Nexus NHP-2200

[AnarkistUK]

Hi, I have the MSI K9N SLI V2 motherboard, which came as a Novatech bare bones bundle :

http://global.msi.com.tw/uploads/prod_83ded75b970096a069b983aab6d7f0ee.jpg

Unfortunately the chipset is prone to "cooking" when under even a fairly heavy load and even causing the system to shut down. I think this is mainly due to the stock C/set heatsink being ( insert word of choice to depict a really dire thingy ). Any suggestions as to a "cheapish" replacement ? I notice Novatech carry the Nexus NHP-2200 SIlent Northbridge Cooler :

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?NEX-NHP220

Would this be a step in the right direction ? and would it fit ?

[AnarkistUK]

Ok to answer my own question, lol, After deciding to try one out the Universal mounting, fits all major chipsets, except mine. Although having access to my own workshop allowed me to fashion two new securing plates of an appropriate length to accommodate the Ch/set HS mounting holes on the MB.

Whilst the Nexus NHP-2200 did reduce idle temps from 39 to ~33/34 it did not solve the sky high and then some temps under heavy load. Having looked through previous threads it seems this CS/MB is prone to high temp problems


This leaves me the only viable option which is to replace the motherboard. So I would like some suggestions for a replacement around the £40-50 mark, which would be a straight swap keeping the hardware I already have.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5200+

2x 1GB DDR2 - 667 CL5 (PC2 - 5300U -555) Memory

Palit Geforce 9600 GT 512mb

1 x SATA DVD/CD RW

1 X IDE HDD

Std Novatech Midi ATX Tower ( I think )


Not much I admit but then its all I have ever needed, and only gives me 32.5 fps on X3 - Terran Conflict benchmark.

I am hoping for some suggestions, although my current MB is SLi I really dont need the new one to be.

[system7]

Crashes could be power supply, you know.

Have you checked temps idle and load with this?
http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

A casefan might help too.

Don't worry about Terran Conflict benchies too much. The new Devilmaycry benchie is much more GPU dependant. AMD 5200+ is OK.

[AnarkistUK]

Crashes could be power supply, you know.

Have you checked temps idle and load with this?
http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

A casefan might help too.

Don't worry about Terran Conflict benchies too much. The new Devilmaycry benchie is much more GPU dependant. AMD 5200+ is OK.


Hi, have tried a host of temp monitors and all report the same (HW monitor, everest ect.)

Case cooling is taken care of by a TT iCage at the front 120mm and an 80mm lower front, side 120 mm VR and rear 92mm VR.

The PSU is a Thermaltake 550w 140mm fan which is new but this problem existed before the change, as the change was meant to see if it was a PSU issue.

[system7]

The classic cooling arrangement is fans in at the front and fans out at the top rear of course. We've had a few issues with AMD top-down CPU coolers going above 65C. Probably work best with a CPU tunnel to draw some air in.

Not saying it's not a bad motherboard, of course, but cooling is usually controllable.

[AnarkistUK]

The classic cooling arrangement is fans in at the front and fans out at the top rear of course. We've had a few issues with AMD top-down CPU coolers going above 65C. Probably work best with a CPU tunnel to draw some air in.

Not saying it's not a bad motherboard, of course, but cooling is usually controllable.

Well its not an issue with the CPU cooling, its the chipset temps. I have tried all combinations of 80,92,120mm fans front rear, front rear and side ect. to no availe. the 120 and 92's are VR and have been tried at all settings. The CPU has a tunnel to the side panel.

Any suggestions on a replacement MB ?

[system7]

Just covering the bases before laying out cash, bud. :D

Last resort is to bump up the memory voltage to 1.9, 2.0 V of course.

I would think an AMD 690/770/780 chipset indicated here. Only thing to check is power rating on the motherboard for your CPU. Some of the cheapies are only 65W.

Google up the motherboard and job done, I would think. I know the Gigabyte 780G is fine on CPU support, but not sure about cheaper ones.

[AnarkistUK]

Just covering the bases before laying out cash, bud. :D

Last resort is to bump up the memory voltage to 1.9, 2.0 V of course.


No probs :D , but how does, and excuse my ignorance here, bumping up the memory voltage effect chipset temps on TMPIN0 ?


I would think an AMD 690/770/780 chipset indicated here. Only thing to check is power rating on the motherboard for your CPU. Some of the cheapies are only 65W.

Google up the motherboard and job done, I would think. I know the Gigabyte 780G is fine on CPU support, but not sure about cheaper ones.

I just want a new motherboard lol am fed up with this one have spent 8 months trying to get it to behave .. just want a new one for about £40-50.

[system7]

Memory voltage increase improves stability generally. You can never be sure quite what the problem is sometimes. :D

This £33 Foxconn A6VMX looks OK on CPU:
http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/Motherboards/detail_spec.aspx?ID=en-us0000346
Compatibility tab gives you the details.

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?FOX-A6VMX

Never used it though.

BTW, PC Wizard is better for labelling temperatures. TMPIN0 is CPU and TMPIN1 is motherboard according to my own bios hardware monitoring. TMPIN2 is probably power supply.

