalled the hsf to make sure it was making good contact. No change in temps. I looked at the thermal paste left on the cpu after I took off the hsf and it looked like it was making good contact (ie no gaps of missing thermal paste). My room temp is 77F, but these temps have got to be too high. Even the stock temps look high.

 

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/7164/stocktemplc1.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2215/fanlightsp8.jpg

 

I'm thinking either:

1. This hsf really sucks (zalman isn't known for their overclockability anyway)

2. It's making bad contact with the cpu*

3. These cpu's run hot

 

*I won this rig back at the nvidia reality tour 2006 and haven't touched the hsf since, so it's unlikely that nvidia would have installed a hsf with bad contact.

 

Usually the cpu is rock stable and passes the p95, occt, super pi, etc... but today I try running super pi 32M and the temps are so high it doesn't even finish (it crashes).

Even though it has a weird design, I can keep my hand on the top of the heatsink and it's not hot (but I can feel a little heat).

I think I'm going to upgrade to this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16835154001

 

but before I do I'd still like to know if my temps are higher than normal and what you guys think could be causing it. Thanks

 

edit: I ordered the tuniq, it should really lower my temps...

edit2: I installed a scythe ninja + 110cfm fan last night, but temps didn't change...

edit 3/21/08: I just took the scythe off and the hsf actually hasn't been making good contact with the cpu; I'm examining things now...

 

last edit: I decided to just upgrade my cpu and mobo while I'm at it, so a mod can close this thread.

Edited March 21, 2008 by Celcius