Hardware Default VCore of Intel Core i3 540?

[Fishaman P]

I'm going to make this short.

My computer started having the power problems mentioned in another one of my questions again. I went into Memtest86, and I thought I noticed 1 of the memory speeds missing from the corner. It was the RAM speed, but it detected both of the RAM sticks fine.

Anyway, I went into the HW monitor in by BIOS, and I checked the voltages: everything was good and normal, except my Core i3 540 (stock everything) had a VCore of 1.0V, less if the computer had recently shut down. I'm pretty sure it was at something like 1.2V when it was working fine. I know the voltage range of the processor is 0.65V-1.4V, but that's with under/overclocking.

Can someone tell me if that's normal, and if it's not, how I'd fix it?
I already re-seated the CPU power plug several times, re-arranged the SATA power cords, etc. The HW monitor screen where I'd read the voltages just let me look, not change.

If it helps, I have an MSI H55M-E33 mobo and the PSU linked below.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4465483

 

[Ritsuki]

The stock vCore is 1.3V. Could you please post your complete build (CPU, GPU, fans in the case, number and type of drives including hard drives, number of RAM sticks, PCI cards) ?

 

[Fishaman P]

Link to other question below, including all applicable hardware and power problem.

Also, last night I discovered the issue, but not what's wrong or how to fix it.
When computer is lying down, it works fine (but some ventilation is blocked, and that's BAD). BIOS HW monitor says CPU Vcore is 1.2V.
When computer is standing up, that's when it shuts down. BIOS HW monitor shows Vcore dropping rapidly.

Interestingly enough, if the computer is at ANY angle, whether it's 30` or 80`, it gets 1.2V to the processor.
I can't find anything in the BIOS to change voltage. Some of the experts in my area suggested a short somewhere. Where would it be, processor, mobo, or PSU?

EDIT: Also should mention my Core i3 gets kinda hot with stock cooling, no overclock or anything. It used to range from 65`C to 105`C, but moving computer made 10` difference. Should I have thermal paste on the processor/fan? Should I get an aftermarket cooler?

 

[shadowkillerdrag]

err i think the temps might be the bigger problem
65 -105 thats is insane -_-. Even with overclocking i doubt anyone would run a system beyond 6x levels on full load.
There is a big problem, did u apply thermal paste? cuz that is also a big factor otherwise just take the cpu fan off and apply thermal paste. You shoudl be able to get the cpu working at good tempuratures without need of an aftermarket cooler since you are no t overclocking.

I guess It gets shut off to protect the cpu cuz those temps are unbelievable.

Check to see if there is good airflow in your case and make sure all the connectors are in correctly.

 

[Fishaman P]

I didn't use thermal paste. Is there any specific kind or brand that's the best?

I solved some of the heat problem. Computer's location was blocking the case's main ventilation, now it's out in the open.

If my problems are caused by a short, how could it have happened? Where would it be? Do most manufacturers RMA shorted components? Why would it only short if standing straight up?

 

[MadClaw]

duude you're not using paste? omfg, buy this and spread it on it, dont just put a blob like other people say, SPREAD IT.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103059

 

[Fishaman P]

Spread it where?

 

[MadClaw]

on the cpu, under the heatsink, dont use too much, like a pea sized drop

 

[Fishaman P]

So...

1) Take off fan
2) Get thermal paste ready
3) Put pea-sized drop on top of CPU
4) Use spreader or finger to get it all over
5) Replace fan

?

 

[Joe88]

@MadClaw

it depends, the pressure from the heatsink should spread it out evenly, some people argue spreading it yourself leaves air pockets in the paste

for my core 2 duo, I just put a vertical line down the middle on top of the cpu and let pressure do the rest

picture:
http://www.circuitremix.com/images/124/apply_2.jpg

instructions from arctic silvers site about the line method:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/vl/intel_app_method_vertical_line_v1.1.pdf

applies to:
2nd Generation Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and i7 Extreme with Metal Cap
Previous Generation Intel Core i3, i5, i7, vPro and Extreme with Metal Cap
Previous Generation Intel Core 2 Duo with Metal Cap
Celeron Dual Core with Metal Cap
Xeon Series: 5500, 5200, 5100, 5000, 3500 and 3000 with Metal Cap

 

[shadowkillerdrag]

yea ok so overall thats the main problem,
buy some arctic silver or something, shouldnt really be a problem wat u use so just put a big on the cpu, and put the fan back on and you shouldnt have any problems.

Most likely the computer crashed in order to save your cpu from roasting under its own heat

 

[Fishaman P]

Actually, heat didn't matter in the crashes, it's just computer orientation. Although I DID notice the i3 lowering the clock speed when it got above 100`C...

Anyway, I must sound dumb for saying this, but what's a heatsink? Is that another word for the fan? Do all processors have them?

 

[shadowkillerdrag]

heat sink more or less its the metal thing that contacts the cpu,

its the metal part on the bottom on ur stock fan, one just adds fans to help cool the metal which in turn aleviates heat from the cpu.

 

[Fishaman P]

OK... 24-hour confirmation notice.

Get paste, usually doesn't matter too much.
Take fan off.
Squirt/whatever in a line down center of metal plate on CPU.
Replace fan STRAIGHT DOWN.
Enjoy cool temps!

...Right?

 

[shadowkillerdrag]

yup should go like that

 

[Fishaman P]

Okay, that wraps up the discussion on my temps.

Now back to the weird orientation voltage problems.

...Anyone? ANYONE?!?