[AnarkistUK]

BTW, PC Wizard is better for labelling temperatures. TMPIN0 is CPU and TMPIN1 is motherboard according to my own bios hardware monitoring. TMPIN2 is probably power supply.


Well this throws up a new dilemma, I was told by a colleague that TMPIN0 was the chipset temp. I was at the time under the impression that NB's had no sensor, but as I was not as knowledgeable as my colleague I bowed to his knowledge. On your suggestion I have tried PC wizard 2008, but it only gives temps for the two cores the GPU and HDD, it makes no mention of TMPIN0. but it is that temp in HW monitor et al. shoots up under heavy load and is the marker that shuts the system down.

So my question now, after months of working under what now seems to have been wrong info, what is TMPIN0 ? and why is it going through the roof ? maybe a new MB is not whats needed after all.

[system7]

It's fairly easy to figure out which is which. You have bios monitoring of temps and possibly a manufacturer supplied motherboard utility.

Run CPUID Hardware Monitor at idle, then nip into the bios and see which reading is which.

My CPU idles at 20C cpu sensor and 33C on motherboard sensor. If I slow down the fan in bios, the CPU goes up to 27C as expected. I always assume the motherboard sensor is under the NB, but that's a guess. Regardless, I get a good correlation between HardwareMonitor Utility and bios readings.

AMD CPU is a bit iffy on direct core temps isn't it? Most folks trust direct CPU core temps more with Intel. The bios sensor for CPU is under the CPU so lags a bit. But that is the one that shuts the system down when it gets hot.

[system7]

Bud, I've got to split now.

But if it's the cpu cooler, you need to monitor fan speeds and temps. SuperPi is a nice utility for a quick 30 second single core stress. It's all a bit interrelated because running my fans quiet does of course raise temps.

Suspect loose cooler, lack of thermal paste or just underrated cooler altogether.

[AnarkistUK]

Bud, I've got to split now.

But if it's the cpu cooler, you need to monitor fan speeds and temps. SuperPi is a nice utility for a quick 30 second single core stress. It's all a bit interrelated because running my fans quiet does of course raise temps.

Suspect loose cooler, lack of thermal paste or just underrated cooler altogether.


I definitely think you may be right, letting the system idle HW mon. reports:

TMPIN0 = 38
TMPIN1 = 34

Core#0 = 18
Core#1 = 18

resetting to get to the bios:

CPU = 48
System = 34

staying in Bios for a few mins the CPU temp climbs at 59 I booted back in Windows:

TMPIN0 = 58
TMPIN1 = 34

Core#0 = 24
Core#1 = 25

After 5 mins HW mon. reports:

TMPIN0 = 39
TMPIN1 = 34

Core#0 = 20
Core#1 = 20

The AMD x2 has the stock cooler on from novatech that came with the bare bones.

[system7]

Bit strange that CPU temp rises when you are sat in the bios...fans usually run at full tilt at that point.

Most folks try running PC with side off and a domestic fan blowing over the motherboard at this point.

You said you have a CPU tunnel, or is that a vent?

A cpu tunnel is adjustable and the end should sit about 1 cm above the CPU fan. A lot of people put an extract fan on the vent over the CPU, but that is wrong. The CPU cooler blows down and relies on an overall suction in the case to work best.

You can usually guage if the rear case fan is working well if the air coming out is cool.

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6296/jeantechmicrotitanho8.jpg

Waffling a bit here. If you've got some heatsink paste spare, I'd redo the CPU.

[AnarkistUK]

Bit strange that CPU temp rises when you are sat in the bios...fans usually run at full tilt at that point.

Most folks try running PC with side off and a domestic fan blowing over the motherboard at this point.

You said you have a CPU tunnel, or is that a vent?

A cpu tunnel is adjustable and the end should sit about 1 cm above the CPU fan. A lot of people put an extract fan on the vent over the CPU, but that is wrong. The CPU cooler blows down and relies on an overall suction in the case to work best.

Its a tunnel and set as you say.


You can usually guage if the rear case fan is working well if the air coming out is cool.


The airs cool .. *ish its adjustable 1300-4000 ..




Waffling a bit here. If you've got some heatsink paste spare, I'd redo the CPU.


Well I dont have any TIM so I'd better order some up, but if I am going to that trouble maybe I should upgrade the HSF ?

what about one of these ?
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?AC-FREEZ64

[system7]

That AC64 will cool a lot better CPU than a 5000+ by the look of it.

Seems like a plan, it's quite big of course and comes with TIM paste I'm told. :D

TIM is avavilable all over the place. Maplin sell it for a couple of pounds for 3 sachets.

You did use some on your NB cooler, of course? ;-)

[Baggpuss]

That cooler should do the job. As system said it comes with a fair amount of thermal paste on so dont worry about that (tho its always worth getting some just incase you need it later). Also youve got the advantage that amd heatsinks are esay to put back on so it shouldnt be a hard process.

[AnarkistUK]

You did use some on your NB cooler, of course? ;-)


Yep, it came with a little tube of Nexus .. what ever, I expect there is a fair bit left would that suit to try on the CPU's HSF ?

