Temperatures and CPU Usage

[Gobstopper]

Finally got everything working on my first build. I've got a couple of questions regarding temperature and cpu usage. I downloaded speedfan to check my temps and at idle, my temps are:

Idle Temps
System: 32C
CPU: 25C
AUX: 29C
Core 0: 49C
Core 1: 49C

I know 25C is low for CPU temps, but am I supposed to look at the CPU or the Core temps? I'm not sure what people are referring to when they mention temps. CPU or Core readings? Also, the CPU Usage bar jumps up pretty high from time to time even when I'm at idle. This is normal, right?

 

[veritas7]

if this applies to your e8400, google 'real temp' and download version 2.7

 

[Gobstopper]

if this applies to your e8400, google 'real temp' and download version 2.7

Yep, 8400. I'll do that. Thanks.

 

[Gobstopper]

Idling at 39 and Load at 49. That's a pretty big difference in readings. Are these temps normal?

 

[veritas7]

i idle also at 38/39, but thats with also a 9800 gx2 feeding in already hot air in to the cpu hs/f.

id say thats pretty high unless you have also a very hot video card that idles high underneath your cpu hsf.

my 9800 gx2 idles at 70c regardless of whatever case or fans are on it ;_;

 

[Gobstopper]

I just opened my case and the videocard didn't really feel that hot. I felt the xigmatek fins and they were pretty cool, so I'm confused as to how the core temps are so high when the heatsink feels pretty cool.

 

[w@termelon]

it might mean you dont have good contact wiht the heatsink. bad contact = no heat being transferred to heatsink = hotter cpu.

i would re-seat the xigmatek agian following artic silver 5 instructions then check back with new temps

 

[Gobstopper]

Yeah, I was hoping it wasn't that, but I did have trouble screwing the heatsink onto the bracket. I'll re-seat this weekend and test it out.