Advice on my CPU temperature

#1

Hi guys! As I am not an expert I need an opinion about my CPU temperature. I have got an AMD-8350: when the PC is on but not in load the average temperature is 30-35 degrees. When I launch a render with Maya the temperature rises up quickly to 79-80 degrees but it is kept constant even if the render lasts hours (I have been using CoreTemp to read it). Do you think it is normal? Is it safe to let the PC working at that temperature for hours? Thanks in advance for answers.

#2

It’s at the high end but not at a point where it will do damage. Look at the case airflow, thermal paste and check its all clean and dust-free.

#3

As far as safety goes, the CPU will survive it, but you might be shortening its lifespan a little bit if it goes on for hours and days at an end.
I’m no AMD expert, but I seem to remember the 8xxx throttle at 70C, and aggressively switch at 80, which might be why you see that range specifically (bounces against that threshold).

Generally you want to stay below 70 for the absolute max, and around 55-65 for the average, without throttling.

Look at replacing the paste, clearing airflow and hot air pockets from inside the case, and replacing the coolers in that order.
You are very likely actually losing performance as well since you’re hitting the hard switch throttle.

#4

It sounds like there’s dust buildup or perhaps the computer is not in a well ventilated location like a closet or cabinet under a desk. With the stock cooler it should be in the 50C to 60C range under load with favorable conditions (dust free, air conditioned, well ventilated).

#5

Thank you all guys! Guess it’s time to improve the cooling system then.

#6

Hi Alessio, I’ve been using the Xigmatek “Dark Night” Night Hawk Edition Stealth Technology CPU cooler with my 8350s and 8120, and it’s a great deal for ~$50, despite the ridiculous name.

All cores rendering max out at 55° C, here. It’s rather quiet and the build quality is the best I’ve used so far. I kinda sicked up a little when I saw how hot yours was getting, to be honest! I’d forgotten how poorly the stock coolers performed. Good luck!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029&cm_re=xigmatek_dark_night--35-233-029--Product

#7

don’t forget that ambient temperature has much to do with your baseline operating temperature… make sure the chassis is well ventilated, and if you have an enclosed water cooling system (like the H20 or others), make sure the VCORE has some type of airflow over them.

The enclosed systems can be great, but something not often mentioned is that surrounding components do not get enough air movement.

anyway, something else to keep in mind.

#8

As poor as the stock cooler might be (and I have no idea), if a non-OC CPU is hard throttling at 80C I’d put money on case and contact being at fault first, long before the fins and fans over the socket.

I hear/read people that are well below 70C at all times on stress tests running stock. As poor as stock options might be I seriously doubt AMD would distribute their CPUs with something that will, by default, hard throttle down their CPU all the time.