Overheating

[Flint]

Originally Posted by Flint

Maybe the CPU isn't physically connecting well to the whole cooling mechanism & needs some more of that goop squirted in there.

Originally Posted by tw

Thermal compound replacement is another example of curing symptoms. That stuff does not go bad. If using better thermal compound from so many heatsink manufacturers, then that thermal compound is perfectly good 20 years later.

Many recommend replacing thermal compound when curing only what they understand. Same people often have no hardware knowledge. Many will install more fans to cure symptoms; not eliminate the hardware defect. A defect that gets worse with age. A defect that has progressed so that even minor temperature increases cause computer crashes.

How to find some defects that may cause computer failure this winter? Execute computer diagnostics on that computer last summer in a room that was 98 degrees.

But, I was right. It wasn't connecting well physically. Many (most?) problems have simple answers.

Also, I believe that the thermal compound must be spread well and evenly. If the heatsink has become dislodged, that may no longer be the case. Removal and re-application may not replace a faulty substance, but it could improve a botched application (re-establishing optimal physical contact).

Originally Posted by richlevy

If I ever do find it cheaper to build my own PC than buy one, I will know what to expect.

It may not be cheaper, but it is a good excuse to get some hands-on with all those computer guts.