i3-540 running super hot?

[GJSNeptune]

I assembled my web server (see sig) a couple days ago, so the AS5 may not be completely cured yet. I am not overclocking it, and have no plans to. The first time I powered it on, BIOS showed it over 100C! I couldn't believe it. But it still runs that hot. I'm using the stock heatsink, and its fan is revved up trying to cool this thing.

I scrubbed the gunky thermal paste from the heatsink with Isopropyl and Q-Tips for a good five, six minutes. Then I dabbed a bit of AS5, about the size of two grains or rice, maybe less.

BIOS shows the core temp as 103C. Is this normal?

 

[Sp33dFr33k]

That is not normal at all. Either the heatsink is not seating/contacting properly or the BIOS is reading the temp wrong.

 

[GJSNeptune]

What can I do if BIOS is reading it incorrectly?

 

[OldMX]

I think 3 possibilities, a bad heatsink mount, bios is incorrect or the board is not fully supporting your new processor, try reseatting the hsf and flashing board to latest version, and about the artic silver cure time bullshit, it only drops a couple of degrees tops.

 

[GJSNeptune]

Weird. The heatsink's spring clips must've popped up somehow and I didn't notice. First time really using a stock heatsink though. I made sure the clips were tight and secure. Core temp now around 33C. What a difference actual contact makes.