XPS 8100 CPU high temp issue

Question

Hi guysI have had this PC for a couple of months now and it has mostly been fine. However there is one thing that is worrying me and that is the seemingly high temps that my i7 860 runs at when it is pushed above 20%.When I first boot the PC up the idle temps are around 40C but if I play an intensive game they rise to just over 90C which I am worried could be damaging the CPU and can sometimes cause crashes.I am thinking about buying a new heatsink and fan and was hoping someone could point me in the direction of one that does not need me to take the motherboard out.Any advice would be greatly received.

Justin0071 · Answer

Thanks for the quick reply.

I case is in the open and slightly elevated so I don't think that is the problem. I may either try are reseat the current heatsink or just call Dell support because from what I have read 90C is silly high even when gaming.

Thanks again.

fireberd · Answer

You have to be careful with using a non-Dell cooling fan. Dell uses proprietary fans on most of their PC's and if you use a non-Dell on those systems you will always get a "fan failure" notice at bootup and have to press F1 to continue with the boot up.

Gaming is very CPU intensive and depending on the games can cause over heating of the CPU, Video and even the case. However, look at the environment around the PC Tower, make sure it has adequate cool air flow around the tower - and a PC desk compartment usually is a poor location as many do not allow for adequate air flow.

Aside for the tower location, as mentioned, you may want to consider an addtional case fan if you can find a place to mount it. Typical "gaming PC cases" usually contain a lot of case fans. I just replaced the case for my home built system with an Antec Ninehundred "gaming" case because of airflow and heat related problems to the motherboard. This case has two fans on the front, one on the rear and a large fan on the top. I don't recommened this for a Dell as (1) it is a bottom mount power supply and the stock Dell power supply leads may not reach and (2) Many Dell's have custom front panel connections and it can be a hassle with a standard ATX case.

z06psi · Answer

O.k.,

I used the Zalman 9700 heatsink and fan with no problems on my Dell configuration. However there is no reason for your 860 to run that hot at 20%. If you were running Prime95 then I would understand. Call Dell and make them address the problem unless you feel comfortable modifying your system or even fixing it yourself. I have completely modified mine and love what I have now but understand I have zero warranty.

Jeff Hoffman · Answer

Hello All - As you may or may not know by know Iam a super newbe. So I tend to ask silly questions. Silly question of the day: How on earth do you know the temp of your CPU or inside the case for that matter? Is there something I should buy to help protect my month old XPS 8100?

Thank You!

Jeff

z06psi · Answer

HWMonitor or Speedfan (google search)  will get you what you want.

Justin0071 · Answer

I use RealTemp as SpeedFan had a bug that makes one of the temps 100C plus on the 8100 last time I used it. Having said that they may have fixed the issue now.

trimmanfl · Answer

I have have owned many Dells over the years . 4400,8400,GX620 more than I can remember.I use a Raytek Raynger MX  laser to check temps on anything .Every Dell I have worked on run hot ! Some like the 8400 will cook the board in time.I buy all sizes of add on fans to keep my own Dells cool. IOne main problem is the chip sets . Watched them near 147F before. These are not over clocked computers..

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XPS 8100 CPU high temp issue

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