Aspire power supply, cooling probs, temp sensor

SD_Ryoko

SD_Ryoko

New Member
Perfect forum for my questions.

I just upgraded to a new computer, and I had the parts assembled and shipped here.

I am intermediate at system building. The computer has some problems.

Aspire X-Q Pack case
Asus P5LD2-VM
Intel Pentium 'D' 2.8ghz
Zalman CNPS7700-CU Copper cooling fan
1024mb PC4200 DDR2 RAM
Chaintech GeForce 6600/256 ddr2

I first investigate when my computer instantly cold boot itself to the bios while playing Warcraft. Warcraft is nothing new, and certainly not a high performance game like the newer games available. THEN I found a lot of bad reviews about the Aspire's power supply and how most of them are bad.

My motherboard (and PSU) has both the ATX12 and ATX24 (?) power connectors.

Both are ....plugged in. Is this bad?

Also, when the hard drive is working heavily, the blue LED fan on the power supply dims and flickers.

I am not sure if the power supply is bad or not - I don't know enough about them.

Some people said a standard ATX PSU won't fit in the aspire case.

Another person recommended a COOLER MASTER Real Power RS-450-ACLY, and said it fits perfectly. But thats about 75$ and a bit much cash for me really. I like the blue LED that has as well, but still. I'd more prefere something 30-40$.

Secondly, the case is running HOTT. The cpu is running at about 52°C, and people are telling me it should run 30-40°C even under heavy use.

The copper cooling fan should be more than sufficient, and the speed is maxed. When its NOT sitting flat on the chip, it overheats so thats not the problem either. It seems like the PSU is blowing DOWNWARD (?) into the case - thats not good is it? The air comming out of my case fan is pretty hott too.

Lastly, the case comes with a CPU temperature sensor. When in place, this prevents the flat Pentium D and the Zalman from touching, and it overheats. Where should I place it? Has anyone else ran into that problem?

LASTLY II (oops) My old computer doesn't power up. I (think) its the power supply. But when everything is plugged in, the green light on the motherboard is lit up. But nothing happens when you press the power button. Nothing at all. Quiet, dead.

PANT, phew - Thanks!
 
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Okay, quick note before you fry your CPU - don't run the computer without the heat sink firmly in place, and make sure theres is nothing between the CPU and the heatsink including a temp probe (besides, of couse, some thermal paste). As for the normal temps being high, did you apply any thermal paste?

Edit:
Okay, now for your other questions. Any ATX psu should work in your case. For list of recommended PSUs in various price ranges see the PSU 101

You can place the CPU temperature sensor on the bottom of the heat sink in a place that is not in contact with the CPU. Really, this isn't very important since the CPU has a thermal diode built into it and there are several programs that can output the core temp.

It seems like the PSU is blowing DOWNWARD (?) into the case - thats not good is it?
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Probably not the best design, but I probably wouldn't mess with the PSU to change it around.
The air comming out of my case fan is pretty hott too.
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It should at least be warm. Check your case temps to make sure you're not feeding the HSF warm air.
 
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The sensor is loose, near the cpu, but not underneath.
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Okay, I was just wondering when you said:
When its NOT sitting flat on the chip, it overheats
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When in place, this prevents the flat Pentium D and the Zalman from touching, and it overheats
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Anyway, too much paste will also have a negative affect. You only need enough to lightly coat the CPU heat spreader - it's purpose is to fill in the small gaps in the metal that would otherwise be filled with air.
 
Thats what supplier said; he said the bios would shut it down if the sensor was there.

I don't know enough about PSUs yet to determine if its bad; I'll read the sticky again. But dimming LED doesn't look good; or the cold boot.

I just hate to waste money if it wasn't the problem; or not have it fit into that micro-atx cube.

I could push the sensor into the copper blades on the Zalman; at the bottom they meet and come together solid.

ATX12 is a four-pin supplemental power
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So should I just be using that one; or the ATX24, or both? :(
 
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Thats what supplier said; he said the bios would shut it down if the sensor was there
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Not sure which sensor you're talking about there. The thermal diode that is integrated into the CPU has the primary function of shutting the comp off when it gets too hot. The sensor you want to put on the HSF is purely for your own knowledge.

But dimming LED doesn't look good; or the cold boot.
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No it doesn't. Try watching your voltage rails with something like Speedfan or the Asus utility (Asus Probe or whatever it's called).

I could push the sensor into the copper blades on the Zalman;
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That would work

So should I just be using that one; or the ATX24, or both?
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You need both. Basically connect everything you can to your motherboard :)
 
Okay! I will do some monitoring before I make the call on its replacement.

On another note; the X-Q Pack is a cool product. Everything else is satisfactory.

And I'm really happy how the Pentium D is handling my heavy multitasking.
 
Only thing I can see is Asus probe reporting +12v droppages to about 10.7 volts

I got more RPM out of the CPU cooling fan by skipping the adjustable speed module, and plugging it directly in. Also, it run a lot cooler with the case cover off, so it might need more air.
 
The aspire PSU's are usually crap; get a new PSU and run your CNPS7700 at full RPM. How'd you ever get a CNPS7700 to fit into that small of a case?
 
Heat definetly a problem. PSU has a lot to do with it; the fan on it sucks.

With the cover on it, the PSU getting really hott, and heating the inside of the case.

I can't even feel air comming out of the back of the PSU; the fan is on the bottom blowing into it, but its hardly anything at all

With no cover, CPU running about 35°C idle, 45°C under load.

I am still jealous of those who claim 30° & 40° who have smaller less complicated fans.

Fit in the case? FIT is not the issue. Getting it INSIDE is the issue.

Can't put it on while the mobo is inside; can't slide it in when its mounted first.

Had to flex the fins back a little on one side as I slowly slid the mobo tray in.

:D

I looked at the reccomended PSU's in 101, but some of those are very long because of where the fan is placed, and that won't fit in this lil Aspire :(
 
PDF Manual says:

24-pin EATX power connector
4-pin ATX 12 V power connector

Okay, I guess I pick out wrong PSU links.

Learning here... k? :D

[edit]

I bought a Cooler Master Real Power RS-450-ACLX. $58.

I analyzed the pictures thoroughly, and compared the pin-up colors on the harness.....just to be sure.

And some 80mm fans to get more air INTO the little box

Poor lil' box in a big big world... sniff.
 
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