Is my computer (specs includ.) working harder than it needs to, causing it to run hot?

Question

My computer has been running pretty hot for the past few weeks, and I'm trying to lower it as much as possible. I put in another fan in the front of the box, but no luck.

I'm wondering about the 'load'. When I'm playing a fairly non-intensive graphics game like NBA 2k11, the 'load' will get over 90% for most of the game. The temps will get up to 85'ish, before the fan kicks into high and lowers it to 78'ish. I've checked for new drivers for my graphics card (9800GT), etc. and all are up to date. Any ideas? I'll check back often and add to this question if you need additional info.



SYSTEM
======

Host name: CHAD-PC
IP-address: 192.168.1.2
User name: Chad-PC\Chad
Description:
Operating system: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (version 6.1.7601; build 7601)
Name: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
Version: 6.1.7601
Build: 7601
Install date: 1/13/2011 11:08:15 AM
Service pack: Service Pack 1, v.721
Windows product ID:
Windows product key:
Internet Explorer version: 8.0.7601.17105
Model: Studio 540
System type: x64-based PC
BIOS: Dell Inc. (version: 1.0.9; date: 12/25/2008)
Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
Version: 1.0.9
Date: 12/25/2008
Serial number:
Motherboard: Dell Inc. (0M017G; version: A00)
Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
Product: 0M017G
Version: A00
Chassis: Desktop
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (architecture: x64; 2403 MHz)
Name: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz
Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
Max clock speed: 2403 MHz
Architecture: x64
Level 2 cache size: 8192 KB
Socket type: CPU 1
Version: Model 15, Stepping 11
Physical memory: 8.0 GB
Memory slot: 2.0 GB (form factor: DIMM; memory type: DDR-2)
Capacity: 2.0 GB
Device locator: DIMM1
Bank label:
Form factor: DIMM
Memory type: DDR-2
Manufacturer: 7F7F7F0B00000000
Speed: 800 ns
Max capacity: 16.0 GB
Memory slot: 2.0 GB (form factor: DIMM; memory type: DDR-2)
Capacity: 2.0 GB
Device locator: DIMM3
Bank label:
Form factor: DIMM
Memory type: DDR-2
Manufacturer: 7F7F7F0B00000000
Speed: 800 ns
Max capacity: 16.0 GB
Memory slot: 2.0 GB (form factor: DIMM; memory type: DDR-2)
Capacity: 2.0 GB
Device locator: DIMM2
Bank label:
Form factor: DIMM
Memory type: DDR-2
Manufacturer: 7F7F7F0B00000000
Speed: 800 ns
Max capacity: 16.0 GB
Memory slot: 2.0 GB (form factor: DIMM; memory type: DDR-2)
Capacity: 2.0 GB
Device locator: DIMM4
Bank label:
Form factor: DIMM
Memory type: DDR-2
Manufacturer: 7F7F7F0B00000000
Speed: 800 ns
Max capacity: 16.0 GB
Disk: SAMSUNG HD642JJ ATA Device (596.2 GB)
Caption: SAMSUNG HD642JJ ATA Device
Size: 596.2 GB
Manufacturer: (Standard disk drives)
Interface type: IDE
Media type: Fixed hard disk media
Bytes per sector: 512
Heads: 255
Cylinders: 77825
Sectors: 1250258625
Tracks: 19845375

Answer 1

There have been issues in the past with Dell BIOS and the cpu cooling fan. Check the Dell site to see if you have the latest BIOS. Is the inside of your computer nice and clean? A lot of dust will cause it to run warmer. The cpu will get hotter if you are running it hard but it should be designed to run like that. Try running it with the side off, so it can get more air.



If I were you, I'd also look at Dell user forums to see what advice is there.



If you decide to vacuum it out, make sure you have a plastic nozzle to reduce the risk of static.

Answer 2

Update the BIOS as the first poster said. CPU cooler, if the stock cooler is still present, replace it with a copper tube type such as the Rosewill RCX-ZAIO-92. These work well on a core 2 quad processor. Very inexpensive. It is suggested that you clean up inside the case. Hope it helps.

Answer 3

hoover it all out as dust stops heatsinks working properly i.e your stuff get shot.



if your processor is getting to 85 this is a big issue hoover out apply new thermal paste maybe even get a new cooler.



if its your graphics card then stop worrying nvidea 9800s can get to just below 110 degrees Celsius before hardware damage occurs

Answer 4

Why don't you bring up task manager & see which app is using the most cpu usage. For instance at this moment, the most usage is coming from Google chrome on my machine.

Answer 5

vacuum out the dust, remove heat sink and blow dust out. wipe the dust off the fan blades.