How hot did old P4's get and what is safe?

[Sojuuk]

I ask because a computer I built years ago came back to me with a problem of performance and shutting down on flash based websites. Opened it up to find the cpu heatsink had been messed with and pushpins were now non-functional. Basically the computer had been overheating for months.

pretty sure the cpu is a P4 2.8C or E and I put a Xigmatek S1284 on it and it idles at 40c and peaks at 50c.

 

[Kangg]

Sounds about right for an old CPU like that.

 

[pxc]

If the HSF is seated properly and the TIM is applied correctly, it will run at approximately case ambient temp + watts the processor is using times the C/W rating of the HSF (convert your units if necessary). There are complications because the reported temperature is not always accurate, especially on older CPUs.

I never really understand these threads.

 

[DeChache]

Thats about right for a P4 especially if its an E model

 

[Direfox]

2.8c is a northwood, 2.8e is a prescott. Prescotts run hotter, can get to 60, maybe a little bit higher safely. Northwoods shouldn't get much past 50 because they can fail when at high temps for too long.

 

[Jacez44]

My old 3.0Ghz P4 Prescott got to 76C load at stock. It was awful.