3930K giving extremely uneven temps across its cores - insights???

[ZeroChill]

I seem to be getting some wildly different temperatures across the six cores of a 3930K when fully loaded at 4.6 GHz. I have used different TIMS and different cpu coolers, and still get the same kind of results. Here is a sample:

Core Temp results:
c0 = 81c
c1 = 79c
c2 = 72c
c3 = 74c
c4 = 78c
c5 = 82c

Notice that cores 2 and 3 are *much* cooler than the others; a delta of ~10c. My most recent re-TIMing / re-mounting was flawless. Subsequent inspection showed an even spread across the entire processor, with evidence of slightly less TIM centrally indicating tightest clamping there. The cooler was tightened down as tight as it would go. But still uneven temps.

Never encountered this kind of problem with my x58 build across multiple cpu cooler / TIM tests over the past three years. What I see when inspecting the TIM after dismounting would yield excellent results for my i7 920 system.

Any insights or suggestions? Anyone else experience this when overclocking an x79 build???

[Cyberburnout]

Looks normal to me. Every multi core cpu I have had displayed temps like this. Look at Stans AIO roundup thread. Look at the core temps they are showing.
X79 & Z77 builds for Pure OC's AIO Cooler Round Up

In one of the pics Core 0 is 11c higher then core 3. I think you are fine and your wasting time. If you average the temps across all cores you should end up with a estimated CPU temp which people were used to. Cores will vary.

[TeeBlack]

Seems to be normal with Intel cpu's

[Doctor_Death]

Your temps are normal for a 3930K at full load being cooled by air. I just finished testing 11 AIO coolers with a 3930K at 4.5GHz with a 1.45v core.
If you want lower temps switch to a AIO cooler, or custom water.

[ZeroChill]

Your temps are normal for a 3930K at full load being cooled by air. I just finished testing 11 AIO coolers with a 3930K at 4.5GHz with a 1.45v core.
If you want lower temps switch to a AIO cooler, or custom water.

Yes, that is what I have finally had to realize after much testing, although high temps was not my main concern ... it was the 10c-12c delta across cores that had me worried; as in one core being 71c while another at that exact same moment being 81c. My i7 920 exhibited no more than 3c difference - hence my fear that something was wrong.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Appreciated.

As for this particular X79 build, it looks like air cooling will work fine for "normal" use for me (high end gaming) at 4.6 GHz, but nothing above 4.4 GHz can be adequately verified for stability with my air cooler(s) and intended fans because the temps are way too high (+87c). What I do now is slap on a ridiculously high dBA/CFM Delta fan - put on serious ear protection - and then run LinX/Prime 95 that way. Keeps temperatures down enough to get the job done; will later swap back to a push/push pair of daily-use fans.

[ZeroChill]

Here are the two fans that I picked up this week for specialized testing. I use just one at a time to force enough air through a cooler to lower temps into the 70s. Have only needed the first of the two so far. Note that they really do require headphone-style ear protection to avoid notable pain and even potential hearing loss; simple ear plugs are not that effective.

Delta AFC1212D-PWM 120mm Case cooler with TAC sensor
• 120mm
• 3400 RPM
• 113.11 CFM
• 46.5 dBA

Delta FFB1212EH-PWM 120mm Case cooler
• 120mm
• 4000 RPM
• 150.33 CFM
• 56.4 dBA

Good ear protectors can be picked up for as little as $20, for example what I got: 3M Peltor Ultimate 10 Hearing Protector.

[Cyberburnout]

Good lord. 4000rpms? There is no way I could use those fans. It would drive my family nuts. What are you trying to test and figure out using those fans?

[ZeroChill]

Heh, more likely to drive them deaf and nuts.

Another way to look at it is that it's all Doctor_Death's fault ... him being such a slacker at getting out that AIO roundup so I can pick one! [I'm kidding of course, a lot of testing to be done there and then the actual writeup, looking forward to reading the final article].

Just doing simple straightforward overclock stress testing to achieve a stable 4.6 GHz under maximum load. Running LinX and Prime 95. 4.4GHz proved to be doable; no problems there. But 4.6 GHz runs too hot, to the point where I'll surely hit +90c without extreme air cooling. Hence the outrageous fans. Yes, what I should really do is stop this silliness and let it go until I put in water cooling ... but I love to tinker and also don't want to wait that long.

[realneil]

I can't put up with fans that are that loud.

[Doctor_Death]

Where are you located ?

[ZeroChill]

Massachusetts, greater Boston area. So the winter weather is helping my ambients.

[WERA689]

No kiddin!? I was born in Newton, about 100 years ago. I'll stick with Georgia now tho.