Overheating comp.

[alexma]

My problem is an overheating CPU. I've found it tends to happen when running MS Works. The temp rises 1*C every 3 secs or so, until the system switches of at around 65/70*C. Since this started I have noticed the same thing happens when I open the BIOS, which makes me think this is poss h/ware related & not just Works. I am running XP with AMD Athlon 3800+CPU. 1Gb DDR Ram (2x 512 Kingston) 250Gb sata HDD, Foxconn 761GXK8MB Mobo, Logitech W/less K/board, 400 watt PSU Akasa Zen case with 2 case fans Akasa H/sink & fan(cpu) + 1 extra side cpu fan. I have reinstalled the cpu with new paste. I am now at a loss as to what to try next. I'm wondering if a BIOS update may help, but do'nt know how to go about it! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

[Calum]

Check the computer for dust, blow it all out.
Which way are all the fans blowing/sucking?
What happened before this started?
A BIOS update won't help.

[ChrisXPPro]

Apart from Calum's dust suggestion - I wonder if you have watched CPU useage at same time via Task manager.  I am assuming this amount of temp rise must suggest it's running at close to 100% - altho if cooling air adequate it should be controllable... so hoping CPU is indeed getting a good air flow.

Is CPU sitting at an idle between times?  Just wondering if some process is active which shouldn't be and hogging resources - something I have experienced on my old machine.

[alexma]

Thanks Callum, Computer case is vacuumed out every 2 months (inc heatsink fins) All fans rotating correctly & in right direction. This problem only occurs when M/Soft Works is running, I note cpu is at 100% & I run Superstep to monitor temps. I can see it rising rapidly & if I quit Works it cools down again. If I open BIOS it does exactly the same, I can watch the temp rise (in Comp Health) until it just switches off. Weird or what??

[alexma]

Thanks Chris, Yes cpu at idle is between 0% & 4%

[alexma]

Forgot to mention I'm running a GForce 7100GS graphics card. I can't see it being a software conflict as it does it in BIOS, & I'm assuming that in BIOS no programms are running. Just as a matter if interest, when I added the 7100GS, I just plugged it into the PCI Express 16 slot. Should it have a power supply, or is it powered just from the slot?

[ChrisXPPro]

I can't find enough data to answer the query on power supply ... usually tho if a board requires ancillary power it'll have a socket somewhere - maybe someone else knows this.

Forget the BIOS aspect - as best I remember the BIOS has done its bit at boot - and after that it is effectively quiescent - pure start-up/config function.

[Calum]

The 7100GS won't require external power, and wouldn't cause an issue like this either.
I'm not really sure what else to suggest, but I'll keep watching and chime in if I think of anything.

[mcxeb52!]

another thing, you sure computer has good air circulation? You don't want hot air going out of the computer normally to now re-enter computer due to blocked air flow.

[SuperDave]

And a vacuum cleaner is not a good tool for cleaning the inside of a computer. Too much chance of static electricity. Use compressed air from a can.

[mcxeb52!]

And a vacuum cleaner is not a good tool for cleaning the inside of a computer. Too much chance of static electricity. Use compressed air from a can.

http://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm ---> check out Computer Hope's list of cleaning tips, may be helpful 

[alexma]

Thanks to all for your responses, however I cannot see how this can be a 'Mechanical' problem, as it only occurs when MS Works is running. It will run happily all day & night otherwise. I have now uninstalled Works & noticed printed on the disc 'For distribution with a new PC only' Could this have any bearing on the problem? After uninstall I opened BIOS & although the temp is still rising, it is less quickly. My next attempt at a cure is to remove all ram sticks, HDD, &PCI cards etc & boot to BIOS & see if this cures the prob. if not I must assume the CPU or Mobo are faulty. Anyone think this is a good idea? Your veiws please. Alex

[mcxeb52!]

I have now uninstalled Works & noticed printed on the disc 'For distribution with a new PC only' Could this have any bearing on the problem? After uninstall

No, that can't be the problem. Works is a software and you can install software on any computer that meets the minimum requirements. I think For distribution with a new PC only means that you're legally only supposed to be finding the software packaged with new PC's. Not with some 2nd hand PC's.

But that does not restrict you from installing it on an unlimited number of computers unless the software came with some activation restricted to a certain number of times.

[merlin]

That photo of your profile has it been seen before?
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[alexma]

Sorry! What photo? I do not have a photo posted....