[AnarkistUK]

That cooler should do the job. As system said it comes with a fair amount of thermal paste on so dont worry about that (tho its always worth getting some just incase you need it later). Also youve got the advantage that amd heatsinks are esay to put back on so it shouldnt be a hard process.


Thanks, was wondering after I asked about the cooler when I saw it said up to 5000+ but its seems to be man enough and not too expensive

[system7]

Give it a go. Just wipe the old stuff off with a tissue. Maybe clean it with some aftershave.

You only need like a grain of uncooked rice size. I usually smear it around with a piece of card or my finger. Nothing high-tech!

[AnarkistUK]

Give it a go. Just wipe the old stuff off with a tissue. Maybe clean it with some aftershave.

You only need like a grain of uncooked rice size. I usually smear it around with a piece of card or my finger. Nothing high-tech!


Well I used Arctic clean, and tried the Nexus TIM that came with the NBC, although I probably could have done a better job at a more reasonable hour of the day and not 1 a.m. the overal effect of this was a marked improvement in TMPIN0 temps. lower idle and lower ( less 10c ) but still high with heavy loads. So it seems this is the area that needs addressing ( thanks for your help in isolating it )

TMPIN0 = 32
TMPIN1 = 33

Core#0 = 13
Core#1 = 14

resetting to get to the bios:

CPU = 40
System = 34

staying in Bios forthe CPU temp still climbs but much slower and after 5 mins+ it was up to only about 47.

I think the way forward now is some decent TIM and a new cooler to replace the stock AMD HSF, am just trying now to find out if my case would be big enough to accomodate the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro, the only real difference I can see between my AMD X2 5200+ and the 5000+ is cache size.

[system7]

I wonder if the CPU cooler is three or four pin?

If it's 4 pin, then smart fan in the bios should give you a little control. You can set a target temperature at which point it goes full-tilt, and a minimum speed for normal operation. Of course if this speed is set too low, it's going to rapidly climb to the target temperature. Not sure if a 3-pin fan would give issues here.

I wouldn't think you'll have any issues with the aftermarket AC64 cooler, but this newly stocked compact 4-pin Akasa AK-876 at £16 would be fun to try. Only issue with it is the clips are fixed, but your motherboard will align it with the rear vent which is optimal.
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?AKA-876

[AnarkistUK]

I wonder if the CPU cooler is three or four pin?

If it's 4 pin, then smart fan in the bios should give you a little control. You can set a target temperature at which point it goes full-tilt, and a minimum speed for normal operation. Of course if this speed is set too low, it's going to rapidly climb to the target temperature. Not sure if a 3-pin fan would give issues here.

I think its 4 pin but can be used as 3 or 4.


I wouldn't think you'll have any issues with the aftermarket AC64 cooler, but this newly stocked compact 4-pin Akasa AK-876 at £16 would be fun to try. Only issue with it is the clips are fixed, but your motherboard will align it with the rear vent which is optimal.
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?AKA-876

I did look at those but was unsure, need to find them online and get a better idea about spec.

I was trying to find what speed the stock cooler fans are supposed to run at, but was unable to track down a figure, hard to tell if its ok or not without a ref. speed. It just says Foxconn on the top with no real ID# but HW monitor says its running at between 2670 and 2750 rpm .. up and down.

[system7]

2,700 rpm is on the high end of what 80mm fans run at, so that sounds reasonable. Smart Fan should tame that in normal use.

The AC64 and AK-876 are both highly regarded coolers. I'm not sure why Nova only rate the Arctic Cooling at AMD X2 5000+. It must be better than that.

A lot of coolers are good at full-tilt. What you hope is they are also good in quiet mode.

Frostytech is a good site for this sort of stuff, here's what they say about the Akasa:
http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2138

[AnarkistUK]

2,700 rpm is on the high end of what 80mm fans run at, so that sounds reasonable. Smart Fan should tame that in normal use.

I had a feeling that would be the case given the specs on other 80mm case fans I have but then its not always so lol


The AC64 and AK-876 are both highly regarded coolers. I'm not sure why Nova only rate the Arctic Cooling at AMD X2 5000+. It must be better than that.

After searching the AC64 there are different ratings from site to site, but I get the impression it would be fine if not better.


A lot of coolers are good at full-tilt. What you hope is they are also good in quiet mode.

Well I have played around with my fan arrangements for the last 4 hours and am now down to just 3: lower front 80mm, front icage 120mm and a rear exhaust 92mm ( not counting the 140mm in the PSU ) this has dropped the DB level so I dont think running the CPU at full tilt will make much difference from the spec. I dont use smart fan in the Bios. Which along with the re-seating of the HSF has made dramatic improvements but, I still want them lower than they are under load, and for when room temperature maybe higher than it is this time of year.



Frostytech is a good site for this sort of stuff, here's what they say about the Akasa:
http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2138

Very good site have saved it for future reference. According to it, the AC64 is physically smaller than the AK-876. I have emailed Novatech to ask them if the size of the AC64 would prevent its use in their supplied case . Have tried to measure but its a little hit and miss. If they say it will then I will order one immediately.